When it comes to working with your darling and precious newborn babies (I’ve worked with hundreds of them!), I have learned a few things along the way about them along my journey. It’s true, they do not come with a handbook, nor are they completely predictable. In fact, the opposite is true. We must meet them with an open heart and an open mind and that’s exactly what I do when I meet every baby for the first time.

These are just some gentle tricks and and tips that I personally use, to get my job done in my studio newborn sessions, which can carry into helping mom and dad at home. After all, many parents do say they would love to learn some of my soothing tricks, and they also call me a “baby whisperer. ” Disclaimer: I am not a pediatrician nor a medical professional, and strongly recommend to consult your pediatrician or doctor if you have questions about these soothing methods.

Tip #1 Swaddle your baby. Are they trying to constantly break loose from your swaddling attempts? When done correctly, and snug enough newborn babies find this so familiar and comfortable, considering this is how it felt to them to be in mommy’s womb. I’d recommend to take a few extra minutes every day practicing on a stuffed animal, or watching some youtube videos on how to swaddle a baby so that they can’t break loose. You will be surprised at how much this sometimes helps a fussy baby to feel safe and content- and of course get super sleepy as well. As always, safety is a priority and you never want to leave your baby unattended, as this soothes baby temporarily. Stretchy wraps can be found on Amazon and work out best in my opinion!

Tip#2

A warm environment. This is always a “trick” newborn photographers use to help soothe baby and help him or her to get a little more sleepy. You see, just as above, baby was always warm inside mommy’s tummy. Once again, these tips are for soothing. Sometimes in combination with swaddling, turning up the heat in your home or adding a space heater as well as rocking is a great combination to raise the possibility of a calm and sleepy babe.

Tip #3 My trusty lullavibe- this contraption is amazing and yet so simple. You push a button, and it vibrates gently and I use it religiously for ALL of my newborn sessions. It helps so much in between sets and when posing baby. I just put the lullavibe on or near baby, and voila- calm and soothed baby! The lullavibe can be found online and takes two double A batteries.

Tip#4 Sound Machine App

I use the white noise app- it’s just an added bonus to help baby soothe and relax, and I also combine with the methods above to help soothe baby

Tip#5 I always tell parents this- You know your baby best. Go with your gut instinct! It does not lie. Babies are individually unique, are their own little people with their own personalities, and are all completely different. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t figure everything out all the time- and to be honest as parents we are always learning. You and your baby will do great!

I hope these little tips helped, even if only for a few minutes. If you’re a new parent and are in the CT area and are hoping to capture your little one at this precious stage- please don’t hesitate to fill out my contact form. Even though I normally take a small number of newborns per month and book early on, sometimes I do have a last minute opening because some babies come early or late.