Mama Kat Photography

Newborn Prep Guide

Sleepy, Hungry!

Babies do very well in the studio for posing when they are in a very deep sleep. To encourage this, I highly recommend stimulating the baby at least two hours before your scheduled arrival; a warm bath always does the trick. This also means keeping them awake during the car ride here and refraining from feeding 2 hours before arrival as well. Unfortunately, there have been a few moms that will say, “My baby sleeps through anything”. Well, come to find out in a very unfortunate way, no, they don’t. Babies have their own time, and it may not always fit in with our time.

Once you arrive you will feed your baby right away. Once burped, we will then start preparing him/her for their session, meaning any and all clothing must be taken off, except for the diaper. As you might know, babies don’t like the feeling of being naked, they want to be warm and completely snuggled (although we will have a small heater in place to keep them warm). Still, they are naked. That alone completely startles and wakes up a baby faster than anyone expected, and because of that, they are now fully awake. Some babies fall into a deep sleep once picked up, wrapped in a small blanket, and soothed for about 15 minutes, and then there are the babies that have been asleep for 3+ hours before arriving and are now refusing to go to sleep. Ahhhh, gotta love being a newborn

From experience, babies that have been asleep before arrival are unfortunately the babies that are more difficult to pose because as soon as the blanket comes off, they get startled again, and it’s back to trying to put them to sleep. That alone can take up to an hour, if not more, and, unfortunately, does count against your session time.

Keeping in mind these two instructions will most certainly give you a well-rested baby. In return, we’ll be able to maximize the time you have in the studio with plenty of scenes and photos so for that reason please do not underestimate and risk how well your baby sleeps after a feeding. We need your bundle of joy to be very exhausted, tired and a bit hungry. I know it will be hard, atop of your own sleep deprivation but I promise you, it will be well worth the effort!!

Feeding!

I highly recommend if you’re solely breastfeeding to pump and bottle feed your milk for your babies session. I’ve had mom’s that breastfeed for up to an hour and unfortunately that does delay the session quite a bit and does count against your allotted time coverage as well. If you don’t pump, my only alternative is to formula feed just for this session only. As a mother to 2 boys I’ve realized breastmilk doesn’t keep our babies fuller longer so choosing to formula feed for the session, will not only be a little easier for you but it will keep them asleep longer during the handling and posing for a scene. Moms, please just be advise, it’s just a recommendation so if you choose to do neither, its completely okay. As a newborn photographer, I just feel it’s my duty to offer any advice or tips that you as a parent can use to maximize the time we have in the studio and in return you’ll be able to showcase and display more than the average number of baby photos!

Poop Whisperer!

That I have been called many times…lol but no worries, it happens! This is completely natural for babies to use blankets or props as there own personal potty. Please don’t feel embarrassed, I reassure you it happens more times that I can remember. Know, I have two young boys on my own so not long ago, it was there never ending mission to make mommy there own personal potty! Have a concern about sanitation? Don’t worry I wash all used props and blankets after each newborn session with non-scented detergent.

I probably mentioned it in my Email, but bringing a change of clothes is a good idea. Just in case.

Shhh!

Please do whatever you can to keep the noise to a minimum during our session. Maintaining a calm environment is also a big key to a successful newborn shoot. I do have a white noise app that I will keep close to baby during the session to help soothe him or her. Babies love strong and rhythmic sound. Amazingly! that’s the sound the heard 24/7 in the uterus!

Siblings, if you are bringing any, I know will be a little more unpredictable and at this point baby might already be used to their noises. Don't stress about them.

Regulate the Temp!

If baby is tolerable to is, we do try to get the naked poses, the studio will be set at a temperature of 75-80F to ensure baby is warm and comfortable. If we’re not sweating, it’s probably not warm enough for baby! Parent’s please make sure to wear comfortable loose clothing. I will also provide water and snacks.

Safety!

Safety is my utmost number one top priority when handling your baby, so either mom or dad will be my spotter/assistant. All eyes and hands are to be kept around baby during posing. During the session I will be handling and posing baby, but don’t worry I have plenty of experience handling a newborn (don’t know if I mentioned I have two boys of my own!) I will hold and care for him or her as if they were my own, I promise!

Also, every baby is different I reserve the right to refuse a pose if I deem it unsafe for baby. Parents may imagine the cute froggy pose or other dreamy poses. These are usually a composite style photo and baby is not awake or fussy. It takes a perfect combo of things to happen for certain poses to happen.

Mom, Dad, and Siblings!

Chances are you’ll be here close to 2 hours so I highly recommend eating a good hearty meal before you arrive. I know this can be a very exciting and stressful time for you, especially when adding sleep deprivation in the mix! As much as my goal is for baby to be comfortable, I also want you to be comfortable and at ease! Having me photograph this precious moments for you, means a lot to me so anything I can do to make it a smooth journey for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

Siblings should have something to entertain them. I try to finish with the kids first so that I can capture them at their best. A toy, book, tablet, or your phone is fine.