One of the most frequent questions I get from expectant parents is about when they should do their newborn session. My answer is likely unsatisfying in that I tell them it’s really a matter of personal choice. There isn’t a “right time” to do them, beyond doing them at some point before your baby hits the 3-month mark. There are pros and cons doing them early versus doing them a bit later. Below is a summary of what new parents can expect at a newborn session for the different ages of baby.

One to Three Week-Old Babies

This is a time when many/most families choose to do their session. This is when newborns are tiny and some still have some that sweet newborn fuzz on their shoulders and ears. Babies this young often sleep through part or most of their session.

• Perks: baby’s true newborn look will be memorialized before they change too much (it happens fast!), baby will likely be pretty chill and sleepy, this time right after baby arrives is sacred and having it documented feels very special.

• Cons: some mamas don’t quite feel ready to be photographed so soon after giving birth, some families want a more dynamic shoot and don’t want sleeping baby shots, newborns this young typically aren’t yet smiling or wide-eyed.

Four to Seven Week-Old Babies

Some families opt for a newborn shoot in baby’s second month. This is a time when baby is starting to smile and make a variety of facial expressions. They’re more alert as well and may stay awake for the majority of the shoot.

• Perks: baby is more expressive and will likely gaze more actively with parents and the camera, parents are beginning to feel more confident with parenthood and are generally relaxed.

• Cons: baby has already changed quite a bit from the early newborn days, many babies have baby acne in their second month (some of which can be edited away but not always 100%).

Eight to Twelve Week-Old Babies

Newborn sessions at this time offer a baby expressing more fully. Many babies are starting to have head and neck control as well. This is also a time when mama is likely to feel most like herself again.

• Perks: baby’s personality is best documented at this age, parents are better equipped to know what baby needs (if baby gets fussy).

• Cons: the snuggly, sleepy newborn stage will be over, baby will look quite different as compared to how they looked at birth.

If you’d like see more examples of newborn lifestyle sessions taken at different ages, checkout the related posts tab below. And if you’re ready say YES and get yourself some imagery like this of you and your family, get in touch and I can tell you more about it. 😍