Including Older Siblings at Newborn Lifestyle Sessions

Jul 25

Many parents who are welcoming their second or third baby often wonder what their newborn session will look like. Newborn sessions with a first baby are pretty straightforward: parents + baby in relaxed and cozy moments at home. But what happens when there are toddlers or school-aged kids in the home? How are they included in the session?

Older Siblings Get Doted On at Newborn Sessions

The early days at home with a new baby are a big transition time, felt by every member of the family. There is often a stream of visitors coming to see the new baby so I make sure that my visit is more to meet the whole family and not just the new baby. Part of this is making sure to give some extra attention to the sibling(s). I typically ask them to show their room, I take plenty of photos of just them, and I work to generally build them up with my gaze and my laughter. I have found that getting the older sibling(s) excited about the session is the big unlock in creating a session that is enjoyable for everyone.

Older Siblings Set the Tone at Newborn Sessions

If older sibling is a wild one, we have a wild session. If older sibling is a shy and reserved one, our session is likely quieter and slower. If older sibling like to control things, I enlist their help making baby comfortable and even let them take some of the photos. Just as I let the kids set the tone at family lifestyle sessions, I let them set the tone at newborn sessions as well. Second-born or third-born kids just kind of have to roll with things, right? I guess it starts here. 😉

Newborn Lifestyle Sessions Are For the Whole Family

I treat newborn sessions like family sessions in that they’re meant to document everyone in the family. Lifestyle newborn sessions don’t involve any posed set-ups or props but rather allow the family to move around in their home. Sure, I will make sure that the pile of dirty diapers is just out of shot and I’ll make sure the light is flattering on you. But otherwise, my aim is capture your whole family connecting in a real and authentic way.

The family featured below had a very excited 3 year-old, a fairly chill 2 week-old, and two besotted parents. Our session started and ended with the older sibling feeling like the star of the day.