4 tips to help keep your Edmonton newborn baby content and minimize fussiness
As a newborn photographer, I often have parents ask me how I manage to keep babies quiet and peaceful during my Newborn photography sessions. With over 100 newborns under my lens in the past few years, I’ve learned that while every baby is unique, there are some common tricks that can work wonders to keep them content.
Here are four tips that can help you ensure a smooth and successful newborn photography session:
Tip 1 – Feed On Demand
The most common reason for a fussy baby is hunger. Many parents try to stick to a rigid feeding schedule, but it’s crucial to feed your baby as much as they need. Babies’ appetites evolve as they grow, and they will eat until they’re completely satisfied. I’ve seen newborns consume up to 90ml of milk in just 12 days. Every baby is different, so focus on letting them finish their meal, and they’ll often drift into a peaceful slumber once they’re full.
Tip 2 – Embrace Swaddling
Babies have spent their first ten months in the cozy confinement of the womb. They’re accustomed to that snug feeling. However, the transition to the outside world can be overwhelming. While we love open spaces, babies find comfort in small, enclosed environments. Swaddling them mimics the snugness of the womb, making them feel secure and content. I always swaddle a fussy baby after they’ve eaten, and it often works like magic.
Tip 3 – White Noise Magic
Many parents believe in maintaining pin-drop silence to help their newborns sleep, but this is not always the best approach. Think about it from the baby’s perspective – for nearly 300 days, they’ve heard sounds like their mother’s heartbeat, the gurgling of organs, and even stomach gas. The womb is not a quiet place! Babies are accustomed to a certain level of noise. A sudden silence can be unsettling for them. Playing white noise or womb sounds from YouTube can recreate that familiar environment and help your baby relax. This is why we always have white noise during our entire newborn photography session.
Tip 4 – Gentle Swinging
The womb isn’t a completely still place; it’s filled with gentle movements as the mother walks, works, and goes about her daily activities. Your baby is used to this motion. While it’s essential to handle your baby with care and avoid sudden, vigorous shaking, gentle swinging can help soothe your baby and make them fall asleep faster. It’s similar to the way babies often fall asleep in the car when it’s in motion.
A Newborn User Guide for First-Time Parents
If you’re a first-time parent and are unsure about how to care for your newborn, I highly recommend reading the official guide provided by Alberta Health Services.
Newborns | Alberta Health Services
This guide is a comprehensive resource that can answer many of the questions you might have and help you prepare for parenthood.
For our newborn session clients, we also provide a newborn preparation guide. If you’d like to receive a copy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
By following these tips and resources, you’ll be better equipped to ensure a peaceful and successful newborn photography session.
More about our newborn portfolio:
Edmonton Newborn Photographer | Little One Photography | Edmonton
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photography, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. As an awarded newborn photographer, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
