How to take safe photos of your baby, for parents and newborn photographers

As a former NICU nurse, I have witnessed first-hand just how tough babies can be. They’re amazing and so much stronger than we give them credit for. They’re little fighters! At the same time, newborns still have weak immune systems. Even the common cold can warrant a hospital visit in those first few weeks. And as a newborn photographer, protecting your little one while documenting that precious stage is top priority for me.

In addition to your newborn’s health, I also know how important it is to choose a newborn photographer who is experienced in newborn care. Unfortunately, anyone can call herself a newborn photographer without proof of any kind of certification. However, safe newborn posing is absolutely crucial. No Pinterest image is worth putting a baby in danger. It’s important to keep their airways open and clear, the temperature just right, and the area free of potentially dangerous materials and props at all times.

Thankfully, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get those adorable shots without putting your baby at any kind of risk. Whether you’re a photographer or a new parent preparing for your upcoming newborn shoot, here are a few things to keep in mind to help your photoshoot go smoothly (and more importantly, keep Baby safe):

Isn’t the froggy pose cute? You can see those tiny toes, sweet fingers, and baby cheeks up close in a single image. But that pose can also be dangerous if done incorrectly. Froggy pose should never be a balancing act with the photographer trying to snap the shot before Baby falls over. Instead, this advanced image should be taken with great care; the baby’s head and neck should be supported at all times throughout the shot. 

To get the photo, the photographer or parent will gently support Baby’s chin from underneath for a couple of shots and then switch to hold the top of Baby’s head. The images will be merged in composite layers, editing out the hands or other supportive materials. 

Similarly, other advanced poses (baby in a bucket, hanging basket, upright pose, etc.) require composites and constant support. See below.

Newborns are tiny – including their airways. Did you know that at many hospitals, a baby must pass a car seat test before leaving the NICU? The doctors need to see that a baby’s airway can stay open and oxygen levels remain steady while sitting in a car seat for a prolonged period of time. Something as simple (and unnoticeable) as a slightly-slouched neck can decrease airflow. So, for all images, you want to try to keep Baby’s head and neck in a neutral position to keep the airway open.

I love to use the straw illustration for this. If you take a straw and bend to the top slightly forward, it will cause the straw to crease (air can’t get through very well). Similarly, if you bend the straw slightly backward, you’ll also get a crease. A baby’s head and airway work together the same way. You can let Baby’s head rotate a little to the left or right, but refrain from tilting the head up or down. Instead, keep Baby’s head in-line with his spine.

Going along with the previous points, if Baby’s head and neck are not naturally supported throughout a pose, that means it is time for a composite. A composite image uses multiple images or layers to create a single image. 

So, let’s say you want to create a holiday-themed image of your baby sleeping on a Christmas tree bough; obviously, you aren’t going to stick Baby in a Christmas tree. First, you’ll take an image or two on the ground with Baby positioned how you want her in the tree image. Then, you’ll use editing software to make it look like she’s snoozing on the branch. 

Images that feature a baby sitting happily upright work the same way. We’ll hold the little one upright with complete support and edit out the hands later on for the finished image.

Nothing hurts more than getting bonked in the head with a camera. And since a newborn’s head is the size of a camera, it’s imperative that the camera does not slip and fall on top of Baby. I always wear a camera strap so that can’t happen. I also tighten it as much as I can (while still being able to move freely) so that it’s not swinging around throughout the session.

This is for Baby’s safety – and yours! I like to use a stool with a rail so I don’t accidentally slip off and land on the baby while I’m snapping photos. It also gives me more stability. I also prepare the space ahead of time to make sure it’s free of cords or any equipment that I (or the parents) might trip over. Then, I move props out of the way as I switch from one pose to another to keep the space clear.

If you’re doing both naked baby shots and swaddled shots, split the session in half – all clothed shots then all bare skin shots – so you aren’t switching back and forth between temperatures (you’ll end up with a very fussy baby)! Ask the parents which one to start with.

If the baby is already sleepy, we’ll usually do the swaddled/clothed poses first, then stop for a feed and finish the session with some bare skin poses while the baby is alert, fed, and happy. Most likely, you won’t need the heater for the swaddled poses. If you’re comfortable, the baby probably is, too. You don’t want him or her to get too hot. Then, when you’re ready for those adorable soft skin shots, go ahead and switch on the heater.

Schedule your sessions so that you have time to thoroughly sanitize the studio with non-toxic cleaners. Do not reuse any soft materials for back-to-back shoots. Each baby needs clean blankets and linens.

Plain and simple. If you’re a parent and you don’t feel comfortable with a pose, ask the photographer to do something else. And if you’re a photographer who’s been asked to do a pose you’re not ready for yet, politely decline and suggest another instead. Baby’s health and safety are the priorities here!

Most brand-new babies sleep through most of their sessions, but if Mom and Baby need to take a break or need to stop for a feed, it’s important to give them the time and space to do so. Also, if Baby is just not having a pose, that’s ok, just skip it! Take time to calm the little one down and settle into a pose he or she doesn’t mind.