I’ve learned a LOT about getting babies to sleep since photographing several newborns over the last 10 years or so.
I’m a big believer that newborns don’t have to sleep perfectly your entire session to get great photos.
But getting them to sleep is always the goal.
There are 6 things I always do to get babies to sleep for their session, and I thought it might be helpful for you to know those things too – I bet you love your sleep as much as I do!
White Noise/Ocean Sound
This is critical!! Invest in a white noise machine app or an ipad that stays in the baby’s room.
For my Oklahoma City Newborn Sessions, I usually use my music app on my iPhone, but you can get an Amazon white noise machine for less than $20.
There are a few different settings so you might want to play with what works for your newborn, but the standard white noise setting is always a good place to start (try “Pink Noise” too, it’s a good one for newborn sessions).
Full Belly
Kinda obvious, right? But it’s an important one! I always suggest moms feed their babies right before we start the shoot, and we stop at any point if the baby needs a little top off.
This is something you can totally do on your own, too!
Making sure your newborn has a full belly is one of the best things you can do to ensure a solid chunk of sleep.
Swaddle (and here are my tips for a good swaddle)
You’ll probably notice that many of my photos of itty bitty babies involve swaddles.
That’s because babies love swaddling! (Most of them, anyway. There are some babies who HATE it, but they are in the minority.)
If your little wiggle worm is struggling to stay asleep, try a new swaddle technique or a different fabric. The swaddles I use are longer and stretchier than what you find in the stores. You can try buying a piece of jersey knit fabric (of course talk to your pediatrician first to confirm it’s safe for the baby).
You can’t go wrong with traditional swaddle blankets, but adding a new version with Velcro might be the trick you need.
Keep It Nice and Toasty!
This is tough for me, because I really don’t like being hot! 😉
But, babies like it nice and warm. After all, they’ve spent the past 9 months in a super warm environment!
When we do a session, I’ll ask you to keep it on the warm side in your home to ensure your newborn is comfortable, and if you find your little one is struggling to stay asleep, you might want to adjust the thermostat.
(Don’t get it too warm, though! Your little one will stay pretty warm in their swaddle.)
Turn Down The Lights
While a lot of newborns can sleep whenever and wherever – adjusting the lights and bringing in blackout curtains can be a game changers (both of my kids had/have blackout curtains in their room).
Relax!
Sometimes easier said than done!!
Here’s the thing, mama. Those newborns can be tricky.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, they go through a growth spurt. Or something changes, and they don’t like the swaddle after all.
These early days go by so quickly, though I know it can feel like forever when you’re in the thick of it.
Just remember that you’re both learning as you go.
Even if this is your second (or third or fourth) baby, every kid is different.
Just do the best you can – and sleep when the baby sleeps as much as you can!
I hope you learned a little something new here or were just encouraged about your baby’s sleep!!
Want to see my Oklahoma City Newborn Photography Skills in action? Click here to learn more about booking a newborn photography session with me in Oklahoma City!
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