Tips for Including Siblings in a Newborn Photo Session
Can Older Siblings Be Included in Newborn Sessions?
The short answer is, YES! Absolutely, older siblings are always welcome to your newborn photo session! I actually insist it! Growing up, my mom always photographed me with my brothers together. Those pictures are something I love looking back on and seeing me and my siblings relationship and how we interacted with each other!
It is so sweet to see an older sibling take such good care and show affection to their sweet newborn sibling. Those moments and feelings are what I want to capture for you to always remember. That way when everyone gets a little bit older and starts poking and breathing each other’s air, you can know that that bond is there and this too shall pass!
Go In With Low Expectations (Trust Me, This Is a Good Thing)
This might not be what you want to hear, but if your two-year-old decides they absolutely will not hold the baby or sit sweetly next to them… that’s just reality. Toddlers are tiny humans with very big opinions. Go into your session with a patient, positive, “whatever we get is what we get” mindset, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the magic that happens.
I’ve seen it over and over again: kids feed off their parents’ energy. If you’re tense and stressed, they feel it. If you’re calm and encouraging, they relax. Praise every ounce of cooperation your toddler gives—because even one second of sitting still deserves a standing ovation.
Take Breaks When They Need Them
I can usually tell when a toddler has hit their limit and needs a breather. That’s totally normal. This is the perfect time for a quick snack, a sip of water, or a minute to play with some of the fun toys in my studio. Sometimes all a child needs is a reset to come back feeling like themselves again.
Pro tip: breaks don’t ruin sessions—they save them.
Let Your Older Child Have Their Moment
A new baby is a big emotional shift for everyone. Older siblings can feel unsure, jealous, or a little lost in all the newborn attention—and honestly, that’s completely normal. During your newborn session, I always photograph your older child on their own (usually while the baby is feeding or getting a diaper change).
This gives your big kid a moment to feel special and seen—and you get beautiful portraits of their personality in this season of life. Win-win.
Talk With Your Child Before the Session
Photo sessions can feel overwhelming for kids if they don’t know what to expect. A studio has lights, cameras, and a stranger making silly noises—it’s a lot. Before your session, take a few minutes to talk with your child about what will happen.
Let them know they’ll sit on a stool or lay on a bed, that I’ll ask them fun questions, and that you’ll be holding the baby so everyone can snuggle together. When kids know what’s coming, they feel safer—and that confidence shows in photos.
Breathe (This One’s for You)
There’s so much pressure to look perfect and have perfectly behaved children during professional family photos. But years from now, you won’t care if your toddler was stubborn or your baby wouldn’t sleep. You’ll see how tiny your newborn was. You’ll remember that stage when your older child had big feelings and even bigger personality.
Time really is a thief. The days can feel long, but the seasons are heartbreakingly short. The sticky fingerprints fade. The snuggles change. And one day, you’ll look back at these photos and realize just how beautiful this imperfect, chaotic, tender season really was.
Your family is already enough. Perfectly, wonderfully yours.
Ready to book your Newborn Photo Session?
More Information on Newborn Sessions:
What to Wear for a Newborn Photo Shoot