Many moms wonder how a newborn session will go when there's more than one sibling involved. The short answer? Incorporating siblings during the first 20–30 minutes of the session is usually the best way to go. As a South Florida newborn photographer, I've found this approach makes newborn sessions with siblings run much more smoothly.
Picture this: Your older child holding their new baby brother or sister in their lap, giving gentle kisses and cuddles. It's what most moms envision when they think about their newborn session with siblings. The reality, though, is that there's a little more that goes into it than you might think.
I often hear from moms who are a little concerned about how their toddler will do during the newborn session. And I totally understand those concerns! Over the years, I've found that newborn sessions with toddlers are often best centered around the toddler, rather than necessarily around the baby.
Should Siblings be in Newborn Photos?
1000% YES. These little years go by so quickly, and babies change even faster. You'll want to remember your little ones holding their newest sibling for years to come!
The age of the siblings can make things a little tricky, especially when they're younger. A toddler, for example, will react much differently to a new baby than a 12-year-old will. Different ages call for different approaches, and I try to be very aware of how the kiddos are responding to their new sibling and go from there.
For toddlers, the best approach is to get them involved right from the start. I like to begin my newborn sessions with the older sibling for at least the first 20 minutes or so. They'll generally lose interest after a while, but by that point, we've usually gotten the photos we need and can move on.
In some cases, though, toddlers are a bit wary at first and need some time to warm up. When that's the case, I'll photograph mom, dad, and baby first and let the toddler show interest on their own before asking them to participate. :)
Older children are generally more inclined to show interest and have a little more patience during the session, so things can look a bit different depending on the ages of your kiddos.
When Should Siblings Arrive at Newborn Sessions?
Right at the get-go! I love meeting the older siblings and giving them lots of attention. I'll always ask them about themselves and then ask about their new baby. They're usually super excited to show me their new baby!
As I mentioned before, some toddlers are shy and might need a little time to warm up. In those cases, it's best to have them at the session but allow them to watch from afar or play nearby until they feel comfortable approaching.
It's also best to work around nap schedules and mealtimes. A well-rested and well-fed sibling will be much more likely to cooperate during a newborn session.
I tend to let siblings come and go as they're interested. Once we've gotten the main images we need, I love allowing them to pop in and out as they please. There's no need to keep them involved for the entire session!
How Do I Prepare My Toddler for Newborn Photos?
I like to tell my clients to let their toddlers know that a "friend" is coming over to play with them and the baby. You can also mention that she'll have a camera and will take a few pictures, too.
I like to keep things really relaxed. I don't encourage parents to bribe their little ones or make them feel like there's any pressure to participate. I want the newborn session to be a positive experience for everyone!
Having your toddler be involved as much or as little as they want is super helpful. One little thing that can make a difference is letting them choose a special toy to play with during the session. And, of course, making sure they've had a good snack or meal beforehand is always a good idea.
What Should Siblings Wear to a Newborn Session?
I always like to aim for a neutral color palette. I have a post here that goes more in-depth on what to wear, but for simplicity's sake, you really can't go wrong with neutrals.
Keep clothing as comfortable as possible for the siblings. Sometimes shirts with collars can feel a little itchy or uncomfortable, so I recommend sticking with soft, easy-to-wear pieces.
And no need to worry about shoes! We'll be photographing in your home, so everyone will be barefoot.
I also provide a wardrobe guide to all of my families after they book. It includes 10 complete looks for the whole family, along with shoppable links to make putting everything together a little easier! Here’s a post that
Safe Sibling Poses that Work with a Newborn
There are so many sweet ways to photograph siblings together. Here are a few of my favorite setups that work especially well during in-home newborn sessions:
Sibling sitting cross-legged on the bed with baby in their lap. Sometimes a pillow is helpful for smaller toddlers to provide extra support and keep baby safely positioned.
Baby lying swaddled on their back while sibling lies on their tummy nearby. I love this one for those sweet little gazes over baby.
Mom or dad holding newborn while sibling comes over to give baby a kiss on the head. Simple, sweet, and always a favorite.
A sibling sandwich! Mom holds the newborn while dad holds the older sibling at the hips, bringing everyone in close together.
Baby lying in their crib while sibling stands nearby and looks in. Such a sweet way to capture those first little moments of curiosity.
Both sibling and baby lying face-up on the floor. This is a cute bird's-eye-view shot! A bonus is having the toddler turn their head toward baby for a little kiss.
Of course, safety always comes first. I never ask a child to hold or support a newborn without appropriate assistance. Depending on the age and comfort level of the sibling, I'll adjust the setup and use mom or dad to help support baby.
What if My Toddler Won’t Cooperate?
This is probably the biggest concern on the minds of moms booking a newborn session with a toddler. I get it! The last thing I want to do is force a toddler to cooperate.
I always try to introduce a little play and make things more about having fun than getting a particular photograph. I'll play little games, sometimes use stickers and ask the toddler to find them (I'll hide them in baby's swaddle), and generally just try to make the experience fun for them.
Sometimes that means having dad put the toddler on his shoulders or toss them up in the air while mom is holding the baby. Whatever we can do to make it fun!
Other times, a short break is exactly what's needed. A snack, a drink of water, or a few minutes to play can make all the difference.
I never want to rush newborn sessions, which is why they sometimes take up to 1.5 hours. We have time to take breaks, follow baby's lead, and let the older siblings settle in. You can read more about how long newborn sessions take here.
Newborn Photos With Siblings Are Worth the Extra Planning
I know that adding a toddler or older sibling into the mix can feel like one more thing to worry about when you're already adjusting to life with a new baby. But I promise, it doesn't have to be complicated!
A little planning, a relaxed approach, and a willingness to let the kiddos be themselves go a long way. Some of my favorite sibling photos happen in the in-between moments, when a toddler sneaks in for an unexpected kiss or simply wants to be close to their new baby.
And even if everything doesn't go exactly as you pictured, that's okay, too. We aren't looking for perfectly posed children or picture-perfect moments. We're capturing your family just as you are in this sweet, fleeting season.
Years from now, you'll be so glad you have these photographs of your babies together. Those first little interactions, curious glances, and sweet cuddles are part of your family's story, and they're worth remembering. Feel free to check out my newborn experience page for more info on what I offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a newborn session with siblings take?
Plan for the entire session to take 1.5 hours of time. No need to rush things!
Is there an extra charge to include siblings?
Absolutely not! Siblings are welcome!
Can we include our dog in the sibling photos?
Of course! It might be a little tricky with the whole gang but I am always up for a challenge!
Additional Resources
Want to know more info about my newborn sessions?
And Just Who am I?
I’m a wife and mama of two boys living in Stuart, FL. I am passionate about preserving family legacies by creating classic and timeless family portraits for those who wish time stood still. I created my portrait sessions to show busy mamas that having a perfectly natural-looking family portrait in their home was not only obtainable… but also a joyful experience!
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