Newborn Photos With a Toddler: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Spoiler alert: Probably everything. And that’s okay.
If you’re searching for a Milford NH Newborn Photographer because you’re about to bring your brand-new baby in for photos, there’s a good chance you have another little person coming along too.
And if that little person is a toddler, you may already be imagining the perfect sibling photos.
Your toddler gently cuddling the baby.
Sweet little kisses.
Maybe a tiny hand resting on the baby’s head.
Everyone looking at the camera.
Adorable.
Perfect.
Completely unrealistic.
Toddlers are unpredictable little people with their own agendas, and newborn photography sessions are no exception. The good news? Your toddler does not have to cooperate perfectly for us to get beautiful sibling photos.
It is a fact that my photoshop skills are what they are today because of the toddlers I have photographed..
The Toddler Who Wants Absolutely Nothing to Do With the Newborn Baby – Milford, NH
Sometimes your toddler is thrilled about the new baby.
And sometimes they’re basically like, “Cool. Anyway, where’s my snack?”
They may refuse to sit near the baby. They may not want to touch the baby. They may suddenly become extremely interested in literally anything else happening in the room.
We do our best to work around it.
If your toddler doesn’t want to participate, that’s okay. We’ll give them some space and try again later.
Sometimes they warm up after watching for a while. Sometimes we get a few minutes of cooperation and that’s all we need.
And sometimes the best photo is actually 6 photos strategically photoshopped together to make it look as though it was easy.
Because that’s real life.
The Toddler Who Suddenly Needs a Snack – Milford Newborn Photography
Of course they do.
They’ve been perfectly fine all morning, but the second we’re ready for sibling photos, apparently they haven’t eaten since 2019. And anyone with older kids know this isn’t exactly something they outgrow.
This is why snacks are always welcome.
So are breaks, toys, cuddles, and whatever else helps your toddler feel comfortable.
There is no prize for getting through a newborn session without stopping for goldfish crackers.
The Toddler Who Wants to Be Held – Milford, NH Newborn Photos
Having a new baby can be a big adjustment for an older sibling.
They may suddenly want more attention. They may want to sit on your lap. They may want you to hold them instead of the baby.
That’s completely normal.
And honestly, it can give us some really beautiful images.
As a Milford newborn photographer I might photograph the baby in a bucket all by themself. Then we might remove the baby and capture your older kids positioned perfectly next to the empty bucket. And finally we might put on your child’s favorite show above the camera, throw them in frame and hope for the best.
Sometimes the magic of the perfect image does come from forcing a pose, it comes from and hour in Photoshop.
At Nutter Photography, there is not right way to get a photo. There is only whatever we can do to make it work.
The Toddler Who LOVES the Baby a Little Too Aggressively
There is a difference between a gentle toddler kiss and a toddler attempting to smother their new sibling with affection.
You know the one.
“Give the baby a kiss!”
Toddler: FACE PLANT.
It’s adorable.
It’s also something we need to keep an eye on.
As a Milford newborn photographer safety always comes first, so we won’t put your newborn in a position where your toddler is expected to hold or support them independently.
Instead, I’ll help position everyone safely and we’ll work with what your toddler is comfortable doing.
And if that means your toddler gives the baby a kiss and immediately tries to climb over them?
Well…we’ll call that a successful toddler photo.
So How Do We Get Those Beautiful Sibling Photos?
Patience.
A little creativity.
And sometimes a ridiculous amount of bribery.
We might start with everyone sitting together while you hold the baby. Once your toddler is comfortable, we can try a little interaction.
Maybe they want to give the baby a kiss.
Maybe they want to touch their tiny fingers.
Maybe they want to look at the baby.
Maybe they want to sit next to you instead.
All of those things are opportunities.
I’ll also look for those tiny moments that happen naturally.
A curious glance.
A little hand reaching toward the baby.
Your toddler leaning against you.
A quick kiss before they decide they’re done.
Those moments don’t need to be perfectly posed to be beautiful.
And Then There Are the Candid Photos
Honestly?
These might be my favorites.
Because someday, your toddler probably won’t remember that they weren’t interested in posing for photos.
But you’ll remember how they looked at their new sibling.
You’ll remember the way they climbed into your lap.
You’ll remember the chaos.
The snacks.
The cuddles.
The tiny hand reaching for yours.
The way your toddler was simultaneously fascinated by the baby and completely unimpressed by the entire situation.
Those are the moments that tell the story of what your family looked like right then.
And that’s what newborn photography is really about.
Not creating a perfectly behaved family for two hours.
It’s about documenting your family as it actually is.
Your Toddler Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
So if you’re worried that your toddler is going to ruin your newborn photos, take a deep breath.
They won’t.
They might refuse every single suggestion.
They might need three snacks.
They might want to be held.
They might enthusiastically kiss the baby directly in the face.
They might cooperate for exactly 47 seconds and then decide they’re done.
We’ll work with it.
Because your toddler isn’t a professional model.
They’re a toddler.
And honestly, that’s what makes these photos so much better.
If you’re looking for a Milford NH Newborn Photographer who understands that newborn sessions don’t always go according to plan—and doesn’t expect your toddler to suddenly become a perfectly behaved tiny adult—I’d love to help document this wonderfully chaotic stage of your family’s life.
More Newborn Photography Resources
Getting ready for newborn photos with a toddler? You might also want to check out some of my other newborn photography resources before your session.
- Newborn Photography in Nashua, NH – Learn more about my newborn sessions, what to expect, and how I approach photographing your growing family.
- Newborn Mini Sessions – If you’re looking for something shorter and simpler, see what options are currently available.
- What to Wear for Family Photos – Because figuring out what everyone is going to wear is sometimes harder than getting the toddler to cooperate.
- American Academy of Pediatrics – For trusted information about newborn and toddler safety, development, and everything else parenting throws at you.
And if you’re still wondering whether your toddler will cooperate for sibling photos, remember: we don’t need perfect. We just need a few good seconds. Toddlers are surprisingly generous with those. Usually. 😉