What If My Baby Won’t Sleep During a Newborn Photoshoot?

If you are new here let me start my introducing myself. I’m Selina, a newborn and family photographer and owner of Pitter Patter Studios in Kilmessan, Co Meath.

I’ve found that one of the things that parents often worry about before booking a newborn photoshoot is: What if my baby won’t sleep during their newborn photoshoot?

And I know why they are worrying about that. Images from newborn photoshoots tend to give the illusion that the baby peacefully slept throughout the entire session and leaves you wondering what will happen if your little one decides they would rather be wide awake instead. Let me assure you that the truth is that very rarely does a newborn sleep for their entire session and that’s absolutely fine! I don’t expect them to.

For mums breastfeeding, I know another big worry is that baby has been feeding frequently, resisting naps or only settling when they’re in your arms, and the thought of getting them to sleep for a photoshoot feels like another thing to worry about.

If that sounds familiar, I want to reassure you: your baby does not have to sleep for me to create beautiful newborn photographs. And you won’t be expected to get them to sleep either, I look after all that. My newborn sessions are relaxed and baby-led. I work around your baby’s needs, rather than expecting your baby to work around a photography schedule.

So here’s what you need to know:

Does My Baby Need to Sleep During a Newborn Photoshoot?

Absolutely not!

While sleepy newborn photographs are beautiful, they are only one part of newborn photography. Some babies sleep for a lot of their session. Others spend more time looking around, stretching their little arms, making expressions or taking everything in with wide, curious eyes.

Both are completely fine. Your baby is a tiny person with their own needs and personality. They haven’t read a photography handbook, and they certainly don’t know that we might have hoped for a sleepy photograph! My job is to work with your baby as they are on the day, adapting the session to suit them.

Can You Take Beautiful Photos If My Baby Is Awake?

Yes! In fact, awake newborn photographs can be some of the most meaningful images in your gallery. Think about those tiny eyes looking up at you, the little expressions they make when they’re curious about the world, or the way their fingers curl around yours.

We can capture beautiful details such as:

• Their tiny fingers and wrinkly toes.
• Their little facial expressions and wide eyes.
• The way they stretch, yawn and move.
• Those quiet moments of connection when you’re holding your baby close.
• The way your baby fits perfectly in your arms.

These are all little details that change so quickly during those first weeks.

And it’s not just about photographs of your baby on their own. I also capture lovely images of you holding your little one, along with family and sibling photographs. You don’t need a sleeping baby to capture the love and connection between you.

What Happens If My Baby Won’t Settle During the Session?

First of all, please don’t worry that you’re somehow doing something wrong. Newborns need feeding, changing, cuddling and comforting. Sometimes they settle quickly, and sometimes they need a little more time. That’s completely normal, and it’s why I never rush my newborn sessions.

If your baby becomes unsettled, we’ll pause and see what they need. That might mean a feed, a nappy change, a cuddle with mum or dad, or simply taking a little break. I can then try again when your baby is ready, change our approach or capture some awake photographs instead.

My sessions typically last around 1.5–2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for your baby’s needs without the pressure of trying to fit everything into a short appointment. There is no expectation that your baby will sleep for the entire session, and no need to feel stressed if things don’t go exactly as you imagined.

Your baby’s comfort comes first. The photographs follow.

How Can I Prepare My Baby for a Newborn Photoshoot?

I never ask parents to change their routine just for a photoshoot but there there are a few simple things you can do to help the day feel as relaxed as possible.

1. Follow your baby’s usual feeding routine

Please don’t feel that you need to delay a feed or keep your baby hungry in the hope that they’ll sleep during the photoshoot. Bring whatever you need for feeding, and we’ll allow time for breaks whenever necessary. It is completely normal that your baby should need to feed during their session.

2. Don’t worry about keeping your baby awake beforehand

You might come across advice suggesting that you should keep your newborn awake before a session so they’ll be tired enough to sleep. I don’t ask my clients to do this. Newborns are still developing their sleep patterns, and trying to control them can leave both you and your baby feeling unsettled. Let your baby follow their usual needs.

3. Bring your usual baby essentials

Nappies, wipes, milk or feeding supplies, a soother if your baby takes one and a change of clothes are useful to have with you. You don’t need to bring lots of special items to make the session work. I usually advice my clients to dress the baby in a baby grow that opens easily and not put a vest on underneath so I can undress with minimal disruption when they arrive at the studio.

4. Give yourself permission to relax

I know that getting yourself and a newborn out of the house can feel like a huge undertaking, particularly when you’re tired and still recovering from birth. You don’t need to arrive with everything perfectly organised, and you certainly don’t need to apologise if your baby needs extra time. I’ll guide you through the session, and we’ll take things one step at a time.

What If My Baby Is Awake for the Whole Photoshoot?

Even if your baby stays awake for the whole session, we can still create a beautiful collection of photographs. We may focus more on your baby’s expressions, tiny details, natural movements and the connection between you. While your baby is awake is also a good time to get the family and sibling photos and to get images incorporating your hands into the image of the baby.

I will do everything I can to promote an environment where your baby will naturally fall asleep. For example, I have the room heated so that your baby will never be cold, even for beanbag photos when their clothes are removed. I use white noise for the duration of the session which prevents your baby reacting or being frighted by any sudden or loud noises. If your baby takes a soother, I can give it your baby until I get them settled. I use a newborn weighted blanket to help them feel secure.

Depending on how your baby is feeling, I can try positions that are most comfortable in and if they like been snug, often wrapping them can gently help them off to sleep.

Every baby is different, so I can’t promise exactly which photographs we’ll create on the day. What I can promise is that your baby won’t be expected to follow a rigid schedule just to achieve a particular pose. The aim is to capture your baby as they are at this fleeting stage of life, whether their eyes are closed or wide open.

A Final Reassurance for New Parents

Those first weeks with a new baby can be wonderful, exhausting, emotional and overwhelming, sometimes all in the same afternoon. The last thing I want is for you to worry about whether your baby will sleep during their newborn photoshoot.

You don’t need a perfectly sleepy baby, a strict routine or a day when everything goes to plan. You just need to bring your little one as they are.

At Pitter Patter Studios, I offer relaxed, baby-led newborn photography in Meath, taking the time to work around your baby and create photographs of those tiny details and precious connections you’ll want to remember.

Ready to find out more about newborn photography?

Explore my newborn photography portfolio to see examples of my work, or get in touch to chat about a session. I’d be delighted to help you plan a relaxed experience for you and your baby.

And if you’d like to check out some client galleries where the baby was awake for most of the session, check out these Instagram posts of Baby Hunter Lee and Baby Theo.

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