Is My Baby Too Old for a Newborn Session?
I get so many enquiries from parents of babies over one month old. We've finally wrapped our heads around the fact that sleep is a thing of the past, feeding is more or less sorted, and this gorgeous new little person is now officially part of the family.
Suddenly, it hits us — the thing everyone said about babies growing so fast? Not a cliché. It’s absolutely true. They dochange every single day!
We scroll through our social feeds (now more likely Instagram than Facebook) and see our friends’ stunning newborn photos. Maybe we even have a Pinterest board full of those curled-up poses — we just never got around to booking. We were exhausted, didn’t feel our best, and the thought of being in front of a camera felt overwhelming. But now that we’re slowly finding our rhythm again, we're ready to capture this precious time.
With a little help from Google or a friend’s recommendation, we find a photographer whose work we love and get in touch. One of the first questions they ask:
“How old is your baby?”
We proudly answer, “He’s just turned a month!”
...and then, there’s silence.
So, Why the “First Two Weeks” Rule
That magic two-week window isn’t just for fun — it’s rooted in how newborns behave.
Very young babies are much sleepier — in the first week, they often sleep up to 18 hours a day (even if not when youwant them to!). A sleepy baby is a dream to photograph: relaxed face, curled-up body, happy to be gently posed. These are the moments you’ll want to remember — peaceful, serene, and calm.
Babies under two weeks also tolerate being undressed more easily, especially if kept warm, and they’re more flexible for those sweet, womb-like poses. That flexibility fades quickly, even within a few days.
Of course, not all babies fit the textbook. Every little one is different, and age doesn’t guarantee a smooth session — but the earlier we shoot, the more likely we are to create that classic newborn gallery.
When Should I Book?
Ideally, book just after your 12-week scan. I only take on a limited number of newborn sessions each week (never more than three), so I can be flexible if your baby decides to arrive early — or fashionably late. Babies rarely stick to schedules, but having your name in my diary gives us a solid starting point.
Why Not Shoot in the First 5 Days?
That early window can be tricky — especially for breastfeeding mums. Around day five, your milk is still regulating, and your baby may want to feed constantly because they’re not yet getting fully satisfied. You might feel like you’ve spent the last 24 hours doing nothing but feeding — because you probably have!
An unsettled, constantly hungry baby is harder to pose and soothe.
There’s also baby acne and the belly clip to consider. While I can retouch the belly clip in editing, some babies find it uncomfortable to lie on, which limits posing options.
What If My Baby Is Over 3 Weeks Old?
If your baby is older than two or three weeks, don’t worry — you can still have beautiful photos!
The style of the shoot will just look a little different. Your baby may be more alert, not as keen on being undressed, or uninterested in curling up like they once did. That’s totally fine.
We'll focus more on lifestyle-style shots: baby wrapped and dressed, tucked up in a cosy basket, or snuggled in your arms. Awake photos with bright eyes and expressive faces can be just as magical as the sleepy kind.
You’ll likely be in more photos too, which is lovely — your baby feels most safe and content in your arms.
What If the Session Doesn’t Go to Plan?
I say this to every parent who gets flustered during a session:
Your baby is not a robot.
They’re a tiny human with a growing personality, and just like us, they have good days and off days. Maybe the session lands on a fussy day, or they’re a bit windy, or just not feeling it. That’s okay.
Please don’t beat yourself up if your baby cries through most of the session. Most shoots go just fine, but if we need to, we can absolutely reschedule. I won’t push your baby into anything they’re not happy with — their wellbeing is always my top priority.
I hope this helps you understand why the first two weeks are ideal, but also reassures you that it’s never too late to create something special. If you’d like to chat or book your session, just get in touch — I can’t wait to meet you and your little peanut! x
