Including Toddlers in Newborn Sessions

One reason I love in-home newborn sessions is the relaxed vibe and the opportunity to naturally include siblings. I love including toddlers in newborn sessions! They bring a different, fun energy, unpredictability, and the purest kind of love that can’t be staged. I’ve heard parents say, “Well, big brother (or sister) stole the show,” and I think that’s absolutely perfect. When your newborn looks back on these photos years from now, they won’t just see their tiny self swaddled in blankets. They’ll see exactly who their big sibling was at that point in time, whether that was wild, shy, mischievous, or endlessly loving. Those personality snapshots are just as valuable as the sleepy newborn smiles.

Toddlers Make Your Gallery More Fun

In my experience, toddlers bring a completely different form of joy to newborn galleries. Whether they fill the session with spontaneous giggles, extra-tight hugs, or bursts of energy mid-photo, it all creates a unique final gallery with candid moments to look back on – moments I know you’ll always cherish.

When I arrived at baby Nico’s newborn session, I was greeted by his big sister Mila, who I had the privilege of photographing when she was a newborn. Mila was absolutely thrilled I was there. “Excited” might even be an understatement! She was bouncing with joy. It was so sweet, and a beautiful full-circle moment for me to be back photographing her and her new baby brother.

My Approach with Toddlers

I always try to connect with the older sibling first to make sure they are comfortable. Thankfully, Mila was so excited for me to be there, and she was completely comfortable in front of the camera! When I meet a toddler who’s extra excited for the day, I know our “window of cooperation” may be short. That’s when I pull out my favorite little tricks to create a moment of calm. For Mila, it was inviting her to read to her baby brother.

This created the perfect moment. As she slowed down and cuddled close to Nico, I was able to capture the sweetest, most tender moments between them. After those heartwarming shots, I let Mila’s wild heart run free again, because I never want “picture day” to dim a child’s spirit. I want your gallery to feel true to life, and for your kids to see themselves in those images, exactly as they are.

Why I Love Including Toddlers in Newborn Sessions

Including toddlers in newborn sessions isn’t just for the photos; it’s for them too. When Mila looks back at these images, she won’t just see pictures of Nico. Instead, she’ll see herself right there alongside him. She’ll see that she was part of the story from the very beginning. Newborn pictures are supposed to document this special moment in your family, and your toddler is a part of that.

I truly believe that including siblings, especially toddlers, in newborn photos makes the arrival of a new sibling even more special. It’s a visual reminder that they’re loved, included, and celebrated, too.

All that to say, if you’re worried about your toddler “stealing the show” during a newborn session, I say let them. Those giggles, snuggles, and bursts of energy are part of your family’s story, and they deserve to be remembered just as much as your newborn’s tiny toes.