7 Tips for Including Older Siblings in Newborn Sessions
Including older siblings in newborn photoshoots can be such a beautiful way to celebrate your growing family...but let’s be real: it’s not always the easiest task! From keeping toddlers entertained to ensuring everyone feels included, there’s a bit of planning involved.
As a mom of six, I totally understand the excitement (and maybe a little bit of anxiety) that comes with having your older children involved in your newborn photoshoot. The idea of capturing that beautiful sibling moment is heartwarming, but the reality of keeping everyone calm and engaged during the session can feel like a challenge.
But don’t worry, I'm here to help! Including older siblings in your newborn session doesn’t have to be stressful, and with a little preparation and some easy-to-follow tips, we can create fun, natural, and stunning sibling photos that you’ll cherish forever.
Keep Expectations Realistic
First things first, let’s be real here. Kids are unpredictable! Especially with newborns in the picture. While it’s great to aim for that perfect moment of siblings gently holding or gazing at their newborn sibling, we also need to accept that kids might not always cooperate in the way we envision. It’s totally okay!
The goal of these shots is to capture authentic moments, not to create forced poses. I’ll guide your older children through the process, but if they’re not feeling it, that’s perfectly fine. Some of the best sibling shots happen when they’re simply interacting naturally like playing, snuggling, or just being themselves.
Prep Your Older Kids Ahead of Time
The more your older children know about what to expect, the easier it will be to get them to participate in the photoshoot. Let them know they’ll have a chance to spend time with their new baby brother or sister and explain how important these photos are for your family’s memories. Talk to them about the day, what to wear, and remind them to be gentle with the baby.
If they’re nervous about being in front of the camera, let them know that I’ll be there to guide them through the process. I’ll also have some tricks up my sleeve to make them feel comfortable and engaged, like including their favorite toy or a special item to help them relax. A little reassurance can go a long way in making your older kids feel confident and ready to shine in front of the camera.
Plan for Breaks and Snacks
Young children can only sit still for so long, and newborns need to be fed, soothed, and comforted frequently. That’s why it’s important to allow for breaks during the session. Keep your older children entertained with small snacks or a favorite storybook during these moments. I’ll also take breaks to give everyone a chance to rest or play while I’m tending to the newborn. This relaxed approach helps to keep the energy light, allowing for natural, happy moments.
Use Simple, Fun Poses
Let’s keep the sibling poses easy and natural! I love capturing sweet interactions like a big brother or sister gently kissing the baby’s forehead, holding their hand, or simply sitting close together. I’ll guide you and your older child on how to position them with the newborn, but don’t worry because we’ll keep it simple and stress-free. The goal is to capture those tender moments that reflect your family’s bond, not to try to force anything too complicated.
If your older child isn’t interested in holding the baby, I’ll still make sure we get beautiful photos of them together. Sometimes, letting the older sibling simply stand beside the newborn or looking down at them from above creates a strikingly beautiful image, too!
Engage Them with Their New Role as Big Brother or Sister
I love to include a “big brother” or “big sister” moment in sibling shots. By giving your older child a special role in the photoshoot, they’ll feel involved and proud. I often have the older sibling “help” by placing a blanket or gently touching the baby’s hand. These moments can bring a sense of purpose and make your older child feel more comfortable and confident. Plus, the joy on their face when they realize they’re helping to care for their new sibling is priceless!
Keep it Short and Sweet
While newborn photoshoots typically last a couple of hours, incorporating older siblings often shortens the time they’re actively involved. Kids have short attention spans, so we want to keep their time in front of the camera as efficient and enjoyable as possible. We’ll keep the sibling shots fun and lighthearted, and I’ll make sure to move quickly to capture as many sweet moments as I can.
By taking breaks, adjusting poses as needed, and keeping the session relaxed, we’ll be able to get the perfect sibling shots without overloading your kids or making them feel stressed.
Trust the Process
I’ve been doing newborn and children photography for years, and I know exactly how to create a calm, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. With my guidance, I’ll help you and your older children feel at ease, and we’ll get the stunning sibling photos you’re dreaming of.
Remember: It’s all about patience and having fun with the process. Some of the most beautiful and meaningful photos are the ones that capture the real moments like the ones where your kids are interacting with their new sibling in their own unique way. Let’s embrace those moments, and we’ll make magic together!
Ready for Your Little One’s Session?
I hope these tips help make your newborn and sibling photoshoot an enjoyable and memorable experience! If you’re ready to book your session or have more questions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to capture these precious moments for you and your family.
