Calming a baby in a newborn shoot

How do we calm our baby in a newborn shoot?

Your newborn shoot will leave you with wonderful memories in pictures. However, it can sometimes be challenging to photograph a baby. Here I’ll show you tried-and-tested tips and tricks on how to calm your baby during the newborn shoot

As a specialized newborn photographer and experienced photographer in Munich with over a thousand shoots under my belt, I know that newborns have their own rhythm. They get hungry, need a break or sometimes feel uncomfortable in their new environment. Without experience and the right techniques, the photo shoot can be a test of patience for parents, baby and photographer. For me, these situations are normal and I have taken wonderful pictures in every newborn shoot so far with good preparation and the right techniques.

In this article, I’ll show you how to calm your baby during the photo shoot. From the right preparation to the five “S’s” according to Dr. Harvey Karp and practical tips, I’ll show you tried-and-tested methods to create a relaxed atmosphere and have a great newborn shoot.

Stay calm and react flexibly

In a nutshell: How to calm your baby in a newborn shoot

Here you will find a brief summary of the main contents of the article:

Good preparation: A full, sleeping or rested baby, a pleasant room temperature and a calm atmosphere create the basis for a relaxed shoot. Plan enough time and have all the necessary equipment to hand.
The five “S’s” according to Dr. Harvey Karp: This proven method includes swaddling, side lying, soothing shhhh sounds, gentle rocking and sucking. These are techniques that mimic the comfort of the womb and effectively soothe babies.
Other calming tips: White noise or blow-drying sounds, swaddling, gentle stroking and reducing stimuli also help. Remain patient and flexible, every baby reacts differently to different calming methods.
Calm and composed: If the baby cries, respond to its basic needs. Plan breaks for feeding and changing and don’t get stressed. Your calmness will have a positive effect on the baby and create a relaxed atmosphere during the newborn shoot.

Inhalt

In a nutshell: How to calm your baby in a newborn shoot
The best preparation for the newborn shoot
Calming restless babies: The five "S's" from Dr. Harvey Karp
More tips and tricks for a relaxed newborn shoot
How do we deal with it when the baby cries in the newborn shoot?
Frequently asked questions about your baby in the baby shoot
Are you interested in a photo shoot with your baby?
You may also be interested in these articles on newborn photography

Well prepared in the baby shoot

The best preparation for the newborn shoot

Preparing for a baby photo shoot is the key to a smooth and successful process. Here are some things you should think about when preparing. For more information, take a look at the article on preparing for a newborn shoot.

Timing: Plan the baby photo shoot at a time when the baby is usually rested and content. The morning is often suitable for babies, as they are usually rested and full at this time.
Keep awake and feed: Keep your baby awake for one to two hours before the shoot. Before you set off, breastfeed and feed it properly. A tired, full baby sleeps soundly at the start of the shoot.
Well-heated rooms: Make sure that the environment in which the shoot takes place is warm enough. Babies are not yet able to regulate their body temperature very well, so a comfortable ambient temperature is crucial for their well-being.
Calm atmosphere: Creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Dim the lights, play soft, soothing music or a calming monotonous sound and always remain calm and relaxed.
Light food for breastfeeding mothers: As a breastfeeding mom, you should avoid bloating foods as much as possible before the photo shoot. A baby who is struggling with flatulence will be more difficult to calm down and pose for a photo shoot.
Warm bath: For many babies, a warm bath on the morning of the shoot helps them to relax. The warm bath can soothe the baby and make it tired so that it falls asleep before the shoot.
Everything important to hand: Keep everything you might need during the newborn photo session to hand. This includes diapers, wet wipes, burp cloths, spare clothes and possibly a pacifier for reassurance.

Harvey Karp: The five S

Calming restless babies: The five “S’s” from Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, a renowned pediatrician and author, has developed a method that helps many parents and photographers calm restless babies. This method is based on the five “S’s”, which address the baby’s natural needs and instincts and convey a feeling of safety and security:

Tight swaddling (swaddling): Swaddling simulates the close and secure environment of the womb. By gently but firmly wrapping the baby in a blanket or cloth, the baby feels safe and protected. This can reduce uncontrolled movements and help the baby to relax.
Side position: Holding the baby in a side or prone position can prevent the Moro reflex (startle reflex) and therefore help to calm them down. However, this position should only be used when the baby is awake and constantly supervised.
Shhhh… (shushing): Familiar sounds such as white noise or the mother’s heartbeat can calm the baby. These sounds are reminiscent of the acoustic environment in the womb and have a calming effect.
Rocking (swinging): Gentle, rhythmic movements such as rocking or swaying are soothing for babies. These movements mimic the movements that the baby felt in the womb and can therefore contribute to relaxation.
Sucking: The sucking reflex is very pronounced in newborns. Sucking on a pacifier, breast or bottle can comfort and soothe the baby.

Using the five “S’s” requires some patience and practice, but can be very effective in calming restless babies and enabling a harmonious photo shoot.

Calming the baby in the shoot

More tips and tricks for a relaxed newborn shoot

In addition to the basic preparations and the five “S’s” from Dr. Harvey Karp, there are a number of other tips and tricks that can help to calm a baby during a newborn shoot or baby photo shoot and create a pleasant atmosphere:

Relaxed adults: Babies sense stress. If you are tense, this is transferred to your baby. So breathe consciously, allow yourself breaks and realize that short incidents are completely normal and that beautiful newborn pictures will still be created.
Soothing sounds: Sounds such as the hum of a hairdryer or white noise apps can work wonders. These constant, soothing sounds remind the baby of its time in the womb and can effectively calm it down.
Soft and warm: Make sure that the baby neither overheats nor freezes. A comfortable temperature and soft carpet pad contribute to the baby’s well-being.
Closeness of the parents: The closeness and smell of the parents are familiar and reassuring for the baby. Let the parents hold or comfort the baby if necessary.
Swaddling: Wrapping your baby in a soft blanket gives them a feeling of security and safety. Swaddling can be particularly helpful in minimizing uncontrolled movements and calming the baby.
Reduce stimuli: If baby is showing signs of sensory overload, it can be helpful to dim the lights and calm the room. A calm, subdued environment can help to relax the baby.
Stroking and patting: Light, gentle patting movements on the bottom and strokes on the back can have a calming effect and help the baby to relax.
Burp: If your baby is restless even though all their basic needs seem to be met, it is often worth picking them up briefly and letting them burp.
Patience and flexibility: Every baby is unique and what works for one baby may not necessarily work for another. Be patient, flexible and willing to try different soothing methods.

Neugeborenenfotografie in München mit schönen Accessoires

Neugeborenenshooting zuhause mit Eltern in München

Stay calm and react flexibly

How do we deal with it when the baby cries in the newborn shoot?

Despite good preparation and efforts, it can happen that a baby becomes restless or cries during the photo shoot. This is perfectly normal and does not jeopardize the shoot. In many years, I have never had to cancel a single newborn shoot. In such situations, it is important to remain calm and react flexibly:

Clarify the cause: If your baby is crying, take some time to find out the cause. Is it hungry? Is the diaper wet? Does it feel uncomfortable? By responding to your baby’s needs, you can effectively calm them down.
Relaxed parents, relaxed baby: the parents’ mood is transferred to the baby. If the parents are relaxed and at ease, this has a positive effect on the baby’s well-being. So stay calm as parents and enjoy the photo shoot.
Time for breaks: Plan enough time for breaks so that the baby can be fed, changed or simply cuddled. Breaks also offer the opportunity to change the setting without stressing the baby.
Positive atmosphere: Maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere, even when you encounter challenges. A smile, words of encouragement and a calm demeanor can work wonders.
Postpone the shoot: Canceling a newborn shoot and continuing it on another day is the absolute exception and has never been necessary for me. But it reassures the parents when they know that they will definitely receive beautiful newborn photos.

Questions that parents ask themselves

Frequently asked questions about your baby in the baby shoot

Is a newborn shoot stressful for the baby?

A well-prepared newborn shoot with an experienced newborn photographer is not stressful for your baby. It is usually a calm and relaxed experience in your home, which is completely geared towards your baby. I take photos without time pressure and adapt flexibly to the situation. The closeness to you parents and the familiar surroundings ensure that your baby feels comfortable and safe during the newborn shoot.

What do we do if our baby doesn’t lie down in the newborn pose?

If your baby doesn’t want to pose in certain ways, we will work with what your baby allows on the day. I don’t force any poses, it’s enough for beautiful pictures in every newborn shoot. If your baby prefers to cuddle in your arms rather than lie alone in a basket, this is often where the most touching pictures are taken. I always have plenty of ideas and alternatives in my head.

Should I keep our baby awake before the shoot?

Yes, this is one of the most effective tricks when preparing for a photo shoot. Keep your baby slightly awake for one to two hours before the shoot and then breastfeed or feed it before the baby shoot. A tired, full baby sleeps soundly in the newborn shoot. This is an ideal starting point for photographing the typical newborn poses at the beginning of the newborn shoot.

Should I bring a pacifier for our baby?

Yes, you like to have a soother to hand, even if you don’t use one in everyday life. The sucking reflex is very pronounced in newborns and has a strong calming effect.

Can I breastfeed or feed our baby during the shoot?

Yes, of course we take a break when the baby needs to be breastfed or fed. If you wish, I can also photograph the breastfeeding or feeding.

What do we do if the baby cries during the newborn shoot?

If your baby cries during the shoot, we’ll take a break. Crying is the only language newborns have and is nothing to worry about. We will then find out together what your baby needs: Food, a fresh diaper, warmth or a little closeness.

What do we do if our baby won’t calm down at all ?

This hasn’t happened yet. But there may be days when your baby has colic or a growth spurt. In this case, we will systematically go through the basic needs and calming techniques. If the baby really cannot be soothed at all, we will talk to each other. In any case, you will receive beautiful pictures of your baby!

Parents with their baby in a three-person baby shoot in Munich

Newborn shootings and baby shootings

Are you interested in a photo shoot with your baby?

If you are interested in a newborn photo shoot or baby photo shoot at your home in Munich or the surrounding area, you can find more information on the Newborn page.

Newborn Shooting

Baby shoot

More about newborn shoots