Preparing your older children for newborn photos can make all the difference between stress and success. At Glean & Co, we’ve photographed countless families welcoming new members, and we’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to including siblings in newborn photo sessions. Because, lets be honest, bringing a new baby home is a big adjustment for everyone- especially for older siblings. (Read all about preparing siblings for bringing home baby)
Why Preparing Siblings for Newborn Photos Matters
The difference between magical sibling photos and stress-filled chaos often comes down to preparation. When children know what to expect and feel included in the process, they’re more likely to cooperate and even enjoy the experience. This preparation starts well before the photo day arrives.
When Baby Makes Two (or Three or Four!)
As I often tell parents during our pre-session consultations, “The hardest part about having a new baby isn’t the baby—it’s the big sibling!” Newborns are relatively predictable with their eat-sleep-poop routine, but toddlers and young children bring an entirely different dynamic to the session so they need to be prepared prior to the newborn photos.
Before the Session: Preparing Siblings for Newborn Photos
Talk About the Session in Advance
For children ages 2 and up, start describing what will happen during the photo session several days in advance. Use simple, positive language: “We’re going to take special pictures with your new baby brother. There will be a nice photographer who will help us make beautiful pictures for our home.”
Visit the Studio (If Possible)
For Boise families, we offer pre-session studio visits for siblings. This gives your child a chance to become familiar with our space, see the props we’ll use, and meet the photographer. Familiarity reduces anxiety and helps children feel more comfortable on photo day.
Pro Tip vs. DIY
Pro Advantage: Professional photographers understand child development and have strategies for connecting with children of different ages. We know when to engage, when to give space, and how to redirect attention without creating power struggles.
DIY Approach: At home, create a “practice photo session” with your child’s favorite stuffed animal. Let them be the “photographer” and direct the “session.” This builds excitement while familiarizing them with concepts like posing and staying still.
Day of the Session: Practical Strategies
Timing Is Everything
Schedule sibling portions of the session strategically:
- For toddlers under 4: Plan their portion either before or right after their nap time when they’re most agreeable. Communicate this timing with your photographer so they can make a plan.
- For school-age children: Consider allowing them to skip school that day! Tell them it’s a very special day – it’s picture day! They’ll be much more relaxed than if you pull them out of school after they’ve been studying for hours and aren’t really in the mood to cooperate.
Separate Cars When Possible
One of our best tips for Boise families with young siblings: Take separate cars if you can. This allows one parent to bring the toddler just for their portion of the photos, then have them taken home by a grandparent or partner while you complete the session with your newborn.
Snacks & Rewards
Non-messy snacks are your secret weapon! Small treats can work wonders for cooperation. We recommend:
- Dry cereal
- Goldfish or little crackers
- Fruit snacks
- Small candies for older children (nothing that will stain lips or teeth and avoid anything that will melt in their hands like chocolate or be sticky like a lollipop)
Safety First, Photos Second
Never compromise on safety. Professional photographers should never expect a toddler to safely hold a newborn independently. At Glean & Co, we use composite images when necessary to create safe sibling poses, and we always have an assistant who closely observes to make sure a sibling isn’t going to suddenly move and put baby in danger. To read more about newborn photography safety, visit last week’s blog!
Preparing for Common Sibling Scenarios & Solutions
The Reluctant Toddler
If your toddler suddenly refuses to participate (which happens frequently!), don’t force it. Some of our most beautiful images come from candid moments of toddlers just observing their new sibling from a distance. Sometimes, they just need a minute to warm up and sometimes ignoring them works wonders – they suddenly decide they do want to participate after all. Letting them think it was their idea usually helps resolve the situation.
The Overly Enthusiastic Sibling
Excitement is wonderful but sometimes needs channeling! We guide enthusiastic siblings by giving them specific “jobs” during the session: “Can you help me by placing this tiny hat next to baby?” or “Do you think you could grab me your sisters pacifier from mom?”
The School-Age Helper
Older siblings often enjoy being part of the process. We involve them by asking for their creative input and giving them age-appropriate responsibilities. And if they don’t want to be involved? That’s perfectly okay too. We can pull them into the frame when it’s their turn and keep the session pressure-free.
Setting Realistic Expectations
If you have an 18-month-old and a new baby, you’re likely not going to have a perfect shot of them posed together with the toddler smiling for the camera. (Though anything is possible.) But you will have something where maybe you’re holding the baby and the 18-month-old is looking at their new sibling from dad’s lap. Or snuggling into your side while you’re feeding their sibling.
If you release the idea that a sibling image has to look a particular way or it’s not valuable, you’ll be much happier with whatever the older sibling decides to give you. Some of our most treasured family photos happen in the unscripted moments!
Our Favorite Photographer Tricks
1. Say “Monkey” Instead of “Cheese”
When you say “cheese,” it makes your smile weird and stretched across. When you say “monkey,” the corners of your lips naturally turn up into a much nicer smile. (For adults, we have them say “Money!” because who doesn’t smile at money?)
2. Nothing Will Shock Us
If your kid likes fart jokes, tell us. Weird noises? Make ’em. Has a silly song they love when you dance to? Get behind the photographer and go for it. We promise we won’t judge – we’ve seen it all!
3. Keep It Playful
This isn’t the time to yell at your kid and sternly tell them to cooperate “or else.” This is a time to let them play. It may not feel or look like we’re getting good images, but when kids are playful and laughing, we are! Even if it’s not exactly what you asked them to do. Which leads us to…
4. Keep Smiling, No Matter What
No matter what your kid does, keep smiling. Smile at the camera, smile at each other, smile at the baby. If your toddler is screaming bloody murder? Smile. It’s all good. Laugh it off. Your photos will be much better if you’re smiling and look happy than if your frown muscles are out in full force because you’re frustrated with your child.
5. Let the Photographer Be in Charge
Yes, we know you’re the parent. But when kids (particularly toddlers) are given multiple sets of directions, they get overwhelmed and don’t want to cooperate even more. If you’re saying “sit over there” and we’re asking them to jump on the bed, please let them jump on the bed… we promise this isn’t our first rodeo. We’re trying to break the upset cycle so we can get back to creating beautiful images. Trusting the process is part of the battle.
After the Session: Reinforcing the Bond
Involve your older child in selecting the final images for your walls. When they see themselves proudly displayed with their new sibling, it reinforces their important role in the family. We also always encourage families to consider a few individual photos of the older sibling(s) to display alongside the individual images of the baby. Yes, it’s a shoot for the baby but by also featuring a new updated photo of the sibling they feel like they’re still the center of your world too.
Final Thoughts
Remember that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. The most treasured photos often capture authentic moments between siblings, even if they weren’t what you initially envisioned.
At Glean & Co, we understand the delicate dynamics of growing families and specialize in creating a comfortable environment for siblings of all ages. While DIY newborn photos are certainly an option, professional photographers bring expertise in managing family dynamics along with technical skills.
Whether you’re preparing for professional newborn photos or planning to capture some moments at home, these strategies will help your older children feel included and special during this time of transition.
Ready to book a newborn photoshoot for your newest family member? Visit our site for easy online booking! Simply choose the type of session, then scroll down to select the month you’re due and purchase a base package. We’ll reach out to officially schedule you!
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