How to Prepare Toddlers and Siblings for a Newborn Photoshoot in Eugene, Oregon – Tips for a Smooth and Successful Session!
Bringing a new baby into the family is an exciting, emotional time, and capturing those first moments with siblings is something truly special. As a mom to three, I completely understand the mix of emotions that can come with having multiple little ones in a session. But don’t worry—I’ve got this! I’m patient, calm, and experienced in working with young children, and I want your session to be a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
As an Eugene, Oregon newborn photographer, I specialize in documenting families throughout Lane County, including Springfield, Creswell, Junction City, Cottage Grove, Corvallis, Lebanon, Coburg, and beyond. My goal is to create a stress-free experience where you can focus on making memories while I capture the magic of your growing family.
1. Relax—The Most Important Step
Children feed off the energy around them. If the adults are stressed, tired, or feeling impatient, kids pick up on that. And let’s be honest—when we’re sleep-deprived and adjusting to a newborn, patience can be in short supply. But I promise, the best way to ensure a smooth session is to relax and let me handle it. Your kids don’t have to be “perfect.” They just need to be themselves, and I’ll capture the magic in their natural moments.
2. Prepare with a Baby Doll
If your older child is still a toddler, it can be helpful to practice being gentle with a baby doll before the session. Show them how we move slowly and give soft kisses and snuggles. This not only prepares them for the session but also helps them adjust to their new sibling in real life!
3. Make Sure They’re Well-Rested & Fed
A well-rested and well-fed toddler is much more likely to enjoy the session. If your child still naps, try to schedule the session at a time that aligns with their best mood. I also provide hot cocoa, snacks, and coffee (for the grown-ups!) at the studio to keep everyone happy and fueled.
Eugene, Oregon Photographer
4. Let Them Be Kids!
At my studio, I have a play area just for siblings. This means they don’t have to sit still the whole time—they can play, explore, and pop in for photos when they’re ready. Some toddlers aren’t interested in participating, and that’s okay! We go at their pace. I’ll sneak in candid moments when I can, and if needed, we’ll resort to Ms. Rachel or Bluey. 😉
5. Save the Rewards for Last
Instead of offering bribes at the start of the session, wait until the end. If they know there’s a fun treat coming after photos, they’ll be more likely to participate without pressure.
6. Don’t Punish for Being a Kid
Your firstborn may feel some jealousy over the new baby—they’ve suddenly had to share their parents, and that’s a big adjustment. Instead of pressuring them to cooperate, include them in the process and make them feel important. Fill their cup with attention and praise! One tip that really helped when we transitioned to three littles was setting aside one-on-one time each day. We call it “special time,” where they get to lead the activity and have undivided attention from mom or dad.
7. Plan a Fun Activity After the Session
Giving kids something to look forward to afterward can help keep the mood light and positive. It doesn’t have to be a big reward—something as simple as a trip to Starbucks for a cake pop or Dutch Bros for a smoothie or a walk to the park with dad can make all the difference.
8. Embrace the Chaos & Enjoy the Moment
At the end of the day, this season of life is fleeting. It’s messy, unpredictable, and beautiful. I embrace the chaos and expect the unexpected. Don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly—because the real magic happens in the in-between moments. Your children’s personalities, their curiosity, and their love for their new sibling will shine through in the photos, and that’s what makes them so special.
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I can’t wait to create these beautiful heirloom portraits for your family! Let me know if you have any questions. 😊
Turning Moments into Heirloom Artwork
While digital images are wonderful, there’s something truly special about holding your memories in your hands. That’s why I offer a carefully curated selection of heirloom-quality artwork, including:
📖 Luxury Albums – Beautifully designed, handcrafted albums that tell your baby’s story.
🖼️ Fine Art Prints – Museum-quality prints that transform your images into timeless pieces of art.
🎁 Accordion Mini Books – Perfect for gifting to grandparents or keeping in your purse to show off your little one.
My clients love having tangible keepsakes that will be cherished for generations. These aren’t just photos—they’re heirlooms that grow in value over time.
Your memories deserve more than a screen—transform them into heirloom-quality albums and fine art prints to treasure for generations.
