Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most magical moments ever! And as a newborn photographer in Kansas City, I totally get how important it is to capture those sweet, snuggly first days. So, when’s the perfect time to schedule your newborn session? Let’s dive in!
When’s The Sweet Spot for Newborn Photos?
This is totally dependent on the TYPE of Newborn Photos you’re wanting!
If you feel drawn to the precious sleepy and snuggly newborn gallery’s then within the first 14 days of your baby’s life are ideal!
If you connect more with documenting all of your baby’s details but want your little one more awake and expressive (think smiley and adorable chunky cheeks) then waiting till baby is midway through month 2 into early month 3 is your cup of tea!
The photos you see in this blog post were taken on baby Piper's 1-Month milestone! So she was exactly 4-weeks-old.
Why the First Two Weeks are Pure Gold for Sleepy Newborns
For this style of Newborn Photos, the best time to book a newborn photography session is within the first 5 to 14 days after birth. Why? Because during this time, babies are extra sleepy, super snuggly, and still have those adorable, curled-up poses fresh from the womb. It makes for the dreamiest, most peaceful photos!
1. Sleepy & Snuggly Perfection
Newborns spend most of their time snoozing in the first couple of weeks, which means we can get those cute, artistic poses without much fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a picture of a peacefully sleeping baby?
2. Capturing That Fresh Newborn Look
Babies change so fast! Scheduling your session early helps capture their tiny fingers, button noses, and adorable features before they start stretching out and becoming more alert.
3. Fewer Baby Skin Irritants
Baby acne and peeling skin tend to show up after the first two weeks. This is TOTALLY normal and pretty expected! Hence why we can try and plan around it a bit. While we can always try to schedule around it, booking early helps keep their skin looking soft and flawless in photos. At the end of the day, if you’re not able to schedule around it, DON’T STRESS! Your photographer should be able to edit your photos and remove any baby acne you would like!
Why it’s A-OK to Wait a Bit for Smiley Newborns
For this style of Newborn Photos, the best time to book a newborn photography session is between 7 and 11 weeks after birth. Why? Because during this time, babies are starting to have a little bit of longer wake times, start to smile, and more easily track objects and people! This makes for way more smiles and adorable newborn expressions.
1. Longer Wake Times
Typically, by the time a baby is 7-weeks-old, their wake window will start to increase anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes by the time they are close to 11-weeks-old. When baby has a longer wake time, there’s a greater opportunity for documenting all their sweet and silly facial expressions.
2. All the Smiles
Oftentimes, by 6-weeks-old, your baby will start to smile for the first time! The longer you wait, the more skilled your baby will be at mimicking your big happy grins. Which in turn gives your photographer a greater chance at capturing this cuteness!
3. Eye Tracking
Babies also start to eye track (follow objects) closer to 8 weeks of age. So if you want your baby to be able to look more intently at the camera wait until that 8 or 9 week window! Since babies can see black objects so well, it’s an awesome bonus that a big black camera lens is easier for them to see!
When Should You Book Your Session?
The best time to book? During your second trimester! Newborn photographers (especially in Kansas City) fill up quickly, so securing your spot ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out. We’ll schedule your due date and adjust as needed once your little one arrives.
What If You Miss the Two-Week Window?
Everyone’s delivery looks different! That’s one of the biggest beauties of birth! Some people need a longer recovery period before they are ready for a newborn session. Some babies spend time in the NICU or need a longer transition period adjusting to life outside the womb. That’s totally okay! If you were really wanting those sleepy newborn photos and miss the first two weeks, don’t stress—just remember what I mentioned above…beautiful photos can still be taken up to 11 weeks old. Your baby will just be more alert and expressive, which means we can capture some sweet, interactive moments instead.
Schedule your Newborn Session Today!
Booking your newborn session early ensures you don’t miss out on those fleeting first days. If you’re on the hunt for a newborn photographer in Kansas City, let’s chat and get your session scheduled. The first few months of your baby’s life will be a blur, TRUST ME!
Let’s make sure we document all their little details so you can cherish them forever!
Just fill out your contact info by clicking the button below and get pumped to chat all things newborn photos with me soon!
