Newborn sessions with a toddler can be quite intimidating. As a mom of three and a photographer who has been photographing newborns with toddler for over ten years, I completely get it. Getting a toddler or toddlers to cooperate during a newborn session can be a bit of a challenge, but I promise with some planning and patience, it’s definitely achievable with planning and preparation. Here are my top five effective strategies for success with newborn sessions involving toddlers.

1. Involve Them in the Process: Depending on your toddlers age, talk with them, and explain with the process is going to be like. Talk it up to be a fun and special event for your family! Let your toddler be part of the session in a way that makes them feel special. For example, they could help choose the newborn’s outfit or pick a special toy to include in the photos. This involvement can make them feel important and more engaged in the process.
2. Keep Them Occupied: Bring along their favorite toys, snacks, or a tablet with a show they like.  My studio is stocked with essentials, but if there is something special they love bring it! Having familiar and enjoyable distractions can help keep them calm and entertained while you focus on the newborn.
3. Set Expectations and Offer Rewards: Before the session, talk to your toddler about what will happen and how they are expected to behave. Offering a small reward or treat for their cooperation can also motivate them to follow directions.
4. Schedule the session in the morning: Most toddlers take an afternoon nap. That’s why we schedule most all newborn sessions in the morning, so your newborn session is complete by lunch, and you can all go home and take a nap! 
5. Keep It Short and Sweet: Toddlers have limited attention spans, so keep the session brief and focused. If possible, plan for quick photo breaks and keep the overall time to a minimum to avoid over-stressing your toddler. Over my decade of experience, I’ve developed a beautiful and efficient workflow working with young siblings. Most toddlers only last about 20 -30 minutes before they have lost interest. I work around how they are participating and we just continue to flow with the session.

By using these strategies, a newborn session with Rebecca Dyan Photography is a beautiful and effortless portrait experience for all!

If you are expecting now is the time to reach out and reserve your newborn session with an Austin newborn photographer. We are reserving due dates into March 2025!