Newborn photos with a toddler in tow can feel like quite an undertaking, but I’m here to tell you they can be some of the absolute sweetest sessions!

This family is a First Year Membership client with me. It’s been so sweet getting to know them. I can hardly believe we already had her six-month milestone session AND we’re planning her first birthday session!

As a Membership family, they get early access to book minis and special events, too. I was so excited to see they were able to snag a spot for each of my recent events- Fall minis and the Santa event. These events sold out the first day booking opened so that early access is such a good bonus!

In-Home Lifestyle Session

Before our session, Mom and Dad did the most amazing job getting their home ready for our session. Their home provided the most stunning light, and we had so much fun choosing spaces for portraits.

Baby girl was a dream for her session! After giving us some precious images with her beautiful big eyes awake, she slept most of the session, even with the playful moments with big brother and their pups in the background.

Big brother was so precious with his new baby. He was so gentle and curious (but also a little silly!), which is exactly what you’d expect for a sibling his age! I loved that Mom and Dad embraced the chaos and just played with him when he needed a break!! The images on the bed with the four of them are some of my favorites ever! My heart practically melted when he helped brush her hair.

Including your toddler in their sibling’s newborn photos can be the sweetest addition. One of the most important things to consider is being prepared.

Prepping your Toddler for a Newborn Session

1. Keep your expectations and the pressure for them to perform low.
2. Be sure everyone is well fed, and naps are scheduled with enough time to wake up thoroughly before getting started.
3. When in doubt, keep goldfish or small snacks handy. (I like to hide them in the swaddle to get kids who aren’t interested in baby to look for them)
4. Be playful! I find getting them laughing, asking them to help, or giving them a job to do, and giving them breaks helps so much!!
5. Resist the urge to get frustrated if toddlers aren’t following prompts- that’s totally okay and to be expected! This is a big transition for them, and we want to give kids grace.

Caitlyn Motycka is an award-winning Charleston Family, Maternity, and Newborn Photographer based out of Charleston, SC. Service areas include Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, James Island, Folly Beach, and surrounding areas.

If you’re interested in starting a photography journey together with your growing family, contact me here! Let’s take some pretty pictures together!