What If My Baby Won’t Sleep During Newborn Photos? Don’t Panic.

Hey, Mama.

There’s a question I hear all the time before a newborn session:

“What if my baby won’t sleep?”

And I get it.

You’ve probably spent the entire morning trying to get your baby fed, changed, burped, dressed, and hopefully sleepy before your newborn photographer arrives. You’re picturing those sweet, curled-up, completely peaceful newborn photos you’ve seen on Instagram. And then... your baby opens their eyes.

Wide. And decides they are absolutely NOT interested in sleeping today.

First of all… take a deep breath. Your newborn session is not ruined. In fact, as a Surprise (AZ) newborn photographer, I can tell you that an awake baby is not necessarily a bad thing at all.

Your Baby Doesn't Have to Sleep the Entire Session

One of the biggest misconceptions about newborn photography is that your baby needs to sleep from the moment I walk in the door until the moment I leave. Thankfully, that's not how it works.

Babies are babies.

They eat. They wake up. They get hungry again approximately 14 seconds after you just fed them. They need a diaper change. They make questionable noises. They cry. They poop. And sometimes they just want to look around and see what's going on.

All of that is completely normal.

Some of my favorite newborn photos have come from babies who were wide awake and looking right at my camera. Those little eyes? Those tiny expressions? That serious newborn stare? I mean… come on.

What If My Baby Won’t Sleep During Newborn Photos?

If your baby won't sleep during the newborn session, we don't panic. We slow things down.

Maybe baby needs to eat. Maybe they need to be held for a few minutes. Maybe they need a fresh diaper. Maybe they just need Mom or Dad.

We take care of what baby needs and then try again.

One of the biggest benefits of an in-home newborn photography session is that there is no clock ticking over your head while you're trying to get your baby settled.

We're not trying to rush through everything because we have to leave the house by noon. We're at home. Baby can take a break. You can take a break. And then we try again.

Sometimes that means I prepare another setup while you snuggle your baby. Sometimes we take a few family photos while baby is awake. Sometimes baby falls asleep five minutes later like nothing ever happened.

Newborns are unpredictable like that. And if you're wondering what you can expect at your in-home newborn session, here is where I lay it all out!

But What If My Baby Cries the Whole Time?

This is another big one.

I've had parents apologize to me because their baby cried. Please don't. I promise I don't expect your newborn to arrive with a five-star review and excellent customer service skills.

If your baby needs to be soothed, we soothe them. If they need to eat, we feed them. If they need Mom, they get Mom. And if we need to take several breaks throughout the session, that's okay too.

A newborn session isn't a performance your baby has to pass. There is no “good baby” or “bad baby” when it comes to newborn photos. There is just your baby being your baby.

Can You Still Take Newborn Photos With an Awake Baby?

Absolutely.

When a baby is awake but calm, I may take advantage of those moments and photograph their little expressions, stretches, hands, feet, and those wide-open eyes.

We can also move into parent and sibling photos while baby is awake.

And sometimes the cuddliest photos happen during those moments when baby isn't sleeping at all.

Because newborn photography isn't just about getting a perfectly posed, sleepy baby.

It's about remembering your baby exactly as they were.

Those tiny fingers wrapped around Dad's hand.

The way they fit against Mom's chest.

Their little face tucked underneath your chin.

The expressions they made before you knew what their personality would be like.

Those are the things you'll want to remember, too.

How Can I Help My Baby Sleep for Newborn Photos?

There are a few things you can do before your session to give us the best chance of getting those sleepy newborn photos.

Feed baby as close to the session time as possible.

A nice full belly can definitely help.

Keep baby comfortable.

A clean diaper and a cozy baby are always a good starting point.

Don't stress about keeping baby awake for hours beforehand.

You don't need to turn your morning into some elaborate sleep-deprivation experiment. I always recommend trying to keep them alert an hour before your session, but sometimes baby just wants to sleep, and that's ok!

Give yourself plenty of time.

This is one reason I don't want you rushing around trying to get everything perfect before your session. Newborn sessions can take up to three hours because we follow baby's lead.

And most importantly…

Don't panic if your plan doesn't go according to plan.

Because it probably won't. Welcome to parenthood. Ha!

This Is One Reason I Love In-Home Newborn Sessions

There's something really nice about not having to load your brand-new baby into the car and drive across the Valley for newborn photos.

You don't have to worry about whether the diaper bag has enough diapers.

You don't have to remember the pacifier.

You don't have to pack everyone's clothes.

You don't have to get the whole family out the door on time.

Instead, I bring the studio to you.

As an in-home newborn photographer in Surprise and the Phoenix area, I bring the lighting, backdrops, posing equipment, wraps, bonnets, props, and everything else I need for your session.

You get to stay home.

Baby gets to stay home.

And if baby needs a break?

The nursery is right down the hall.

So, What If Your Baby Won't Sleep?

Honestly?

We'll be okay.

Your baby doesn't need to sleep perfectly.

Your house doesn't need to be perfect.

You don't need to have everything figured out.

And you definitely don't need to apologize when your newborn acts like a newborn.

We'll take our time, follow baby's cues, take plenty of breaks, and make the most of whatever your little one gives us that day.

Because someday, you're going to look back at these photos and realize just how tiny they really were.

And I want you to remember more than whether they slept.

I want you to remember them.

And that's exactly what we're there to photograph.

Trying to find that perfect photographer for you? Check out this post to see 10 questions you should ask your photographer before you book them!

And here are more tips for feeling ready for your little one's in-home newborn session.

Have more questions? Send me a message.

I'd love to help!