Hi there! I am Jane, your newborn and family photographer in South West London.  I would love to create some stunning memories for you that will last you a lifetime.

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Newborn Family and Children Photographer in South West London Wimbledon SW19 Studio and Outdoor locations

 

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Jane Atter Photography

newborn photo session baby in a on a white background head on hands studio photography Wimbledon SW19 South West London

14 golden days for newborn photo session

When is the best time for a newborn photo session?

The absolutely best time for a newborn photo session is when your baby between 6 and 12 days new. Why so early? – you ask me. There are several deciding factors on that:

When shall I book my baby’s first photographs?

Sleepy baby is what we need for the newborn photo session

One – your baby is still very young and therefore usually very sleepy. I remember when my daughter was born, she slept so much, that I have panicked at one point and called a GP asking why my baby was sleeping so much? Was it normal and what shall I do?  You’ve guessed it – the doctor smiled to me and said that there is nothing wrong with my baby, she is very young and that is why she sleeps so much and that I should “never wake the baby up – just rest and enjoy your quiet time, it won’t last” — I remember those words like it was said yesterday. My daughter is turning 3,5 soon!

Newborn babies can sleep for up to 18-20 hours a day! That is done so the new mum gets some time to rest after the labour and adjust to the new role. and what do we need for the newborn photo session? That’s right! A sleepy baby!

“never wake the baby up – just rest and enjoy your quiet time, it won’t last”

newborn photo session baby in a wooden bowl with a white wrap studio photography Wimbledon SW19 South West London
newborn photo session baby in a wooden bowl with a white wrap studio photography Wimbledon SW19 South West London

The younger the baby the less chance of colic

Second – after around 12-14 days babies may develop colic – some babies feel it more than other’s and it is a natural way of baby’s body getting used to new foods outside of mum’s womb. At this stage baby may (but does not mean that your baby necessarily will) become more cranky and more sensitive to touch in his sleep – so for that reason, I as a preventive measure I try to schedule all my newborn photo sessions in the first few days since birth. However I have done newborn photo sessions for some absolutely beautifully sleepy babies at 3, 5, 7 and even 8,5 weeks new!

after around 12-14 days babies may develop colic that may last to up to 4 months.

There are several technique on getting your colicy baby to sleep and feel better, it is rocking in 3D directions, bouncing often helps, babies like being in upright position for feeding and afterwards too, they like laying on their tummies or on their sides and absolutely love being on parent’s chest. I have found a super useful video by a paediatrician who shares all the tips and tricks that may help new parents to overcome this difficult period of their baby’s first weeks of life.

Young babies love fetus positions for newborn photo session

Very young babies also have their memories. Have your heard about forth trimester pregnancy? That’s right! That is a period following birth of our baby, when the new mum and her baby both adjust to living outside of the womb. And one way of helping your baby feel comfortable and secure is to swaddle your baby. During the same period babies still remember very well being inside your tummy and being really curled up, so any of the newborn posing that you may feel like – “how on Earth can she sleep in this way?” —  is actually a very natural and comfortable way of sleeping mimicking your baby’s position in mother’s womb. These are exact poses I am utilising during my newborn photo sessions. So YES, your baby is comfortable!!!

The younger the baby, the easier it is for your baby lay comfortably in the curly positions that parents are after during their newborn photo session. The older the baby grows, the less comfortable it is for them to sleep with the legs tucked in really tight.

forth trimester is the period of up to 8 weeks when baby still remembers being inside the womb and finds swaddling and fetus positions comfortable and natural

Maternity Photo Session white on white pregnancy photoshoot mother to be wearing a white dress portrait image Wimbledon Photo Studio SW19
Maternity Photo Session white on white pregnancy photoshoot mother to be wearing a white dress portrait image Wimbledon Photo Studio SW19

When do I book my newborn photo session?

So when you are planning your newborn photo session- it is best if you get in touch with your chosen newborn photographer whilst you are still pregnant and book your newborn session based on your Due Date.

What newborn photo session booking based on my Due Date mean?

Very simple: your photographer pencils your newborn photo session, approximately 10 days after your due date (that is confirmed at your 21st week scan) – then you both have a date in mind and something to look forward to.

pencilled date may then move based on your baby’s actual arrival date

– it can be moved forward or pushed back. Best if you let your newborn photographer about your baby’s arrival as soon as you have told all of your immediate family to make sure you get the best day possible for your baby’s newborn photo session.

Personally, I am usually very flexible with my new mummies and I understand it is a big adjustment for the entire family, so even though I schedule all of my photo sessions during the weekdays, when circumstances prevent my new parents from coming between Monday to Friday, I would always accommodate at the weekend (additional premium fees apply), especially when you want to bring someone special for your photo session- perhaps baby’s grandparents or an uncle or sometimes not all dads get to take a paternity leave but of course having a newborn family photo done is one of my main objectives.

Having said that, if you have missed your newborn golden window, please don’t get upset. At 3, 5, 7 or up to 9-10 weeks babies can still be photographed successfully in newborn poses and I tell you, these older babies have the most adorable squishy baby rolls that are absolutely a must to be captured! 

Would like to know more about the newborn photo session? Get in touch, I will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Would like to see and learn more? Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram for more portfolio images and more tips and tricks

Newborn Family and children photographer in South West London, SW19 UK Wimbledon area. Taking beautiful maternity baby and family portrait photos

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