OBSP ~ Newborn Session Prep Guide

SLEEPY BABY ~ The session flows best when we have a sleepy baby. So here are a few things that could help ensure that baby will sleep.

1. Please give baby a bath in the morning before coming in for your session. This will stimulate baby and help baby tire out. Lotioning your baby after the bath will also help with pressure points and relaxation. Allowing your baby to kick and be free for around 10-15 minutes will also help tire them out.

2. Dress baby in a zip up sleeper, or a button up. NO undershirts please! We do not want any clothing to disturb a sleepy baby if we have to pull clothing over the baby's head.

3. Do not use white diaper cream, it is too hard to remove & usually upsets the baby due to the amount of wiping.

4. Do not use vasaline, it causes dark marks on wraps, rompers etc., which can be seen when photographed.

5. Before you leave the house for your session, Please FEED your newborn. This will allow baby to fall into a deep sleep while you are driving to the studio. Depending on how long your ride is baby may need to feed when you arrive. I generally like to start as soon as possible so that your preperations are not waisted.

BOTTLE ~ Some new babies struggle to get the hang of breastfeeding in the first few weeks OR they are cluster feeders. You are more than welcome to breastfeed or you may want to bring a bottle (2-3) of pumped milk in the event we need it. In anycase bring extra bottles (2-3) to feed.

BREASTFEEDING ~ If you're breastfeeding, try to avoid anything spicy (i.e. Pizza, hot sauce, etc.) or anything that will cause gas and upset Baby's tummy for 48 hours proceeding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset, causing them to cry and be inconsolable. Oval or grape water can be used to ease baby's discomfort prior to your session.

PLEASE BRING A PACIFIER ~ We will only use the pacifier if baby is having trouble transitioning into different poses. Sometimes a baby just needs to suck for a few seconds to relax. This does not necessarily mean they are hungry, however, if they are hungry they will be rooting for longer period of time. If that happens I will happily give baby back to Mom for a feed and a little snuggle 🤍.

I have unopened pacifiers should we need one, and a pacifier sanitizer plus sanitizing wipes for pacifiers in case your baby’s favorite pacifier should drop on the floor!

**If you are worried about nipple confusion, as a nurse and a mother myself who breastfed, I can assure you that the few times or minutes of a pacifier will not have any effect on them in the future what-so-ever. They will always prefer the warm breast with war m milk over a dry pacifier. However, opting not to use a pacifier, could make it more challenging throughout the session to calm your baby into the deeply relaxed stat we aim to achieve for taking his/hers best pictures.

SAFETY ~ I value safety and make it my #1 priority!

I put my newborns’ safety at the forefront of my profession. When I am not photographing newborns, I'm working as a Registered Nurse in an Emergency Room here at one of the local hospitals in Tioga County. I continually maintain my ATCN (Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses) certification through the Society of Trauma Nurses. As well as my BLS (Basic Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), and my ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications through the American Heart Association 🤍.

**Does your newborn have any known allergies or sensitivities I should be aware of?

TIME FRAME ~ Typically us photographers will shoot a newborn between 5 and 15 days of life. That's not to say we haven't photographed babies that are a week older, but if you want the best opportunity to capture all those cute little poses, it's best to photograph your newborn between the 5th and 15th day mark. Newborns tend to be more more sleepy and flexible at this time! *Please schedule in advance to give us enough time to schedule your session! Every newborn session is completely different. In general, prepare to be here 3-4 hours. Please keep in mind, that not every baby sleeps easily so this time can vary. I do not rush the baby, and you should be prepared to hang out for a while since your..........Baby is the Boss!

Between what days of life are best for photographing a newborn?

Select one

'Pinterest Requests' ~ I supply all the backdrops, props, hats, headbands, outfits and wraps for the session. I am always up for new ideas, but be aware that I will not use anything that will harm, irritate or look awkward, or controversial (guns, cigars, sharp objects, etc.) on or with your newborn baby. If you see something you like in any of my galleries be sure to mention it before your session begins. I am open to suggestions on poses that you may have seen from Pinterest, but please understand that every pose we do depends on how well baby cooperates and how safe the pose is for your little one. I cannot guarantee any pose for this reason.

COLORS ~ Please select what colors you would prefer me to use:

Please select the top 4 colors

Are there any colors or poses you absolutely oppose me of using or doing?

Is there anything personal you would like to share with me or feel that I should be made aware of prior to meeting with you & your little one? *Please note ~ I respect and take one's anonymity very seriously! Any information given here will be kept completely confidential, I give you my word!

Thank you for reading my prep guide. I am excited to meet you and your beautiful newborn baby. Please note that I try to give you the most beautiful gallery possible. Following this prep guide as best as you can will assist me in capturing these priceless moments for you to have and cherish forever!

Keep in mind that every baby is uniqe, and just like us some babies can get more fussy than others. Please not to worry! I have many little tricks and use plenty of soothing techinques, and I am confident that we will have a fantastic session.

🤍