When to Book Your Newborn Photography Session: A Guide for Parents

As parents ourselves, we understand how quickly time flies, and preserving the earliest moments of your baby's life through photography is priceless. You’re probably wondering: "When should we book a newborn photography session, and how old should our baby be for the session?" The answer depends on planning ahead and the style of newborn photography you prefer.

Booking Your Newborn Photography Session

To ensure availability, we recommend booking your newborn photography session during your pregnancy, ideally in your second or early third trimester. This allows us to plan accordingly and secure a spot for your little one within the ideal timeframe. Once your baby arrives, we can finalize the session date based on your preferred photography style. However, if you did not book prior to your child's birth, we still welcome you! We do our best to accommodate last-minute bookings whenever possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ideal Age for Your Baby During the Session

The best age for your newborn's photography session depends on the style of photos you prefer.

Posed Newborn Photography (Best Within the First 2 Weeks)

If you're looking for beautifully posed newborn photos—those sweet, curled-up images with soft blankets and adorable props—the ideal time for your baby’s session is within the first 14 days after birth. During this time, babies tend to sleep more soundly and for longer stretches, allowing us to gently pose them without much disturbance. This window also captures your little one at their tiniest, preserving those precious early details before they start to stretch and grow.

Natural, Lifestyle Newborn Photography (1-8 Weeks Old)

For families who prefer a more relaxed and natural approach, lifestyle newborn photography offers greater flexibility in timing. Since these sessions focus on capturing authentic moments with parents, siblings, and the baby in a comfortable environment, the baby doesn’t need to be asleep to achieve beautiful images.

• 1-2 Weeks Old: Ideal for parents who still want a mix of sleepy newborn images while incorporating natural moments.

• 3-4 Weeks Old: A great balance of sleepy and awake moments, showing more of your baby's growing personality.

• 5-8 Weeks Old: Best for parents who want mostly awake, expressive images, capturing those first smiles and eye contact.

Considerations for Premature Babies

If your baby is born prematurely, they may need extra time to grow and develop before their session. The guidelines above can still apply, but we always prioritize your baby’s health and comfort. If you're unsure about the best timing, we're happy to discuss a schedule that suits your baby’s unique needs.

Final Thoughts

There is no "wrong" time to capture your newborn’s first moments—each age brings its own charm and beauty. However, we strongly recommend booking your session in advance to ensure availability. The best timing ultimately depends on your vision for the session and what works best for your family. Whether you’re looking for posed, natural, or a combination of both, we’re here to help you create timeless memories.

Ready to book your newborn session? Contact CAW Studios Photography today, and let’s create something beautiful together!