In my experience parents that take time to read these instructions get the best sleepy photos. So read ahead:
1. This is the number one tip because it is very important: You must feed your baby at your home and dress baby in a cozy onesie of your choice.
2. I ask that you communicate with me if your baby is not sleeping for 2-4 hours in a row, if he/she is not sleeping at night, we are going to have a hard time during your session. Please know that your baby needs to be sleeping, not easily startled, or sensitive to light. I have observed that babies that sleep and soothe once you put them down, please, please communicate this to me because I need to be prepared.
3. How to dress the baby: dress baby in a cozy onesie and make sure diaper is clean when you arrive to our studio.
4. The more baby sleeps in the prior days to our newborn session, the better session we will have. So please consider to develop a habit and hold back on too many visits prior to the newborn session because in my experience, the more baby is handled the less you will have a sleepy baby during the session.
5. if baby is sleeping well for days, try to stick to the same routine, don't change anything so that we can achieve those sleepy photos. If you are breastfeeding, please do not change anything about your food because it will affect the baby's digestion, and this may cause your session to have an unsettled baby with new digestive challenges. Ask your pediatrician about gripe water for your baby. If it is ok for them to take please give it to baby for 48 (as recommended) prior to our session.
6. Bring a blanket from home, the smell of home helps to soothe the baby better.
7. Please bring a pacifier, we have saved so many sessions by soothing the baby with it. This is very important. Also bring a hair brush because it will help us soothe your baby as well.
8.We have flow for our session, which typically last 1- 2 hours max depending on your package. So make sure to plan for that amount of time. We will allow the parents and baby in the session. Extended family (such as grandparents are done after newborn session, will talk about instructions for these when your package includes these)
9. We provide you all of the props and outfits, wraps for your session. You do not need to bring outfits unless you want to.
10. Now let’s talk diapers, we usually want the baby as bare skin as much but wearing a diaper helps the session move smoother. We will tuck the diaper not to be seen on the photos.
11. Be papered to be between warm or hot, we keep our studio warm for the baby to sleep the most comfortable. Also, if you are going to be part of the session (based on the package you choose), come dressed appropriately, do your make-up and hair if needed.
12. What should you wear? we highly recommend that you choose soft colors to go with your baby pastel colors and also solid colors, no stripes preferred.
13. If for any reason, there is any health issues that you are concerned please communicate them to us. For example, if your baby was circumcised, or any umbilical cord concerns, or your baby is jaundice, or anything medical please let us know ahead of the session.
These are the basics pointers for our sessions, which helps you to have an idea what to expect.
Our studio is on a second floor and there is room for your family, we just want you to know. If for any reason you can't go up the stairs, please communicate with me and see if we can accommodate.
Do not hesitate to contact our studio with any questions we are here to help. Just a friendly reminder that your newborn session must be paid according to our contract before the session and fully paid before photos are released to you. We look forward to meeting your bundle of joy!
~ Kalina's Photography