When Should You Schedule Your Newborn Session?
A helpful guide when considering a newborn session with Kristy Rodgers Photography
As a Boise & Treasure Valley professional newborn & baby photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is “When is the best time to do newborn photos?” The short answer is…there is no one size fits all. The best timing depends on your family, your baby and the kind of experience you want. Especially, if you are looking for a photographer (like me!) who has a more natural lifestyle posing and baby-led approach.
Let’s walk through the two most popular windows. Early newborn sessions (1-3 weeks old) and later newborn/baby sessions (3-6 weeks or older) so you can choose what feels right for you.
Early Newborn Sessions (First 1–3 Weeks Old)
This is the “classic” newborn timing. Usually done about 7-15 days after birth. This is a favorite for many Mother’s.
Why Families love it!
- Babies are still very sleepy and curl up naturally into those sweet, womb-like positions
- Tiny details shine: Flaky skin, fuzzy shoulders, delicate fingers and toes. Great for capturing that just-born feeling that passes so quickly.
- Parents often still have flexible leave, making scheduling easier
What to consider:
- The first couple weeks can feel like survival mode for parents
- Feeding schedules and routines are still unpredictable
- Mother’s may still be recovering physically, emotionally or feeling extra tired
Pros of 1-3 weeks
- Sleepy, snuggly baby images
- That fresh newborn look
- Slower-paced sessions with lots of time for feeding and cuddling
- More flexibility in scheduling
Cons of 1-3 weeks
- You may still feel tired, swollen and overwhelmed
- Baby might be cluster feeding and restless if not being held
- Still establishing feeding and sleeping routines
- Jaundice or red skin might still be apparent
Later Newborn Sessions (3–6 Weeks or older)
Later newborn sessions are becoming more popular and for good reason. When the rush of bringing home baby and finding a routine seems to have made time pass by in the blink of an eye, parents may still be wanting to get those precious baby images even though baby is now a month or more old. I see this more and more these days and I always tell parents, babies are to be captured at any week, month or season.
Later sessions are ideal if you prefer images that show baby’s alert eyes and smiles or if you want to give yourself time to settle into home life. Many families love this stage because it blends newborn innocence with the very first glimpses of their baby’s personality.
Why families love it!
- Babies are more alert and expressive
- More eye contact and sweet little stretches
- Parents often feel more rested and confident
- A feeding rhythm and sleep routine might be established
- Baby’s personality starts to peek through
What to consider:
- Babies are less sleepy and more active in their awake time which could mean less or no sleepy images
- Less of that curled, brand new look
- Sessions may involve more soothing and movement
Pros of 3-6 weeks or older
- More connections and interaction
- Smiles, expressions and bright eyes
- Parents often feel more present and relaxed
Cons of 3-6 weeks or older
- Baby may be fussier
- Fewer sleepy baby images
- Parents may already be back at work, meaning time off is needed for scheduling
- Baby acne starts to appear, and baby will look slightly bigger and older/different from those first few weeks
SO WHICH ONE IS BEST?
Honestly… The best time is the one that fits your family best! Both early and later newborn sessions create meaningful, elevated portraits that you’ll treasure forever. It simply depends on what feels right for you.
* If you love timeless, sleepy & curly fresh newborn images and don’t mind a slower, flexible session – An early 1-3 weeks is perfect . If you’d like more time to recover and settle into your new routine and don’t care about those sleepy-curly images, a later session may be the better fit- A later 3-6 weeks or older may be ideal
If you are unsure, remember that lifestyle newborn photography allows for beautiful, cherished images in either window.
As a Boise, Meridian and Treasure Valley Idaho Natural Newborn Photographer, my goal is always the same. A stress-free, cozy experience that honors this fleeting season of life. No matter when you choose to document it!
If you are expecting, I recommend emailing me at Kristyrodgersphoto@gmail.com or contact me during your pregnancy so we can schedule a “tentative” date after baby is born. Then adjust the time if needed when you arrive home with your little one. You don’t need to have it all figured out. I’ve got you! ♡
