When to Do Newborn Photography for the Best Baby Photos

I have always believed that there’s something magical about newborn photography. Those tiny fingers, delicate eyelashes, and sweet little yawns—these fleeting moments disappear in the blink of an eye. That’s why knowing when to do newborn photography is so important. If you’re a new parent (or soon to be one), you might be wondering about the best time to schedule a session. Let’s talk about it!

The Best Time for Newborn Photography

If you want those dreamy, curled-up newborn photos, the ideal time for a session is between 5 to 14 days after birth. During this window, babies are still very sleepy, making it easier to pose them in those adorable, snuggly positions. Plus, they haven’t quite hit the phase of baby acne or colic yet, which means smoother skin and a more peaceful session.

However, I’ve noticed that every baby is different. Some newborns are still super sleepy at three weeks, while others become more alert earlier on. If your baby arrived early or needs a bit more time adjusting, don’t stress—there’s still plenty of time to capture those heart-melting moments.

What If You Miss the 2-Week Window?

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t get around to booking a session right away. That’s totally okay! While the first two weeks are ideal for classic newborn poses, you can still capture beautiful images up to six weeks old. At this stage, your baby will likely be more awake and expressive, which can lead to heartwarming photos of wide-eyed wonder and tiny smiles.

If you’re aiming for a more lifestyle approach—where the photos focus on candid moments with parents and siblings—you have even more flexibility. Some families prefer to wait until their baby is around one to two months old to capture more interactions and expressions.

Planning Your Newborn Photoshoot: What to Expect

1. Book Early

Photographers who specialize in newborn photography tend to book up fast, so I highly recommend scheduling your session during your second trimester. Many photographers will pencil in your due date and adjust the exact date once your baby arrives.

2. Time of Day Matters

Newborns are usually sleepier in the morning, making this the best time for a stress-free session. Most photographers schedule shoots between 9 AM and noon to work with the baby’s natural rhythm.

3. Keeping Baby Comfortable

A warm room, gentle swaddling, and soft white noise can help keep your little one cozy and sleepy. Feeding your baby right before the session can also make a big difference in keeping them relaxed and happy.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Newborn Photos

Studio Newborn Photography

If you love those classic, posed newborn portraits with soft blankets and tiny props, a studio session is a great choice. These sessions focus on carefully posed shots and typically require a controlled environment with good lighting.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

For a more natural feel, lifestyle newborn photography is done at home, capturing real-life moments—snuggling in the nursery, cuddling with parents on the couch, or tiny fingers wrapped around yours. This style is perfect if you want relaxed, emotion-filled images.

Final Thoughts: When to Do Newborn Photography

In my opinion, there’s no truly “wrong” time to capture your baby’s first moments—it all depends on the style and feel you want. If you’re dreaming of those sweet, sleepy newborn photos, aim for 5 to 14 days old. If you prefer a more expressive session with wide eyes and tiny smiles, a few weeks later works just as well.

The most important thing? Don’t stress! These moments are about love, connection, and cherishing your new little one. Whether you schedule a professional session or snap a few precious photos yourself, what truly matters is capturing those fleeting early days in a way that feels right for you.