What to Expect During a Lifestyle Newborn Session with Older Siblings
Welcoming a new baby is always a special time—but when there are older siblings in the mix, your in-home lifestyle newborn session becomes even more dynamic, unpredictable, and heartwarmingly real.
As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I love photographing families welcoming their second (or third!) baby. Including older siblings in your newborn session adds such a beautifully authentic layer to your photos—one filled with personality, tenderness, and often a little bit of chaos in the best way possible. These sessions tell the full story of your growing family and create images that are honest, emotional, and truly unforgettable.
Making Older Siblings Feel Seen and Special
One of the most important parts of photographing families with multiple children is making sure older siblings feel included, seen, and celebrated during this big life transition. A new baby changes everything—and giving your older child space to feel special is key to a successful session.
That’s why my number one rule when photographing newborns with siblings is: throw all the rules out the window.Your toddler runs the show. If they want to jump in the photos, wonderful. If they need a break, we let them take it. If they decide the playroom is the best place for photos, I’ll happily follow their lead. My approach is always gentle, flexible, and fun.
I’ve got plenty of toddler-friendly tricks up my sleeve, but mostly, I aim to make them feel like they’re in control. Because this time isn’t just about your new baby—it’s about your whole family.
How to Prepare Your Older Child for the Session
While I’ll go with the flow during our session, a little preparation ahead of time can go a long way in helping your toddler feel comfortable.
Here are a few tips to help set them up for success:
Pick the right time. Mid-morning usually works best, when toddlers are awake, well-fed, and happiest. But if your child is on a different schedule, we’ll work around it!
Talk about what to expect. Let them know a friend is coming over with a camera to take pictures of the family. Emphasize that they don’t need to do anything special—they can just be themselves.
Show them their own baby photos. Sharing images from when they were a newborn can help them feel connected to the experience and remind them of their own special place in your family story.
During the session, I’ll match your toddler’s energy, give them lots of positive attention, and follow their lead. If needed, we can use small, non-messy snacks or the promise of a post-session cartoon as a gentle bribe—totally up to you.
If your child isn’t feeling the baby connection just yet, that’s okay too. We’ll find creative ways to capture interaction—maybe by having them snuggle with you while you hold the baby or letting them “help” in their own way. Often, the most beautiful, emotional images come from these small, unplanned moments.
Capturing the Magic of Real Family Life
Including older siblings in your newborn session creates space for candid, emotional storytelling. These are the kinds of photos that reflect real life—joyful, chaotic, and completely one-of-a-kind.
Their little personalities shine, their love (or curiosity, or hesitation!) for the new baby comes through naturally, and we capture your family exactly as you are in this moment. And to me, that’s what lifestyle newborn photography is all about.
