3 Tips to Soothe Your Newborn
Your new baby is crying, and you have already attempted the obvious. Clean diaper, check. full tummy. check, not too warm or cold, check. Despite your earnest attempts to calm your fussy newborn, they are still crying. What do you do next, or what can you try next?
Hi! I am Whitney and while most of the blogs and Pinterest posts floating around are from seasoned mothers, nurses, or child care providers, I am a newborn photographer, and my literal job, is to capture your newborn in the most precious way, and that requires them to sleep. Over the past 4 years of being the go-to Billings newborn studio, I have learned a trick or two to soothe an irritated fussy baby.
So here are 7 tips to soothe your fussy newborn baby.
Dim the lights
Imagine being face up staring into bright overhead lights, when you are overly tired. Ya, not fun. It’s not fun for babies either. So turn off the overhead lights and try a low lit lamp or other soothing lighting. Bonus if its a yellow/red hue. Studies have shown these colors mimic sunset and can increase natural melatonin in people of all ages, including your new baby!
White noise
I have had my fair share of white noise machines and apps. This baby shusher is a fan favorite in my studio. So do yourself a favor and order it asap! It plays consistently for 1/2 hr and has an adjustable volume. The bonus is that you can turn it on/off with one hand.
Swaddle them
Seems like I am stating the obvious BUT I have had parents come into the studio saying the newborn does not like to be swaddled. This is usually not the case. What I see is that new babies don’t like the act of being swaddled but once they are wrapped and cozy they settle quite nicely. I prefer a nice stretching wrap, like this one. The traditional muslin wraps will work too, but they aren’t as parent-friendly. I find the stretchy wrap gives babies enough wiggle movement so they can find a comfy position and feel secure ( just like in mommy’s tummy).
I hope these tips help you get some much needed stress relief. As always if your baby won’t settle don’t feel bad about reaching out to your health care provider. We never should ignore our parental instincts!
xoxo - Whitney
Why Hire A Professional Newborn Photographer?
Why hire a professional newborn photographer?
It’s a question I am frequently asked and I like to encourage new parents to take pictures of their new baby at home because those are special in their own way! (Just remember to get them printed occasionally haha)
My job as a professional newborn photographer is to use my experience to take gorgeous, timeless images while using the correct light, professional equipment, angles, and props.
You may have already heard this, but in photography, lighting is everything when it comes to great images. During the sessions, I am very aware and have complete control over each lighting, I have studied light and am aware of how it must fall, and how intense it needs to be to keep your baby’s natural skin tones, and features.
Each newborn prop and textile I select is carefully chosen to insure safety, and quality and beauty.
As a professional photographer, I use the correct editing tools to finalize each photo. Polishing each image so that they print beautifully is my end goal!
If you are interested in learning more about a newborn session in Billings, MT, please connect with me!
FAQ - What to Expect When Hiring a Newborn Photographer | Billings, MT Newborn Photographer
Frequently asked questions about booking a newborn session.
Hi momma! Today I want to post a blog to tell you what to expect when booking a newborn session with me.
One of the first questions that people often ask is how the booking process works, and when to book the session for your new baby.
I usually advise to book your session why you're still expecting. That allows us for the most flexibility when choosing a date after baby’s arrival.
I take a limited number of babies each month and that allows us to book a session within the first two weeks, whether they are early on time or late. We all know we can’t tell them when to come!
I love being able to offer that flexibility booking while you're still expecting and putting you on the calendar and work with you when the baby is here.
When the baby arrives I asked that you contact me within the first couple of days you could do that by email text or phone call. Which ever is best. Some prefer that their partner contact me. I know you'll have a lot going on!
Then we will schedule a date within the first two weeks of the new baby’s arrival (give or take a couple of days).
Typically babies are very sleepy during the first two weeks and super curly and malleable. Now don't worry if you've missed the time to book. We will talk about different expectations depending on your baby’s age. You will get gorgeous images of your newborn baby.
The session fee, prep guide, contract and questionnaire are all digital and can be completed with your phone. This is so convenient considering your other arm might be holding a baby.
You can pay the session fee online, without even getting up from your seat. I take credit card, check or Venmo (with request).
The prep guide goes over what to expect and how to prepare baby when coming into the studio or lifestyle session in your home. It will touch on the temperature of the home or studio. If siblings are involved I go over that process as well. What to bring, or what to have. Finally it will go over what to wear.
I won’t go into too much detail but I want to tell you a little bit about the guide. Basically you don't need to bring anything to the session at all. Just to you, your family and the brand new baby. I have every prop imaginable including wraps headbands, posing blankets, outfits etc.
However, if there is something special that you would like to include in your newborn session please let me know what it is and bringing along!
All sessions are styled by me so that everything coordinates. When you hang photos on the wall you want to make sure that everything looks cohesive. Again if there's anything special just let me know and we can customize your session so that it fits your family perfectly.
Once the session is complete within the first two weeks you will receive an email to choose a time and a date for your ordering appointment. I do ask that all decision-makers are present at the appointment. You will get to see a full gallery of your newborn images. And then choose which collection or products fit your style and needs. I have a special tool that allows us to see what images would look like on a wall, even on a wall that is in your home!
Once you have made your selections I will hand edit each image. You will receive you final images via an online gallery within a week and your printed products within 3-4 weeks.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!!
Sincerely,
Your newborn photographer,
Whitney Jones