What Happens if My Baby Won't Sleep During their Newborn Photography Shoot?

When Your Baby Won’t Sleep During Their Photo Session

As one of Los Angeles top newborn photographers, I am skilled at dealing with a fussy or awake baby. One of the first things l do when you arrive at my studio is to create a calm and cozy atmosphere for both you and your baby. Usually, I’ll ask you to give your little one a full feed to make sure they have a nice, full tummy. While feeding, I’ll encourage you to try and keep them awake, this helps ensure they’re fully fed and ready for some restful moments. Once they’re all fueled up, I’ll swaddle your baby snugly to mimic that safe, womb-like feeling. This helps them settle and prevents their tiny arms and legs from startling them awake.

But What If My Baby Still Won’t Sleep?

Let’s face it, newborns have their own schedules and moods. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, your little one might decide they’re just not ready for a nap. And that’s absolutely okay! We embrace the unpredictable nature of babies.

If your baby stays awake and calm, I will start with some adorable alert photos. These are often some of my favorite moments to capture, those big, curious eyes taking in the world, tiny expressions full of wonder. My trusty beanbag (a super comfy setup) often works its magic, and after a little while, many babies can’t resist drifting off.

If your little one still isn’t settling, we’ll take a pause and go through a few gentle troubleshooting steps. Sometimes, they just need an extra snuggle, a quick diaper change, or a few moments to be soothed in Mom or Dad’s arms. 

Don't underestimate the power of a good swaddle!

Why Choose a Professional Newborn Photographer? 

This darling little one (below) was in my studio last week and had zero interest in sleeping. She had terrible gas and was quite fussy but you'd never know it by the end results. 

Los Angeles has many very talented, trained professional newborn photographers. Be sure that you do your research, if you find a photographer that is super cheap. Ask yourself why. Posing and soothing is an art and takes years to learn how to do safely. 

Adjusting the Newborn Session to Suit Your Baby

Being baby-led is at the heart of everything I do. Every session is flexible and tailored to your little one’s unique needs and personality. If your baby stays awake for most of the session, we’ll adjust our approach to focus on setups and props that work for their energy levels. Whether we capture natural, wide-eyed expressions or use some of my stunning digital backgrounds for variety, the goal is always to create a beautiful, diverse gallery of images for your family to cherish.

Relax, I Got This!

Above all, I want you to know that it’s okay to relax and enjoy the experience. Whether your baby is peacefully snoozing or happily awake, we’ll create a collection of gorgeous, timeless images that reflect their unique personality and the love your family shares.

So don’t stress, whatever your baby’s mood, we’ll make it work. After all, these moments are all part of the journey, and capturing them is what makes newborn photography so magical.

"Newborn photography is more than just capturing images; it's about preserving a legacy, celebrating the miracle of life, and honoring the profound bond between parents and their newborn child. It's an investment in memories that will be treasured for a lifetime and beyond"  ~  Maxine Evans