One of my favorite parts of newborn photography is capturing the whole family together. Especially when there are older siblings who are just getting used to their new role as big brother or big sister. At a recent session in Birmingham, I photographed a sweet family of four. Mom and Dad welcomed their new baby girl, and their three year old son was excited, curious, and full of energy. Watching him love on his new baby sister was the sweetest part of the day, and it reminded me how important it is to prepare younger siblings for a newborn session.
Here are a few tips to help keep toddlers and siblings happy and engaged during your newborn photos.
1. Talk about it ahead of time.
Toddlers love to know what’s coming next. Let them know they’ll get to be in some pictures with their new baby. They also need to know that there will be time for them to play while Mom and Dad take photos with the baby.
2. Keep things short and sweet.
Littles don’t usually last long in front of the camera. We’ll start with family and sibling shots first so your toddler feels included before their attention starts to fade.
3. Have a favorite toy or snack ready to go.
A small comfort item (or snack for in between photos) can work wonders to keep your toddler happy and relaxed. This sweet big brother had Thomas the Train in between photos to keep things interesting for him!
4. Celebrate their role as a big sibling.
Making them feel special goes a long way. Simple phrases like “Can you kiss the baby?” or “You’re the best big brother!” turn photo time into a fun job.
In the end, the best sibling photos come from capturing authentic connections- snuggles, giggles and even the silly moments. Toddlers may not be perfectly still, but that’s part of the joy and the story of this new chapter in your family’s life.
If you are interested in booking a newborn photography session in Birmingham, Alabama, or the surrounding areas, I would love to capture these memories for your family. As a lifestyle newborn photographer, my goal is to create timeless images that show the love, joy an connection in your home. Contact me for more details about booking a newborn session- I’d be so excited to be part of your families story.
To see more of my work, follow me on Instagram!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
September 24, 2025
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT