One of the questions I hear most often from parents booking a newborn session is some version of: "My toddler has never sat still for anything in his life — how is this going to work?" It's a completely fair worry. Bringing an older sibling into a newborn photoshoot adds a layer of unpredictability, but it's also one of the most meaningful parts of the whole session. Those first photos of a big brother or sister meeting the newest member of the family are the ones parents come back to again and again. Here's how to set the day up for success.
Why Sibling Photos Are Worth the Extra Planning
A newborn changes so fast in the first weeks, but so does the relationship between siblings. The way a two-year-old looks at a baby for the very first time is something you genuinely cannot recreate later. It's normal for this part of the session to be a little less polished and a little more real — and those are often the images families love most.
Talk About the Session Before the Day
A short, simple conversation goes a long way, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Keep it light and age-appropriate:
● Explain that you're all going to visit a cozy studio to take pictures with the new baby
● Let them know it's okay to smile, sit, or just be themselves — there's no pressure to "perform"
● If your child is old enough, let them help pick their outfit — a little ownership goes a long way
● Avoid over-explaining or building it up too much in the days before, which can raise anxiety for some kids
Time the Session Around Your Older Child, Not Just the Baby
Newborn sessions are usually scheduled around the baby's feeding and sleep windows, but it's worth factoring your older child into that timing too. A toddler who's freshly napped, recently fed, and not overtired will have a much easier time in a new environment. If your child still naps, try to schedule the session for a stretch when they're normally well-rested and cooperative rather than right before or during their usual nap window.
Pack a Small Comfort Kit
A few small items can make a big difference in keeping an older sibling relaxed and cooperative during the parts of the session that involve them:
● A favourite small toy or stuffed animal
● A snack that isn't messy (nothing chocolate or brightly coloured near outfits!)
● A water bottle or sippy cup
● A change of clothes, just in case
What to Expect During the Session
Because the session takes place in a warm, quiet, climate-controlled studio, there's no wind, cold, or outdoor distractions to manage — which already removes a lot of what makes young kids fussy during photos. Typically, sibling photos happen in a shorter, focused block near the start or middle of the session, before a toddler's patience runs out. A few posed shots together are usually enough — genuine, in-between moments (a hand on the baby's head, a curious peek into the bassinet) often turn out to be the favourites anyway.
It Doesn't Need to Be Perfect
If your older child has a meltdown, refuses to sit still, or only gives one usable smile in twenty minutes, that's normal and it's not something to stress over. Part of the job during a sibling session is working with where each child is at that day, not forcing a moment that isn't there. A few genuine, slightly imperfect photos of siblings together will always mean more than a forced, stiff pose.
Coordinating Outfits for the Whole Family
If you're planning sibling and family photos in the same session, it helps to choose outfits that work together without matching exactly — soft neutrals and muted tones tend to photograph best in studio lighting.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
Whether it's your first baby or your third, sibling moments are some of the most requested images from a newborn session. If you have questions about timing, scheduling around an older child's routine, or what to bring on the day, feel free to reach out before booking — I'm happy to help you plan a session that works for your whole family.