When is the best time for my Newborn's First Photography Session?
Long story short
The first 2 weeks of your baby's life are considered to be the best time for the newborn's first photography. Yet, there's something important any new parent wants to take into consideration before making the baby's first photoshoot appointment.
Things To Consider
Take a look at the pics above. These amazing photos were taken while the little ones were asleep. If this is what you'd like your newborn's first photgraphy session look like, then the first 2 weeks are the best time, since this is the period when your baby sleeps almost 18 hours a day.
Now, is there another reason not to postpone the first photoshoot session? Yep. Three, actually.
- Baby Acne appears to about every 4th newborn at the age of 2-4 weeks. These are small red or white bumps on cheeks, nose, forehead, scalp and neck. They may be more or less numerous.
Baby acne clears up on its own within 1-4 months. Since you might not want this little things to accompany your newborn's first photography session, consider those first 2 weeks of age.
- Neonatal Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the white part of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby due to high bilirubin levels. Happens to about 60% of full term newborns and 80% of premature babies and is usually a physiological state, which means it comes and goes without making any harm.
The yellowish complexion appears a day or two after birth and may last for about 7-10 days in term newborns and 14 days in premature newborns.
Some parents choose not to appoint the newborn photograpfy session until this yellow color totally disappears. And here is a trap: if you wait too long, 25% of us will get from that yellowish skin color directly into the baby acne.
- Baby colic typically starts in the first few weeks of a newborn's life, often around the second or third week, and can last for several months. Colic is not necessaily a sign of a health problem, however, it can be challenging for both parents and the baby due to excessive crying and fussiness.
On the other hand, it doesn't necessarily have to interfere with a baby photography session. The good thing about Colics is that they usually start at a certain time of the day.
Photographers and parents can work together to choose the right time for the session, when the colic chance is low, often during first part of the day, when the baby is most calm, after feeding or a nap.
Does it really matter?
Well, honestly speaking, none of the mentioned above is a real problem for either your baby's health or their first photography session. This is life and you might decide to just take those pictures whenever it is comfortable for you or whenever your baby photographer is available.
These are just things to know beforehand and we are writing about them only because they happen to almost every newborn but they are talked about so little. Who of us has heared about these physiological states before facing them as a new parent or reading this article?
Conclusion
So, here is what seems to be a rational conclusion: if you'd prefer to imprint that sweet flawless baby your newborn really is between jaundice and acne & colic, consider the second week of your baby's life for their newborn photography.
Otherwise just do it whenever it feels comfortable to you, yet be aware of possible imperfections.
Now take a look at our amazing newborn first photography session props for your inspiration.
Read on:
Creative Ideas For A DIY Baby First Fotography Session - Part 3. Letterboard Messages
How To DIY Newborn Fotography? Newborn Photography Tips - Part 2
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