When new baby meets big sibling (and energy meets snuggles)
If you’ve got a fresh little bundle in your arms and a few older kiddos bouncing around nearby, you might be wondering… can we actually pull off a newborn session that includes everyone without it turning into total chaos?
The short answer? Absolutely. The slightly longer answer? Yes, and it can be incredibly meaningful and sweet (even with some sibling shenanigans along the way).
I’ve been in the thick of those early days myself, and I know just how unpredictable newborn life can feel, especially when there are older siblings who are still adjusting, exploring, or feeling a lot of Big Feelings about their new baby sibling. That’s why I come into every newborn session with a whole lot of patience, a touch of silliness, and a calm, flexible energy that meets your family right where you are.
Let me show you exactly how we can make your newborn photos with older siblings not just successful, but joyful.
Setting up for connection, not perfection
Let’s just name it: toddlers don’t usually want to sit still and say “cheese” the moment a new camera enters the room… especially when their world has just been flipped upside down by a teeny, adorable human who cries and gets all the attention. And honestly, I don’t expect them to! Being a big sibling is exciting, but it’s also a huge adjustment.
That’s why I treat these sessions as what they really are, family photo sessions that just happen to include a newborn.
I recently had the sweetest session with a family of five. Their older kiddos were full of energy (and opinions!), especially the oldest who took it upon herself to help mom style the bed and arrange things just so. She was so proud and helpful, even if it meant climbing on pillows or darting out of frame every now and then. What grounded the session, and kept it joyful, was the parents. Their calm, go-with-the-flow energy gave the kids room to be themselves, which meant we were able to capture real, loving moments between siblings and their new baby.
With the right approach, a little understanding, and a whole lot of grace, we can create images that feel like your true family story.
How to Make It Work: My Top Tips for Newborn Sessions with Siblings
1. Prep the Siblings Ahead of Time
I always recommend framing this session as a special family adventure. Where yes, the baby gets a little extra attention, but everyone is important. Kids pick up on everything, and setting the tone early with a little excitement goes a long way.
- Let them know they get to snuggle their new sibling, but also play, explore, and help (because who doesn’t love being helpful at age four?)
- Set expectations that it won’t be all photos, all the time. There will be breaks. There will be giggles. There might be snacks.
2. It’s Gonna Be a Little Wild and That’s Okay
Honestly, I expect (and love) the wild bits. Your toddler darting in and out of the frame? That’s just movement and story in motion. Older kids making silly faces? Perfect. We want real life here, the softness, the playfulness, and yes, even a little chaos.
During the shoot, I’ll often turn into temporary child-entertainment mode. I was a camp counselor and nanny before Emmy & Ollie Photography, and I’m endlessly intrigued (and amused) by what makes kids light up. I tend to keep things calm but fun during newborn sessions. Quiet silly, if you will.
Plus, while I’m wrangling sibling energy, you get to focus on your newborn and breathe a little bit.
3. Extend Grace, Not Pressure
There’s no rush during our session. One of the biggest reasons I make newborn sessions longer than standard family shoots is because babies need breaks. You know, bottles, diapers, snuggle resets. And big siblings need time too. We build space into the experience so no one is ever forced into a photo moment that doesn’t feel right.
I also always remind families: your home is beautiful as it is. If we need to move a random pile of laundry or stack of dishes for a photo, I’ll help with that. Otherwise, the lived-in look is part of the story. Trust me, the crumbs don’t show. What will show? How much love is in the room.
4. I’ve Got You, Mama
Between hormones, sleep deprivation, and potential posing anxiety, the thought of being camera-ready postpartum can feel… intimidating. I see you. Truly.
Which is why I always work closely with moms during newborn sessions to help find angles and moments where you feel good, not just look it. I’ll often pause to show you the back of the camera so you can see just how beautiful these moments are, right as they’re unfolding.
You deserve to be in the frame, not just behind it. Your kids’ll want to remember what you looked like holding them close, even if the house wasn’t spotless or your hair wasn’t curled just so.
Why it matters: This isn’t about perfect smiles
Honestly, the most heart-melting images I’ve ever delivered from sibling newborn sessions weren’t the posed ones. They were the in-between frames: a toddler wrapping a tiny arm awkwardly around baby sis, or a proud older brother trying not to blink while staring at this new, squishy human.
These photos are your family’s beginning to a brand new chapter, and they deserve to be full of feeling, not just formalities.
So if you’re sitting there wondering Can we really make this work with our wild child and cranky newborn and messy house? Let me say: yes. You bring the love and the story. I’ll bring the camera, the calm, and the snacks (okay, kidding – kind of).
Ready to create something beautiful and real?
If you’re planning a newborn session and want your whole family to shine (without the pressure), I’d love to walk alongside you through it. I photograph in-home newborn photography sessions in Ann Arbor and nearby Michigan cities, including Chelsea, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Saline, and Metro Detroit.
Let’s create images your kids will love looking back on as much as you do. You can reach out through my contact page to start the planning process or check out some of my recent work over on Instagram.
You’ve totally got this (and I’ve got you).
