Uncategorized

June 2, 2025

How I include older siblings in your newborn session

At Lucy Rose Studios, I know just how special it is to welcome a new baby into the family – and I also understand how important it is to make older siblings feel involved, comfortable, and excited about the experience. I’ve been there very recently (you could say I’m still there to be honest!) as I have a four month old. Your older children will have suddenly aged five years and you might not know how to interact with them.. I know that sounds wild, but it is so normal and so common. So ensuring they are included throughout the session will allow you all to leave feeling confident! When you bring your little ones to your newborn session, here’s what I’ll do to make sure everyone has a lovely time and we capture beautiful, genuine moments..

Before the session, I’ll chat with you about how we can help your older child feel comfortable and excited. On the day, I’ll gently explain what’s going to happen, and reassure them that they’ll have a chance to shine in front of the camera. I bring a very patient and relaxed approach, so there’s no pressure, just fun!

I create a calm, playful atmosphere where your older child can naturally interact with their new sibling. Whether it’s a gentle kiss on the forehead or a big sibling cuddle, I’ll encourage those sweet, spontaneous moments that show their bond. No forced smiles here – just real love. These appear more natural in my photography because.. well, they are natural. Siblings can come and go as they please – some like to be more hands on and help with my wraps, some like to play with their toys or read some of the studio books and then get really excited when I ask them to come and ‘help’ by finding their little baby hands because of course, I lost it AGAIN!

Every child is different, and I tailor the session to your family’s needs:

  • For toddlers, I’ll set up safe, cozy poses like lying next to the baby on a blanket.
  • For preschoolers, I’ll guide them into simple seated poses with lots of support.
  • For older children, I’ll suggest confident poses like gently holding or standing near the baby, always ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort.

I know how important it is that older siblings feel just as special as the new baby. That’s why I also take time to capture individual portraits of them, giving them a moment to shine and feel proud of their new role. I use positive encouragement throughout the session, making them feel like the superstar big brother or sister they are.

Little ones can get tired or distracted, and that’s completely okay! I keep the session flexible, allowing breaks for snacks, cuddles, or a bit of playtime. I aim to get sibling shots early on, when your child’s energy is highest, and I’ll always have plenty of patience and understanding if they need a moment to regroup!

At the heart of every session is your family’s unique bond. I’ll capture beautiful family portraits that showcase your love and connection, with relaxed, natural interactions. Whether it’s cuddling together on a cosy blanket or sharing a giggle, these images will tell the story of your family’s newest chapter.

If you’re expecting a new baby and want to create gorgeous, heartfelt memories with your growing family, I’d love to be part of your journey. My newborn sessions are designed to make everyone feel relaxed, valued, and celebrated—whether you’re in York or the surrounding Yorkshire areas.

Book your session today or send me a message to chat about how we can create beautiful memories together.

Feel free to explore my website for more information and to see some of the maternity photography I’ve captured. Have questions? Send me a little message here, lovely! I’d love to hear from you.

I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones!
Lucy xx

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *