Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most transformative moments—and what better way to celebrate than with a beautifully styled photographer-led session featuring your new baby alongside their older sibling(s)? These sibling-inclusive newborn portraits capture the magic of a growing family in one timeless, emotional visual story. Let’s explore why these sessions are so special, when to schedule them, and how to prepare for a stress‑free and joyful experience.
Reasons Why Sibling Newborn Shoots Are So Precious
- Witnessing an older sibling interact tenderly with the new baby—whether through gentle kisses, cuddles, or big-eyed curiosity—creates deeply moving visuals that resonate for years to come.
- These images freeze a fleeting moment: the meeting of siblings, often the older one adapting to newfound roles and responsibilities.
- Having these portraits is not just documentation—it’s a testament to your children’s bond and the evolution of your family story.
When to Book & Why
Timing is crucial in newborn photography:
- First two weeks are ideal—the baby is most likely to be sweetly sleepy, snuggled, and poseable in those curled-up newborn frames
- Morning Star specifically recommends shooting between days 5 and 14, capturing both the classic curled newborn shape and the vibrant alertness that soon follows.
- Siblings are at their most cooperative at this time, too: babies are calmest, and older children can be involved before the days blur into busy toddlerhood.
See more: Essential Tips for Booking a Newborn Shoot
Book your spot during pregnancy (often with a tentative date), then confirm around days 5–14 post-birth—this ensures you’ll capture the newborn magic, with siblings still in their early big-brother/sister phase.
Choose the Right Photographer
Safety, experience, and a caring approach are essential, especially when working with both a newborn and siblings:
- Look for newborn-specific qualifications—Morning Star’s photographer, Shauna, for instance, is trained in newborn first aid and has nearly 20 years of experience.
- Her calm, soothing style helps children of all ages feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera, giving you authentic, emotional images.
- Regional expertise—if you’re in Limerick, Shauna has a beautiful portfolio of newborn shoots in a cosy, studio-like home setting.
Read more about Shauna’s experience here.
Preparing for the Day: Comfort & Flow
A smooth shoot is a comfortable one. Here’s how to help everything flow effortlessly:
1. Feed and settle your newborn
- Aim for a full, contented belly just before the session—sleepy, smiling, and ready for gentle posing.
- Babies typically sleep better after a warm bath in the morning, and a gentle feed just before arrival helps them settle early in the session.
- However… if a newborn is fussy and you or your baby are having a tough day, we will mind you and look after you on the day.
2. Warmth is essential
- Whether in-studio or at home, maintain a temperature of around 24–27 °C (75–80 °F) to keep the baby peacefully asleep. Our studio at Morning Star is set to a comfortably warm temperature, and we have blankets and props available for your use.
- Dress in layers for your comfort, as newborn shooting often requires a warmer room, and you can shed layers if needed.
3. Plan for sibling involvement
- A newborn shoot can feel long to a young child, so it’s best to schedule sibling photos at the beginning or end to suit their attention span.
- Morning Star gently encourages and includes big siblings as much as possible to entice them to join, ensuring they don’t feel overshadowed.
- Bring calming toys and a favourite teddy to help them feel engaged and special during their photo moment.
4. Essentials to bring
For Baby
Neutral swaddles/outfits, headbands, Knitted hats, along with the usual bag of newborn needs like nappies, wipes, and any soothing or feeding items as needed.
For Everyone Else
Snacks and water, changes of clothes if needed and big smiles.
Keep it simple. Neutral, soft fabrics—cream, white, pastel—help everyone coordinate and keep the focus on heartfelt expressions.
Pro Tips for Success
- Stay flexible: Let the shoot follow the baby’s natural rhythm. Breaks for feeding or calming are not interruptions—they’re part of the creative process.
- Avoid fancy gear: Simple props and minimal distractions keep the shots sincere and timeless.
READ NEXT: Newborn Shoot in Limerick.
In Summary
- Schedule early: Book during pregnancy, confirm at days 5–14.
- Select an accredited photographer: Training, safety, and experience are essential.
- Create or know your photographer has a comfortable setting: Warm, calm, clean, and supportive.
- Coordinate sibling involvement: Choose a photographer who will keep them engaged, special, and relaxed.
A sibling-inclusive newborn photoshoot is so much more than a set of pictures—it’s a celebration of the evolving love, the tender beginnings of a sibling bond, and a visible manifestation of your growing family. With thoughtful timing, a nurturing environment, and a skilled photographer, these will become the images you treasure forever—passed down, remembered, and cherished as time moves forward.
Book your siblings-and-newborn session early, prepare your hearts and your home, and let every genuine smile, hug, and sleepy yawn become a cherished keepsake of your expanding family.
Book Your Professional Newborn PhotoShoot Today
To book a shoot with Shauna, click below to contact Morning Star Photography.