Using Stuffed Animals to Add Charm and Sentimentality to Your Newborn Photography Session

By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, near Vancouver

As a newborn photographer based in Surrey, near Vancouver, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is capturing the special moments that will become timeless memories for families. Newborn photography is all about preserving the innocence and sweetness of your baby’s first days, and one of my favourite ways to add charm and sentimentality to the session is by incorporating stuffed animals.

You might be wondering, Why stuffed animals? While they might seem like a simple, playful addition, these little companions can actually play a significant role in telling a deeper story. Here’s why I love including stuffed animals in newborn photos and how they can make your session even more meaningful.

Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver

1. Personalizing the Session with Meaningful Props

I love when client to bring SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL to their session! stuffed animals aren’t just cute—they often hold sentimental value. Many parents have a favorite childhood stuffed animal, or you may have already received a special plush gift for your newborn from a friend or family member. Incorporating these meaningful items into the session adds a personal touch and helps tell your unique story.

When I include a stuffed animal that has sentimental meaning, it becomes more than just a prop. It symbolizes the love, care, and joy that surround your newborn and brings a deeper layer of connection to the photographs. Perhaps it’s the first gift from a grandparent, or maybe it’s a bear that’s been in the family for generations. These details are what make your session uniquely yours and infuse the images with emotion. With my own children I was able to use their grandfather's old bear and an old bear crocheted by their great grandmother! These items add so much meaning!

2. Creating a Soothing Atmosphere

One of the key goals of a newborn session is to keep your baby relaxed and comfortable, and stuffed animals can be a great way to help with that. A soft, cuddly plush toy can serve as a familiar, comforting presence for your baby. If your little one is feeling fussy or unsettled during the session, a stuffed animal can help calm them down and provide a sense of security. If you're bringing your child's bear from home the familiar smell and soft fur will bring extra comfort.

Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver

3. Size for Comparison

Newborns grow and change so quickly, and incorporating stuffed animals into their first photoshoot is a fun way to document these early milestones. For instance, you might use a teddy bear that’s slightly larger than your newborn to show just how tiny your baby is at that moment in time. As your baby grows, you can continue to photograph them with the same stuffed animal to show how they’ve grown in comparison to their plush companion.

One of the most fun aspects of this is the size comparison! That tiny stuffed animal will look enormous in your baby’s little hands, but as the months go by, the bear will gradually seem to shrink. It’s a playful way to document just how quickly your baby is growing. Imagine bringing that same stuffed animal to their first birthday session—it’ll be fascinating to see the dramatic difference in size! What once looked so big will now appear much smaller, showcasing just how far your baby has come in their first year.

This creates a beautiful, visual timeline of your baby’s growth, while also keeping the photos feeling personal and playful. It’s a keepsake that can be cherished not only in photos but also in your family’s memories. If you book a GROW WITH ME PACKAGE you can bring your stuffy to each shoot!

Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver

4. Incorporating Family Heirlooms or Special Gifts

Many parents have a family heirloom stuffed animal that has been passed down through generations, or they might receive a special gift from a loved one for their baby. Whether it’s a bear that once belonged to you or a cherished gift from a grandparent, these meaningful items can bring even more sentimental value to the session.

By including a special stuffed animal in the photos, we’re not just photographing your baby—we’re documenting the family history, love, and traditions that make your newborn's early days so meaningful. It’s these small but significant details that will make the photos feel timeless for you and your family for years to come.

Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver
Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver

5. Creating a Sense of Continuity

Stuffed animals are also great for creating continuity in your family’s photo history. They can appear in other sessions as your baby grows, whether it’s in milestone photos, first birthday sessions, or even family photos. These plush companions can become a thread that ties together different moments in your child’s life, creating a sense of continuity across years of photographs.

It’s a wonderful way to establish a visual narrative that captures your child’s growth and development, and it brings an extra layer of charm to each session. Whether your baby grows attached to the stuffed animal or it simply becomes a symbolic presence in their life, these little companions are sure to become a cherished part of your family’s photographic history.

Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver

Conclusion: Adding Heartfelt Charm to Your Newborn Session

Stuffed animals may seem simple, but their impact on a newborn photography session is anything but. They add a layer of charm, sentimentality, and personal significance that can elevate your photos in ways that go beyond the surface. From personalizing the session with meaningful props to providing comfort for your baby, stuffed animals bring a timeless quality to your images that will be treasured for years to come.

If you’re planning a newborn session with me at Elizabeth Lang Photography, I’d love to incorporate your baby’s special stuffed animals into the shoot. Whether it’s a beloved childhood toy or a gift from a loved one, these plush companions will help capture the essence of your baby’s early days in a truly unique way.

Let’s create memories together!


Elizabeth Lang Photography | Surrey, Vancouver


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY


Including stuffed animals in your newborn photography session for added charm. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Langley Vancouver