Awake Newborns: What to Do If Your Baby Won’t Sleep
By Elizabeth Lang Photography
When I first started doing newborn photography, I followed the traditional approach: If a baby was awake, we would pause the session and wait for them to fall asleep. After all, sleeping babies were easier to pose and photograph. But over the years and with more experience, I’ve shifted my approach. I’ve learned that an awake baby doesn’t have to interrupt your session or create stress—if anything, it can make the experience even more memorable!
In the past, when a baby was awake, I would hand them back to mom to nurse and we would wait until they drifted off into dreamland before continuing the session. But this created unnecessary anxiety for parents. Moms often felt like their baby wasn’t “cooperating,” and this led to rushed feedings. Sometimes babies wouldn’t get a full meal, which made the whole process even more stressful for everyone involved. And as the photographer, I also felt pressure, worried I wouldn’t get the full gallery of photos I wanted for the family. This would often result in longer sessions than necessary, which can be hard on new parents who are already feeling overwhelmed.
Now, my mindset has completely shifted. If a baby is awake but content and calm, we carry on with the session! I’ve learned that this takes away the unnecessary stress and helps everything run more smoothly. I make sure the baby is fed, changed, and comfortable—if they’re not crying, there’s no reason to stop the session for sleep. Of course, we may make some adjustments depending on how the baby is positioned. For example, if a baby is awake, I’ll usually wrap them to help keep their arms and legs safely in place. If they were asleep, I might pose them unwrapped on their belly, but for an awake baby, wrapping them provides the support they need.
The beauty of photographing an awake baby is that we can still create beautiful, memorable images without having to wait for sleep. This also makes better use of our time together, ensuring the session isn’t dragged out too long. Plus, awake babies are absolutely adorable, and I’ve found that parents (and especially grandparents!) love seeing their newborn’s bright, curious eyes. The moments when a baby is awake bring a sense of personality and charm to the photos that you can’t always capture with a sleeping baby. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate their personality and energy, even at such a young age.
One of the things I love most about newborn photography is how flexible we can be in capturing your baby’s unique moments. Every baby is different, and if they’re awake and alert, there’s no reason we can’t continue creating beautiful memories. Whether your baby is snoozing away or wide-eyed and curious, I’m here to guide you through the process and make sure we capture stunning images of this precious time.