Should You Use a Pacifier During Your Newborn Photography Session?
As a parent, you might have certain preferences or concerns when it comes to your newborn's care, and one question that often comes up before a newborn photography session is: Should you use a pacifier (soother) during the shoot? Some parents are adamant about not using a pacifier at home, while others worry that it might interfere with breastfeeding. I completely understand these concerns, so let me walk you through the role a pacifier can play during your newborn session and why it may be beneficial in certain situations.
Pacifiers and Breastfeeding: No Need to Worry
First things first—the pacifier used during your newborn session will not affect breastfeeding. Many parents worry that introducing a pacifier could disrupt the natural breastfeeding process or cause nipple confusion, but the key here is moderation. During your short photography session, the pacifier is only used for brief moments, typically to help settle your baby into a calm, relaxed state.
Newborn sessions usually last about 1-2 hours, and the time spent with the pacifier is minimal, just enough to help your baby transition between poses or settle into sleep. Since the pacifier is only used when your baby is nearly asleep or needs to be moved from one position to another, the amount of time they spend with it is negligible. Once your baby is asleep and comfortable, the pacifier is promptly removed.
Using a Pacifier to Help with Poses
The main reason for using a pacifier during a newborn session is to help your baby feel more settled and to help achieve those peaceful, sleeping poses we all love. Newborn photography often involves capturing those adorable curled-up positions, and babies sometimes need a little help relaxing into these poses.
The pacifier is a gentle tool to help soothe your baby, especially if they’re getting a little fussy or restless during the session. It’s especially useful when transitioning your baby from one position to another, as it helps them stay calm and relaxed. Once your baby is settled into a pose and asleep, the pacifier is removed. It is usually only used for a few minutes at a time.
The Best Pacifier for Newborn Sessions
If you do decide to use a pacifier during the session, my favorite soother to recommend is the Avent 0-months soother. These pacifiers are smooth, low profile, and easy to take in and out of your baby’s mouth without causing disruption. They are also designed in such a way that they don’t fall out as easily as the hospital-style soothers, which can be especially helpful during a photography session. Bonus if you do want soothers at home, the Avent make glow in the dark pacifiers which are a lifesaver for finding a soother in a dark room at night.
Please avoid bringing pacifiers with a toy or rope attached to them, as these can create unnecessary bulk for posing. They also don’t stay in the baby’s mouth as easily, which can make the session more challenging.
It's always a good idea to bring 2-3 pacifiers with you, as they often fall out during the session, and it’s handy to have backups available.
A Short and Sweet Tool
It’s important to keep in mind that the pacifier is only used for short periods during the session, making it a very temporary solution. The goal is never to rely on the pacifier for extended periods; it’s simply a tool to help make your baby more comfortable and cooperative for the photoshoot.
The amount of time your baby uses the pacifier is so brief that it won’t interfere with their overall feeding routine. If you’re concerned about breastfeeding, rest assured that the pacifier won’t affect your baby’s ability to latch or feed once the session is over.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether or not to use a pacifier during your newborn photography session is a personal choice. If you prefer not to use one, that’s completely fine, and I will adjust my approach accordingly. However, if you’re open to using a pacifier, it can be a helpful tool in ensuring your baby is calm and comfortable, allowing us to get the best possible shots without disrupting their natural flow.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, my goal is always to create a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. I will take extra care to ensure that your newborn’s well-being is prioritized throughout the session, and we can make decisions together about whether a pacifier will be helpful.
If you have any concerns or questions about using a pacifier during your session, feel free to reach out—I’m always here to help! Let’s work together to capture beautiful, timeless memories of your little one’s first few weeks.