Ways to Help a Newborn Sleep During Your Newborn Photography Session with Elizabeth Lang Photography

As a newborn photographer, one of my main goals is to capture the sweetness and serenity of your baby in the first few days of life. However, as any parent knows, newborns can be a bit unpredictable! Getting them into a deep sleep during a photoshoot can take a little time, patience, and some tried-and-true techniques. At Elizabeth Lang Photography, based in Surrey, near Vancouver, I’ve honed a few tricks to help babies relax and drift off to sleep, ensuring that your newborn’s session is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

From creating the ideal environment to using a few gentle tools, there are several ways we can help your little one sleep soundly during the shoot. Here are some of my favorite techniques for helping babies sleep during newborn photography sessions.

1. Feed Them Before the Session

The most important step in preparing for your newborn session is feeding your baby right before we start. A full belly will help your baby feel comfortable and more likely to fall asleep during the session. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a calm, content baby is a sleepy baby, which makes posing and capturing those adorable moments much easier.

We’ll work around your baby’s feeding schedule, so feel free to nurse or bottle-feed as needed during the session. Some babies even drift off to sleep while feeding, which can lead to those peaceful, sleeping shots that parents adore.

2. Keep the Room Warm

Newborns are used to the warmth of the womb, so keeping the room warm during the shoot is essential. The warm environment will help your baby feel comfortable and relaxed, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

I always ensure that the room is heated to a cozy temperature, typically around 75-80°F (24-27°C), which encourages sleep and helps your baby stay calm during the session. The warm room also prevents your baby from feeling cold when we undress them for certain poses.

3. Swaddle the Baby

Swaddling is an excellent way to help a newborn feel secure and comfortable, which encourages them to settle down and sleep. When a baby is swaddled, they feel snug and supported, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb.

I use soft, stretchy fabrics to swaddle your baby gently but securely, which can help them drift off to sleep quickly. This technique works especially well for capturing peaceful sleeping shots.

4. Use a "Shusher"

Sometimes all it takes is a little soothing sound or motion to help a baby fall asleep. I’ll use a gentle "shush" sound, which is reminiscent of the sounds they heard while in the womb, to help lull your baby to sleep.

If the baby is a bit fussy, I may also rock or bounce them gently in my arms. Slow, rhythmic movements can be incredibly calming and encourage your newborn to relax and fall into a deep sleep. You can use a baby shusher or the shutter sound from Spotify.

5. White Noise

White noise is a wonderful tool for soothing newborns and helping them sleep. The consistent sound mimics the ambient noise of the womb, providing a familiar and calming environment.

During your newborn session, I have a white noise machine that can be turned on in the background to help keep your baby calm and comfortable. The soothing sound helps drown out other noises in the environment, creating a more peaceful atmosphere for the baby to sleep in. I use a white noise machine to keep a steady background noise.


6. Slow Movements and Patting Their Bum

When it comes to posing and positioning your newborn, slow and steady movements are key. Sudden or jerky motions can startle babies and make them wake up or become fussy. I move very slowly and carefully when adjusting your baby for different poses to ensure that they stay relaxed and sleepy.

Additionally, I find that gently patting the baby’s bum while they are in a resting pose can also help them feel secure and relaxed, encouraging them to fall deeper into sleep.

7. Vibration Tools – LullaVibe and Rockit

For babies who need a little extra assistance in falling asleep, I use two amazing tools: LullaVibe and Rockit. Both of these devices provide gentle, soothing vibrations that can help calm a baby and rock them into a deeper sleep.

  • LullaVibe is a portable vibrating mat that can be placed underneath the baby’s surface (like a beanbag or blanket). The vibrations mimic the comforting sensation of being rocked, which can quickly settle a baby into a peaceful sleep.
  • Rockit is a small device that attaches to strollers or bassinets and provides a gentle rocking motion, which can also be used during your newborn session to help soothe your baby.

These vibration tools are very helpful when trying to get a baby into a deep sleep and keep them calm between poses. Holding and gently rocking or bouncing your baby is also a tried and true way to encourage sleep.

8. Warm the Props and Beanbag Before Placing Baby Down

A cold surface can be uncomfortable for a newborn, so before placing your baby on any props, such as a beanbag, bed, or basket, I always make sure to warm them up.

I use heat pads to warm the props, ensuring that when your baby is placed down, they’ll be cozy and comfortable. This extra warmth can be very helpful in keeping your newborn relaxed and sleepy as we transition from one pose to the next.

9. Pacifiers – A Helpful Soothing Tool

Pacifiers can be a great tool for keeping your baby asleep between poses. If your baby uses a pacifier, I encourage you to bring one with you to the session.

Sometimes, just giving your newborn a few moments with the pacifier can help them settle back to sleep, especially if they’re stirring between poses. I always make sure to remove the pacifier before we capture any images, but it can be a helpful tool in between shots to keep your baby relaxed and calm.

10. Cover Their Eyes to Help Them Sleep

In the early days, babies are often sensitive to light, and covering their eyes can help them drift into a deeper sleep. During the session, I may use a soft, light cloth to gently cover your baby’s eyes. This can block out the light and create a peaceful, sleepy atmosphere that helps your newborn stay relaxed.


Conclusion: Patience and Preparation for a Peaceful Session

The key to a successful newborn photography session is patience and preparation. By using these techniques—feeding before the session, keeping the room warm, swaddling, using white noise, and gentle movements—we can help your baby settle into a peaceful, deep sleep, making it easier to capture those serene, heartwarming images.

If you’re ready to schedule your newborn photography session in Surrey (near Vancouver), I’d love to help you create beautiful memories of your baby’s first days. Contact me today, and let’s work together to create a stress-free, enjoyable experience for you and your little one.


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY