Why I Photograph Babies Between 4-14 Days Old

By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, near Vancouver

If you’ve been considering newborn photography, you may have come across the advice to schedule your session when your baby is between 4-14 days old. But why this specific window? Is it just a recommendation, or is there a science behind it? As a newborn photographer, I can tell you that this age range is very helpful for capturing those peaceful, dreamy, posed shots that are so iconic to newborn photography. In this blog post, I’ll explain why 4-14 days old is the sweet spot for newborn sessions and how this timing benefits both you and your baby.


The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

1. Babies Are Still in That "Newborn Stage"

The first 14 days of a baby’s life are incredibly special. They are still in their “newborn stage,” meaning they are small, squishy, and full of the adorable features that make newborn photography so magical. In these early days, babies still have that tiny, curled-up look, with their hands tucked under their chins and legs bent up toward their bellies, which is the perfect pose for many classic newborn shots.

This stage is also when babies have more “newborn fuzz”—the fine, soft hair they’re born with—and their skin is still adjusting to the outside world, often with that fresh, newborn glow. Other special newborn features I love are forehead creases, flaky skin, milia, birth marks and stork bites. They’re also still very sleepy, which means they’re more likely to stay asleep for the long periods of time needed to get those sweet posed shots.

The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

2. Easier to Pose and Get Those Iconic “Curled Up” Shots

One of the main reasons we photograph babies so early is that, at 4-14 days old, babies still have a natural preference for curling up, which is so central to newborn photography. They are used to being curled up tight in the womb, so when we gently pose them in those precious, cozy positions—like the froggy pose or womb pose—they’re more likely to stay comfortable and calm.

As babies grow, they begin to stretch out more and become less flexible. By the time your baby is a few weeks old, they may have less of that curling reflex and be more easily startled. That means the “posed” shots, where babies are arranged in a relaxed and peaceful state, become more challenging.

The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

3. Baby is Still in a Deep Sleep Cycle

During the first two weeks of life, babies sleep for up to 16-18 hours a day. This deep sleep phase is crucial for getting those calm, dreamy shots. Babies at this age spend a significant portion of their sleep in a deeper state, which makes it easier to gently pose them without disturbing their slumber. As they grow older, they transition into lighter sleep cycles, which makes it harder to keep them asleep long enough for certain poses.

The deeper sleep also means that babies are less likely to wake up from being moved or repositioned. This is key for newborn photographers because it allows us to carefully arrange the baby without disturbing them too much.


The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

4. Babies Have That Beautiful, Soft Skin

Newborns between 4-14 days old still have that soft, velvety skin. Their skin has not yet begun to peel or develop the little imperfections that come with age. For parents looking for those close-up shots of their baby’s face or hands, this is the perfect time to capture those images, as the baby’s skin is still smooth, and the little features—such as their tiny toes and delicate eyelashes—are pristine.

Older babies may have developed their baby acne, their stork bite may have faded, the milia and the umbilical clamp are long gone.

The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

5. Easier to Capture the Family Dynamic

If you’re planning on having siblings involved in the shoot, this early timeframe is ideal for sibling shots as well. Newborns are usually too small to move much, so older siblings can hold them gently without worrying about the baby wiggling too much. The peacefulness of a 4-14 day old baby also makes sibling poses more relaxed, as they tend to stay asleep, giving older siblings the opportunity to sit comfortably next to them without causing any stress or disruption.

This is a beautiful way to document the early days of your family’s journey—siblings meeting their new baby brother or sister for the first time. It’s a unique moment that you’ll cherish for years to come.

The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos
The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

6. Younger Babies Are Small Enough for Little Props and Outfits

Newborns between 4-14 days old are typically small, usually weighing between 6.5-10 lbs. This size is ideal for many of the cute props and tiny outfits used in newborn photography. Whether it's tiny hats, little knitted sweaters, or a snug basket, these smaller babies fit perfectly into all the adorable props that make newborn photography so charming.

As babies grow, they start to fill out and stretch, making it harder to fit into those tiny outfits or props. Photographing them in the first two weeks ensures that they are small enough to capture all those sweet, snug poses.

The first few weeks are ideal for newborns to capture cute sleeping poses. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Vancouver baby family photos

7. You Have Timely Photos to Share and Cherish

Finally, having newborn photos done within the first two weeks of life ensures that you’ll have beautiful, timeless images that capture those early days of your baby’s life. It’s a period that goes by so quickly, and scheduling a session within this timeframe gives you photos that showcase the innocence, sweetness, and fragility of those first moments.

Whether you want to use the photos for birth announcements, share them with family and friends, or simply cherish them for years to come, getting them done early ensures that you won’t miss the chance to capture this fleeting period of your baby’s life.


Disclaimer – Every Baby is Unique!

Although 4-14 days is generally considered the ideal timeframe, every baby is different! I’ve photographed 4-day-old babies who didn’t sleep well, and 2-month-old babies who slept like a dream. While this 4-14 day window is a general guideline, I don’t turn away older babies. I’m more than happy to photograph your newborn at any age, and I’m prepared to adapt to each baby’s temperament and needs. Every baby has their own rhythm, and I’ll work with your little one to ensure we get beautiful photos no matter when your session takes place.


Conclusion: The First 14 Days Are Key for Newborn Photography

Capturing those precious newborn moments takes careful planning, and scheduling your session when your baby is between 4-14 days old is the best way to ensure you get the beautiful, serene images you’ve been dreaming of. From their squishy, curled-up poses to the peaceful sleep that allows for ideal photos, these early days are the perfect time for newborn photography.

If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your bundle of joy, don’t wait too long to schedule your session. Get in touch with me, and let’s capture those timeless moments during the most magical time in your baby’s life.

Elizabeth Lang Photography | Surrey, Vancouver


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY