Newborn · Baby Preparation
Sleepy Baby Preparation
How to prepare your baby (and yourself) for the newborn session
Page 01
Sleepy Baby Preparation — why it matters
Being a new parent can be overwhelming, especially those first few weeks. But being a parent myself, I can guarantee you it's all worth it. There is no other time your baby will look quite like they do right now. The peaceful, curled-up babies you see throughout my galleries all have one thing in common: their parents all did the same thing before the session.
Bath + full feeding + car ride to the studio = sleepy bliss & an amazing session.
One hour before
Step-by-step prep
- 01
Bathe the baby
The bath isn't only about clean skin and fluffy baby hair — the real purpose is to keep baby awake and tire them out. If the umbilical cord is off, give a full bath; otherwise use a wash cloth for a sponge bath as your doctor instructed. Linger. Draw it out longer than you normally would — you want baby AWAKE, so dilly-dally and take your time.
- 02
Feed the baby
Give a FULL feeding right before getting in the car — not a snack feeding. Tickle feet, change the diaper, do anything you can to keep baby awake and ensure a complete feeding. A full tummy equals a sleepy, content baby.
- 03
Naked baby
After the feeding, dress baby in only a diaper, tucked with a blanket for warmth if it's cool. Absolutely nothing that pulls over the head, no tight socks or elastic mitts. Secure the diaper with loose tabs so it comes off easily, and line the car seat with a burp cloth or diaper pad. Baby is photographed in the nude — everything I use is completely washable, so never worry about accidents.
- 04
Load up
Hop in the car and head to the studio. The ride puts your little one into a deep sleep. Cover baby when you get out of the car so the sun doesn't startle them awake. When you arrive, I'll take baby out of the car seat — that also keeps baby from smelling mom and wanting to nurse.
- 05
It will be warm
I'll be the main soother and handler. If I can't calm baby, I'll hand them to you for a top-off feeding. Sessions run long because time is built in for feeding, cuddling, and whatever else baby needs. The studio is kept very warm so baby stays completely content while undressed.
Pack the night before
What to bring
Pack the car the night before — it saves you time and stress in the morning.
- Diapers
- Milk — breast or bottle. If bottle-feeding, bring 1 to 2 extra feedings more than you expect to need.
- Parent change of clothes
- Pacifier — a must, even if baby doesn't currently take one
- Snacks and drinks for mom and dad
- An outfit for baby to wear home
- An extra parent outfit — your portrait outfit will likely be soiled. There's a bathroom at the studio to change or do makeup; we start with baby so mom has ample time for hair and makeup.
Add-on upgrade
Adding siblings & parents
Family portraits are an upgrade to your session — select the $149 Family Portrait add-on at checkout or on your emailed invoice. Family photos are always photographed during the last 30 minutes of the session.
- Siblings: please have them arrive for the last 30 minutes only — that's when family photos happen. No matter their age, waiting makes them anxious, and running or talking loudly can wake baby.
- Outfits: neutral colors are always beautiful — black, white, or solid tones, no busy patterns.
- Bring an extra shirt in case baby soils it.
- Makeup artist: I highly recommend it, and I have an artist who can come to the studio at the time of your appointment so you're camera-ready for parent shots. Let me know in advance so I can coordinate — her service isn't included in the session price.
Good to know
Questions parents ask
When is the ideal session date?
Between days 5 and 10, when babies are sleepiest and curl most naturally. Choose your due month at checkout and we'll hold a tentative date, then confirm within 48 hours of birth.
How long does the session take?
Plan for 2–3 hours. The time is intentionally unhurried so we can pause for feeding, soothing, and diaper changes as often as baby needs.
What if baby won't settle?
That's completely normal, and it's built into the schedule. I'll soothe, we'll top off a feeding, and we'll simply keep going — every gallery you see included at least one reset.
Should I skip the bath if the cord is still on?
Don't skip it — do a sponge bath with a wash cloth instead, exactly as your doctor instructed. The point is to gently tire baby out before the car ride.
Glam Studios · 11201 Hoyt Court, West Pasco, WA · Angela Johnson Photography
