Whats the best age to get Baby Photos Taken?
The Best Age for photos with your new baby: A Guide for New Parents
At every single newborn session I get asked this question ‘whats the best age for newborn photos?’ and I think its because, regardless of how old your new addition is, as a new parent EVERYTHING is so big and life as you know it has changed, and all the firsts, and until you’re in the thick of it or even after your realise the days are so long but the changes come so quickly, almost without us knowing and its a little overwhelming and were trying to grab onto every little moment of this little miracle - all with minimum sleep! Whew!
One of the best ways to save those fleeting moments is through a newborn photo lifestyle session—a natural, intimate way to capture this rollercoaster of your family’s early days at home. …
BUT heres the catch.. its all goodness, its all life and each change is worth photographing so lets talk through the ideal ages for a lifestyle photoshoot and what makes them special, so you can choose the perfect moment to capture your baby’s early milestones…
The Newborn Stage (0-2 Weeks)
The newborn phase is magical (and really bloody tiring). Those tiny hands, sleepy expressions, and curled-up poses are incredibly precious, and many parents choose to schedule a photoshoot during the first two weeks of their baby’s life. This time frame is ideal because:
Sleepy and Flexible: Newborns this young spend most of their time sleeping, which allows for more peaceful, posed shots. They also remain flexible, which helps when capturing curled-up poses that many parents love.
Capture the Tiny Details: Newborn photos are perfect for showcasing their miniature features—their tiny fingers, toes, and delicate facial expressions.
However, keep in mind that scheduling this session requires some planning ahead. Photographers specializing in newborns often book up in advance, so be sure to reach out during your pregnancy to secure a spot.
The 3-6 Month Stage
The 3-6 month window is another fantastic time for a lifestyle session, especially for capturing moments of interaction. Here’s why this its super lovely:
Increased Alertness: Around 3 months, babies begin to stay awake for longer periods and become more engaged with their surroundings. They will likely start making eye contact, offering small smiles, and even showing curiosity about their environment.
Tummy Time: This is the age when babies start developing stronger neck muscles and can hold their heads up for short periods. Tummy time shots can be a great addition to your session, showcasing your baby’s development.
Natural Expressions: Babies at this age are also starting to express themselves more, which leads to candid moments that feel true to their personality. If you want a mix of posed and natural images, this is a great stage to do it.
If this is your first baby its a time I think you become more confident with your little person getting to know their personalities and the photos become more interactive to get out those little smiles and a giggle if you’re lucky.
The 6-9 Month Stage
Around the 6-9 month mark, many babies are able to sit up on their own, which opens up even more possibilities for your lifestyle session. Here's why this age is ideal:
Sitting Up and Playfulness: This is the age when your baby begin to sit up by themselves, and their personality really starts to shine. They may not yet be crawling (though some might be), so you can capture cute moments of them interacting with their toys, parents, or even the family pet.
Capturing Milestones: If you’ve been hoping to document significant milestones like sitting, giggling, or grabbing objects, this is a great time to do so. The 6-9 month period is filled with physical and emotional growth that’s a joy to photograph.
Increased Interaction: Babies at this age are more interactive, making for wonderful photos of them bonding with mom, dad, or siblings. These sessions tend to feel very personal and authentic.
I absolutely love the chubby rolls that tend to show up around this time when theyre experimenting with food, creases in their wrists, chucnky little legs - SO CUTE!
The 9-12 Month Stage
The final stage in the first year—the 9-12 month window—is another magical time for baby photos. Many babies are crawling, standing, or even taking their first steps by this point, and the level of personality and playfulness is unmatched. Here’s why this age is ideal for photos:
Active and Curious: Babies are much more active at this stage and enjoy exploring their environment. You’ll get great shots of them exploring their surroundings, playing with toys, and interacting with family members.
Big Milestones: By the time your baby reaches 9-12 months, they are likely to be more mobile, perhaps even taking their first steps. These milestones are worth capturing in a natural, lifestyle photoshoot.
Expressions and Personality: At this age, your baby’s personality really starts to come through in their facial expressions and movements. Their developing sense of humor and interaction with the world around them can lead to some of the most heartwarming and unique photos.
Which Stage Is Best for Your Baby?
Ultimately, the best time for a lifestyle photoshoot depends on the moments you want to capture and your baby’s temperament. If you’re looking for peaceful, serene shots, the newborn stage (0-2 weeks) is ideal. If you want to document your baby’s blossoming personality and early milestones, the 3-6 month or 6-9 month stages may be better suited for your session.
Turns out theres no wrong answer and only a best age that suits timing in your family!
OR EVEN BETTER have a few milestone sessions across the year (chat to me to hear about this) and at the end choose your fave and print them in an album!!!
Let me leave you with this: Most importantly do consider how you as a mum are feeling after birth its different for each of us and it really matters how you feel. Always feel free to chat to me about this so we can make sure this a really special and enjoyable experience for you - as a mum of three I do really care how you are.
Anyway, I LOVE a One Year Old session, theres something super special to mark this first year milestone - for your baby and for yourself as parents! Check out these beautiful photos of a One year old milestone session at home in Cavan.
