Three young siblings lying on a white quilt: two smiling older brothers in neutral sweaters snuggled up next to their newborn baby sister, who is wrapped in a white blanket and wearing a floral headband.

Welcoming Baby: Newborn Sessions with Siblings

April 17, 2025•3 min read

Bringing a new baby home is a moment filled with love, excitement, and, let’s be honest—some big changes! One of the most special parts of a newborn session is capturing the bond between your newest little love and their older sibling or siblings. These images tell the story of your growing family and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

Preparing Older Siblings for the Session

Big brothers and sisters may feel a mix of emotions about the arrival of a newborn, so I always approach sibling portraits with patience and flexibility. Before the session, it’s helpful to:

Talk About What to Expect – Let them know they’ll be part of a fun photo session with their new sibling.
Let Them Be Themselves – If they want to hold the baby, great! If they’d rather lay next to them or give a sweet kiss on the forehead, that works too.
Bring a Favorite Item – A special stuffed animal or blanket can add comfort and make for a sweet detail in the photos.

Capturing Natural Connections

Every sibling relationship is unique, and my goal is to document that connection in an authentic way. Some older siblings are eager to snuggle up, while others need a little more time to warm up. Whether it’s a gentle touch, a curious glance, or a big squeeze, I work with each child’s personality to create images that feel natural and full of love.

Collage of family newborn photos featuring two young brothers holding and cuddling their newborn baby sister, parents smiling with all three children, and sweet sibling moments with soft natural light and cozy neutral outfits.

Coordinating Outfits for a Timeless Look

Choosing the right outfits for a newborn session can help create a cohesive and classic look. Here are a few tips:

Stick to Neutral Colors – Soft tones like beige, cream, pastels, and light grays, blues, and pinks help keep the focus on the love and connection in your family.
Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns – Clothing with large logos or bold patterns can be distracting. We want to capture the interaction between siblings, and logos will pull the eye away from those sweet moments. Instead, opt for simple, textured fabrics that add depth without overwhelming the image.
Comfort is Key – Make sure outfits are comfortable for both the baby and older siblings. Soft, breathable fabrics work best for everyone.
Coordinated but Not Matching – Instead of identical outfits, try complementary colors and tones for a harmonious look.

Scheduling Sibling Photos for a Smooth Session

To make the session easier for everyone, I recommend scheduling sibling portraits at the very beginning or the very end of the session. This allows younger siblings to participate while they are still fresh and engaged. If possible, having a grandparent or another caregiver take them home or back to school afterward can help keep the rest of the session calm and focused on the newborn. This way, we can create the best possible experience for both the older child and the new baby without overwhelming anyone.

Collage of newborn family photos featuring two older brothers snuggling their baby sister, sweet family portraits with parents and all three kids, and gentle moments captured in soft natural light with neutral, cozy outfits.

Creating a Calm and Comfortable Atmosphere

To ensure a smooth session, I take extra steps to create a calm environment. I keep the room warm and softly lit, which helps newborns feel cozy and relaxed. If an older sibling needs a break, that’s completely okay—we can take our time and work at their pace. Some of the sweetest moments come when children are simply being themselves, whether they’re curiously watching the baby sleep or giggling at their tiny fingers and toes.

A Gift for the Whole Family

Years from now, your children will love looking back at these images. Seeing themselves as part of their sibling’s earliest days reinforces their bond and their place in the family. It’s a priceless reminder of where their journey together began.

A newborn session is about more than just beautiful images—it’s about preserving memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. If you’re expecting and want to create timeless images of your little ones together, let’s chat! I’d love to help document this special chapter for your family.