Bringing a new baby home is magical… and a little chaotic — especially when there’s a toddler in the mix. One of the most common questions I’m asked is:

“Can we really do a newborn session if we also have a toddler?”

The answer is absolutely yes. In fact, some of the most beautiful, emotional images come from sessions that include big brothers and sisters.

If you’re feeling nervous about how your toddler will behave - you can relax — newborn sessions with toddlers are designed very differently from sessions with just a baby. They’re calm, flexible, and built around your children, not expectations.

Let me explain how a session with a newborn works.

We Start With Your Toddler

Toddlers have short attention spans, so we always begin with sibling and family images while they’re happy, curious, and feeling involved.

There’s no pressure to “perform” or sit perfectly still. Instead, I guide gentle interaction.

Safety Comes First

If your toddler isn’t comfortable holding baby on their own, we use:

a parent’s lap
arms around them
lying together safely
baby in a basket with toddler close

If your toddler isn’t keen to lie down for sibling photos, that’s completely okay. We simply adapt. Dad might hold baby while your toddler comes in for cuddles, kisses, or curiosity. We can sit together, stand close, use parents’ arms and laps, or capture connection in a way that feels comfortable for your child. There’s always another beautiful way to photograph your toddler and newborn together — nothing is forced, and flexibility is part of the process.

Family photos

When it comes to family photos, we’ll always try to capture everyone looking at the camera, using little tricks to encourage smiles. But some of the most cherished images happen naturally — when your toddler is looking at or interacting with your baby, sharing a giggle, a gentle touch, or a quiet cuddle. These real, connection-filled moments often become parents’ favourites because they show genuine love and emotion, not just a posed picture.

Photos of toddler only

We also take time for individual portraits of your toddler. These are relaxed and playful, using whatever helps them feel comfortable and happy — silly jokes, funny noises, little games, favourite toys, and sometimes even bubbles. The aim is to create genuine smiles and personality, not stiff posing. These moments often become some of the most loved images from the session.

Then We Focus On Your Newborn

Once your toddler has had their time, they can take a break, we have books and toys available, or they can relax with a parent while I focus on your newborn’s individual portraits.

This is when we capture those classic newborn moments:

sleepy stretches
tiny fingers and toes
soft wraps
peaceful expressions

Because we’re not rushing your toddler at this point, your baby has time to settle naturally.

Helping your Toddler Prepare

A few simple tips before your session:

✔ Talk about the photos in a positive way
✔ Let them know they’ll cuddle baby
✔ Don’t promise bribes tied to behaviour, but offer a reward for at the end of the session.
✔ Keep expectations gentle
✔ Bring snacks or comfort items

Your toddler doesn’t need to be “perfect” — they just need to feel safe, loved, and included.

In The End…

A newborn session with a toddler isn’t about control — it’s about connection.

It’s relaxed.
It’s flexible.
It’s built around your children.

And it creates images that capture not just what your family looks like, but how it feels to welcome a new baby together.

If you’re worried your toddler will be “too busy” for photos — trust me — that beautiful, curious energy is exactly what makes the session special.

What Does a Newborn Session With a Toddler Look Like?