Tips for a safe newborn photography session

If you're a new parent, you’ve probably mastered the art of worrying (congrats!). After all, you are now in charge of a tiny human! Crazy, huh? From researching the best baby bottles to the safest car seats to googling "Is it normal for a newborn to make weird noises?" at 2 AM, keeping your little one safe is always top of mind. And when it comes to newborn photography, safety should be just as important as capturing those adorable, squishy poses.

Why do I care about safety? I have been a pediatric nurse for nearly 28 years as well as a northern Utah newborn photographer for 8 years. I take every precaution to ensure that your baby is cozy and comfortable (and most importantly safe!) throughout the entire session. So, let’s talk about what goes on behind the scenes to keep your tiny human happy and protected while we get those dreamy newborn photos!

Sweet baby Oliver, cozy on my posing table

Keeping Baby Warm

Newborns love being warm. They are used to a 98.6 degree mama oven! They sleep better, feed better, and grow better when they are kept nice and warm. They do not have the fat stores that help maintain a body temperature, so we swaddle them and keep them in a warm environment so they are nice and cozy. However, I also don’t want them overheating like they’re in a sauna. My studio is kept nice and toasty to mimic that cozy womb environment, but I always monitor baby’s temperature to make sure they don’t get too warm. I use space heaters strategically (not blasting like a desert windstorm) and keep an eye out for any signs of overheating, like redness, fussiness, or sweating. The goal is a comfortable, sleepy baby!

Baby Covelyn staying warm in my studio

A Germ-Free Zone

Let’s be real—babies are tiny, snuggly, and amazing, but there are many things that they just aren't very great at. One of which is fighting off infections. Newborns are not born with much of an immune system, which means a clean environment is a must. I take cleanliness very seriously in my studio. All wraps, blankets, and props are thoroughly washed and sanitized between sessions, and I keep my hands cleaner than a surgeon before handling your little one. If I even think I might be coming down with a sniffle, or if anyone in my family is sick, we reschedule. Baby’s health comes first, no exceptions!

Keeping my studio free of germs helps to protect tiny ones - like these preemie twins

Posing Like a Pro (because baby's safety and comfort matters!)

We’ve all seen those heart-melting newborn photos where baby looks impossibly tiny and perfectly curled up. But here’s the thing—those poses are done safely and gently with a trained hand. Some of the more intricate poses are actually done as composites (thank you, Photoshop!), which means baby is always fully supported. I never force a baby into a position they’re not comfortable in, and if they’re not feeling a certain pose, we move on. Newborn photography is about capturing baby as they are, not making them into a baby pretzel.

Froggy pose is a composite photo done in photoshop. I never take my hands off baby!

Never Leaving Baby Unattended—Because Babies Aren’t Props

This one should go without saying, but let’s be extra clear: I never, ever leave baby unattended during a session. Whether they’re swaddled on a blanket, nestled in a basket, or posed on a beanbag, I will always be there within arm’s reach, or I will ask you to help! Babies are wiggly, unpredictable, and sometimes surprisingly strong for their size! My number one job is making sure your little one is safe while capturing the sweetest moments.

Baby Jordyn giving a sweet smile

Choosing a Safe and Experienced Newborn Photographer

When you’re looking for newborn photography in Utah, experience and safety training matter. Newborn photography isn’t just about having a fancy camera or cute props and outfits - it’s about knowing how to handle and pose delicate little humans in the safest way possible. As a newborn photographer in Sandy, Utah, I’m here to make sure your session is not only beautiful but also completely stress-free for you and your baby.

So if you’re ready to capture those precious early days in a way that’s safe, cozy, and even a little fun (yes, newborn sessions can be fun!), click over to my contact page and let’s chat! I’d love to help you create memories, photos and artwork for you to cherish!

-Jami

Snuggled up and cozy!