Can Brothers and Sisters Be Included in Newborn Photos?
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One of my favorite questions parents ask is:
“Can our older child be in the newborn photos too?”
My answer is always the same.
Absolutely.
In fact, some of the most meaningful photographs from a newborn session have very little to do with posing and everything to do with the relationship that’s just beginning.
A toddler carefully touching tiny toes.
A big brother proudly announcing, “That’s my baby.”
A little sister giving one quick kiss before running off to explore the studio.
Those moments can’t be recreated later.
They’re happening for the very first time.
And they’re worth remembering.
Every Child Reacts Differently
One thing I’ve learned over the years is this:
There is no “normal.”
Some older siblings walk into the studio and immediately want to hold the baby.
Others aren’t quite sure what to think.
Some are shy.
Some are energetic.
Some spend the first fifteen minutes pretending they don’t even notice the new baby.
Every reaction is perfectly okay.
Children don’t need to perform.
They simply need permission to be themselves.
Toddlers Don’t Need to Sit Still
This might be one of the biggest surprises for parents.
You don’t have to spend the week before your session teaching your two-year-old how to smile at a camera.
Honestly…
Please don’t.
Toddlers were never designed to sit perfectly still.
They’re curious.
They’re busy.
They’re wonderfully unpredictable.
Instead of expecting perfection, I work with their personality.
Sometimes that means capturing a quiet cuddle.
Sometimes it means documenting a giggle after they tell me about their favorite dinosaur.
Either way, we’re creating memories—not school portraits.
Safety Always Comes First
Whenever siblings are holding or sitting near the baby, safety is my first priority.
Every pose is carefully guided, and a parent is always close by when needed.
Sometimes I’ll have a sibling sit on the floor while holding the baby.
Other times, I’ll ask Mom or Dad to support the baby just outside the frame.
The goal is never to force a pose.
The goal is to create a beautiful photograph while making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.
We Work Around Your Child’s Attention Span
Young children don’t usually have an hour’s worth of patience.
Honestly…
Most adults don’t either.
That’s why I like to photograph sibling portraits early in the session.
Once we’ve captured those special moments, older children can take a break, enjoy a snack, explore a little, or even head home with one parent if that works best for your family.
Removing pressure often leads to happier kids—and happier parents.
Don’t Worry About Perfect Smiles
Here’s something I hope takes a little weight off your shoulders.
I’m not looking for perfect smiles.
I’m looking for genuine connection.
Sometimes that’s a serious expression.
Sometimes it’s a belly laugh.
Sometimes it’s your toddler looking curiously at the baby instead of the camera.
Those authentic moments tell the story of your growing family far better than perfectly posed smiles ever could.
The Sweetest Moments Are Usually Unplanned
One of my favorite memories happened during a session when a little boy quietly leaned over and whispered,
“I’ll keep you safe.”
No one asked him to say it.
No one coached him.
It simply happened.
His parents immediately teared up.
Those are the moments families remember years later.
They’re impossible to schedule.
But they’re exactly why I always leave room for real life to unfold.
Preparing Older Children
There’s very little you need to do before your session.
In fact, keeping things simple usually works best.
A few helpful ideas:
- Tell them they’re coming to meet someone who takes pictures of families.
- Avoid telling them they have to “be good.”
- Bring a favorite snack.
- Pack a small comfort item if needed.
- Let them know there will be breaks.
- Don’t promise rewards for smiling.
Keeping expectations low often creates the most natural experience.
When Siblings Need a Break
Sometimes children reach their limit.
That’s okay.
If they need to run around for a few minutes, we let them.
If they want a cuddle with Mom, that’s perfectly fine.
If they decide they’re done…
We’re done.
Children don’t remember being asked to smile.
They remember how they felt.
I want them to leave thinking photography was actually fun.
These Photos Become Family Treasures
Years from now, your children won’t notice whether everyone’s hair was perfect.
They’ll notice how tiny they both were.
They’ll laugh at the little pajamas.
They’ll remember that this was the day they officially became a big brother or big sister.
Those photographs often grow more valuable with every passing year.
They’re the beginning of a relationship that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toddlers really participate in newborn sessions?
Absolutely. Every session is designed to be flexible, allowing plenty of time for young children to adjust naturally.
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What if my older child doesn’t cooperate?
That’s completely normal. We work with your child’s personality rather than expecting perfect behavior.
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Is it safe for siblings to hold the baby?
Yes, with careful guidance and support. Safety always comes first.
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Should siblings come at the beginning or end of the session?
I usually recommend photographing sibling portraits early while they’re fresh and engaged.
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Should I bring snacks?
Definitely. Happy kids usually have snacks nearby.
Ready to Celebrate Your Growing Family?
Welcoming a new baby is a milestone for the whole family—not just the newest little one. Whether your toddler is excited, shy, or somewhere in between, we’ll create a relaxed experience that celebrates this new chapter together.
My studio in Bonsall welcomes families from Fallbrook, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Camp Pendleton, Temecula, Valley Center, and throughout North County San Diego. My goal isn’t to create perfect moments—it’s to preserve real ones.
Learn more or reserve your due date here: