As a newborn lifestyle photographer in the Seattle area, I love capturing the whole family in a way that feels natural and not staged. Some toddlers are super curious about their new sibling and love to cuddle up for photos, while other kids are a little more hesitant. I am very intuitive when it comes to kids and I have so many tricks to capture and delivery images you will love of the whole family!⁠ ⁠Here are my 4 go-to tips to help engage a toddler with their new baby brother or sister!

1. Individual Attention

There are two ways I provide individual attention to the older sibling(s) when I capture your family during a newborn lifestyle session. The first way, is before I give any attention to your new baby I work to bond with your child. If they are playing with a toy, I will sit down with them and ask them what they are playing and even join in. Sometimes I ask them to show me their favorite toy or their room. I make sure they know that I am a friend and getting them to like me will make a huge difference in the session when I ask them to connect with their new sibling for photos. I usually take a few photos of them playing and show them and make it really fun for them to see themselves on my camera. Bonus, you will get some sweet photos of your older kid(s) with this strategy.

The second way to give your child individual attention is between parent and the older child. Often I will make sure to take photos of your older kid(s) with just mom or just dad. Having them feel like they are just as important to receive attention can really make the moments I want them involved in a family photo or a sibling photo with the newborn go smoothly.

Tip: Before I arrive, tell them your friend "Lindsay” is coming over to play with them and take some photos of their family to put on the walls or in a book they can have to look at.

2. Playful Prompts

Play is the number 1 way to engage most toddlers. Tickle Fights, paddy cake, peek-a-boo, hanging them upside down, paddy cake, or any other silly things you like to do with your older kiddo can help them relax and not feel the pressure to smile and stare at my camera. While one parent plays with the older kid(s), the other parent can hold the newborn and look towards the pay and smile or laugh. A lot of times, the smiles and laughter are felt by all and it won’t feel forced.

Tip: Let me know ahead of time in my questionnaire I said, what games your kids like to play with you and I can help integrate those games throughout the session.

3. Space & Breaks

I give LOTS of breaks and space to older siblings during newborn sessions. I can read a room well and see when the wiggles are getting too wiggly or the toddler is just not interested in performing for me/the camera. It is fairly easy to have one parent take photos with the newborn, or just do the individual newborn photos if they are comfy out of parents’ arms, while the older sibling is taking a break. I have had a lot of sessions where the older toddler is curious and is involved the whole time, and other toddlers who love the chance to sit back and take a break from being involved. I work quickly and do my best to avoid the toddler shutting down during the session so that we get as many images as possible with them spending time with you and the new baby.

Tip: Have high value snacks and fun toys nearby for the older sibling to take breaks with!

4. Parent Guided Help

If the older sibling isn’t interested in being in a one-on-one photo with the newborn, we can always have mom and dad get involved in the photos. The parent can cue the child to touch their toes, gently play with their fingers or “find their nose.” It ends up being such a tender way to capture both your kiddos and the end result is worth framing! After they climb in their lap for a few photos they may be more open to having a photo of just them and their baby sibling. We can use my Moses basket or have the kids lay next to each other if they aren’t open to holding the baby. I also have great strategies for all the different ways to capture your baby with their sibling(s) depending on their age, comfort level, and their individual needs.

Tip: Practice having your child hold the. baby before I arrive so it isn’t the first time when we try it for a photo during the newborn session.