Tips For New Moms From A Newborn Photographer

Becoming a mom is one of the most incredible and overwhelming experiences. No matter how much you prepare, nothing quite prepares you for those first few weeks with a newborn. Looking back, there are so many little things I wish I had known when my kids were babies—things that would have made life just a little easier.

As a newborn photographer and sometimes called a baby whisperer, I’ve spent years working with newborns, and I’ve picked up some amazing tips along the way. Some of them I learned the hard way, and others I’ve seen work wonders for the moms I photograph. If you’re a new mom (or about to be one!), I hope these tips help make those newborn days just a little smoother. And most importantly, I hope they remind you to soak in every second—because it truly goes by faster than you think.

Wrapping: A Simple Trick for Better Sleep

Wrapping a newborn snugly helps them settle and sleep longer. Babies spend months curled up in the womb, so having their arms free can startle them awake. A good wrap mimics that cozy, secure feeling and keeps them from waking up too soon.

I wish I had known this when my daughter was a newborn. Every time I laid her down, she woke up almost immediately. I didn’t realize that keeping her arms tucked in with a snug wrap would have helped her sleep better. If I could go back, I’d wrap her every time!

Start with a base wrap—a snug, stretchy fabric that holds them in place. Wrapping them on your lap works best. After getting them wrapped with a base wrap, take another stretchy wrap and wrap on top of the base layer. If your baby seems fussy or fights the wrap at first, don’t give up! A snug wrap usually calms them down within minutes. Usually if a newborn is fighting me while putting the wrap on I will bounce them a little and take my time to get them calmed down before continuing.

Looking for great wraps? This shop sells some of my favorites. Soft, breathable fabric makes all the difference!

Tip: If your baby keeps breaking free, wrap a little tighter. Loose wraps often frustrate them the most.

Pacifiers: Keep Trying!

Pacifiers can be a lifesaver, but many newborns won’t take one right away. That doesn’t mean they never will! Some babies need time to get used to the feel of it. Keep offering it at different times—when they’re sleepy, after a feeding, or when they just need a little comfort.

I learned this the hard way. When my daughter refused a pacifier at first, I assumed she just didn’t like it. I gave up way too soon, and instead, she wanted to pacify on me constantly. Looking back, I wish I had kept trying because a pacifier would have helped her self-soothe and sleep better.

Not all pacifiers work for every baby, so experiment with different brands and nipple shapes. Some babies take to one type more easily than another. And don’t stress if it takes a little while—persistence pays off!

Tip: If your baby keeps spitting it out, try gently holding it in place for a few seconds while they suck. Sometimes, they just need a little help getting used to it.

White Noise: Your Secret Weapon for Sleep

Newborns are used to constant noise in the womb—your heartbeat, blood flow, and the muffled sounds of the outside world. So, complete silence can feel unsettling to them. That’s where white noise comes in!

A good white noise machine helps block out sudden sounds and creates a soothing, womb-like environment. I’ve seen it work wonders during newborn sessions. Babies who struggle to settle often fall asleep within minutes once I turn on white noise.

At home, keep a sound machine running near the crib, especially during naps and bedtime. If you don’t have one, a simple fan or a white noise app on your phone works just as well. I didn’t have a white noise machine with my daughter, but I bought one when my son was little and it helped so much. In fact the one I bought is still working and being used today.

Tip: Choose a steady, low-pitched white noise (like ocean waves or a deep hum) rather than high-pitched sounds like birds chirping. The goal is to create a calming, consistent background—not something that will grab their attention! Here is the one I have that is still working over 10 years later.

You Can’t Hold Your Newborn Too Much

People love to say, “Don’t spoil the baby!” But the truth is, you can’t spoil a newborn. They need you—your warmth, your scent, your heartbeat. Holding them isn’t just comforting; it helps them feel safe and secure in this big, new world.

I remember feeling pressure to get things done around the house when my babies were little. I’d put them down, thinking I needed to catch up on laundry or dishes. Looking back, I wish I had held them more and worried less about the mess. The newborn stage passes way too fast.

Let the chores wait. Soak in those newborn snuggles. If you need to be hands-free, try a good baby wrap or carrier so you can keep your little one close while moving around. But don’t ever feel guilty for just sitting and holding them—those are the moments you’ll miss the most.

Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself—no one looks back and wishes they held their baby less.

Take the Newborn Photos—You Won’t Regret It

I never scheduled newborn photos for my kids, and it’s one of my biggest regrets. At the time, I thought I’d take plenty of pictures on my own, but looking back, I wish I had those beautiful, professional images to remember that fleeting stage.

Newborn days pass in a blur of sleepless nights and endless snuggles. You think you’ll remember every tiny detail—how their fingers curled around yours, their squishy little cheeks, that newborn stretch—but time moves fast. Trust me when I say the older you get the more you forgot these times. Photos freeze those moments so you can look back and cherish them forever.

If you book a session with me, I’d be honored to capture this special time for you. But even if you go with another photographer, just do it. You’ll never regret having those memories to hold onto.

Tip: If professional photos aren’t an option, take plenty of close-up shots at home—tiny toes, eyelashes, yawns. Natural light from a window works best for soft, beautiful images.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos and Enjoy the Moments

Being a new mom is hard, and those early days can feel like a whirlwind. But remember, it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Embrace the chaos, and take time to enjoy those little moments that make this stage so special.

These tips I’ve shared are just a few things that I’ve learned along the way as a photographer and a mom. I hope they help make your newborn days a little smoother—and maybe even a little more peaceful! Most of all, know that you’re doing an amazing job. The days are long, but the years are short, so soak in every cuddle and every tiny milestone.

And if you ever need help capturing those beautiful moments, I’m always here for you.