Newborn photography is a beautiful way to capture those precious first moments of a new life. However, posed newborn photography is a skill that requires extensive expertise and experience, in order to prioritise safety when it comes to photographing newborns. Here are some things you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:


  1. Choose a professional photographer: Look for a photographer who has a lot of experience and specialises in newborn photography. They should have a portfolio that shows a variety of poses and setups.
  2. Schedule the session within the first two weeks: Newborns are most flexible and sleepy within the first two weeks of life, making it easier and safer to pose them in 'womb-like' poses. After this time, they may become more alert and less comfortable in certain positions.
  3. Keep the room warm: The AC should be turned off and the room should be kept at a comfortable temperature (around 27 degrees celsius) to keep the baby warm and comfortable. A professional newborn photographer will be constantly monitoring baby's temperature to ensure they are neither too hot or too cold during the session.
  4. Use safe props and poses: Avoid using any props or poses that could potentially harm the baby. Make sure the props are sturdy and won’t tip over. Additionally, make sure any poses are safe and comfortable for the baby. A professional newborn photographer will use weights at the bottom of baskets to ensure they are more stable and will ensure that they (or a spotter) remain next to baby at all times.
  5. 'Froggy Pose' is a composite shot: Froggy pose is a composition of two separate shots joined together in post-production. It must never be attempted without complete support of baby's head by an adult as it is very unsafe for a baby to be placed in this position without support. A professional newborn photographer will have the skills necessary to capture this pose safely and compose the final image from a composite of two photos.
  6. Wash your hands: Make sure everyone who will be handling the baby has washed their hands thoroughly and sanitised prior to touching the baby to prevent the spread of germs.
  7. Don’t force anything: If the baby is not comfortable in a certain pose or position, do not force them. Always prioritise the baby’s comfort and safety. A professional newborn photographer will be constantly monitoring baby's comfort in all poses (including checking for poor circulation to limbs) and will immediately remove baby from a pose if they are not comfortable.


In summary, newborn photography can be a beautiful way to capture precious moments, but it is important to prioritise safety. Choose a professional photographer, schedule the session within the first two weeks, keep the room warm, use safe props and poses, have a spotter, wash your hands, and don’t force anything. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both the baby and the photographer.