The Best Age for Newborn Photography (And How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Session)
This post was written by Meredith McKee Ruth of Meredith McKee Photography. Meredith is also the Director of Community here at the Heybrook and she manages the incredible network of Providers - You can find all of our go-to-experts here!
Those first days with your baby are a beautiful blur — tiny yawns, curled-up fingers, soft sleepy sighs. They pass in a heartbeat, and before you know it, your newborn has stretched into babyhood.
One of the questions I hear most from new parents is:
“When is the best time to have newborn photos taken?”
The truth is — there’s no wrong time to capture your baby. But there is a sweet spot that makes it easier for you, the baby, and for capturing those tiny little features that change so quickly!
The Best Age for Newborn Photography
For most newborn sessions, the ideal window is 2-3 weeks. Here’s why:
Babies are naturally sleepier and easier to settle.
Their skin is often at its clearest before baby acne tends to appear.
This is typically a time frame where parents are still home from work and have more flexible schedules.
But please don’t stress if that timing doesn’t work for you. Pregnancy and birth can be wildly unpredictable and that is more than ok - that is your story and it deserves to be documented!
Beautiful newborn images can be taken at any age — they just look a little different. Older babies might be more alert, giving us wide-eyed portraits, early smiles, and sweet connection shots with parents. It’s about capturing your baby as they are right now.
If you’re expecting, I suggest booking a session around one week after your due date. Once baby arrives, we can adjust as needed.
Preparing Your Baby
A little planning can make your session smooth and relaxed:
Feed before the session so baby is full, content, and sleepy.
Dress baby in comfortable clothing — no tight socks or elastic that can leave marks.
Set aside any blankets or props you’d like to include (but keep it minimal)
I personally shoot in home newborn sessions, so my families don’t need to pack things up to bring to a studio, but check with your photographer and their style/expectations.
Preparing Yourself
Postpartum life is tender — and you deserve to be comfortable too.
Choose simple, soft-colored clothing that feels good and doesn’t compete visually with your baby.
Give yourself grace — newborn shoots often include feeding breaks, diaper changes, and pauses. That’s all part of the magic.
You don’t need to “perform” — you can just enjoy loving on your new addition and your family and I’ll guide you through the rest!
What to Expect
Newborn photography is baby-led. We go at your little one’s pace. There’s no rush, and there’s no pressure for them to “behave” — I expect breaks, wiggles, and cuddles.
Safety is always the top priority. Every pose is gentle, natural, and tailored to your baby’s comfort.
Why Timing + Preparation Matter
This newborn stage is a blink — once it’s gone, it’s gone. The right timing and a little preparation help ensure your session is calm, meaningful, and full of moments you’ll want to remember forever.
If you’re expecting, consider booking your newborn session while you’re still pregnant so you can relax knowing that window is saved for you. When baby arrives, we’ll work together to make sure everything feels easy, comfortable, and joyful.
Because the best photos aren’t just about the pictures — they’re about the love, connection, and story they tell.
You can read more helpful posts about Newborn Photography on Meredith’s website:
Types of Newborn Sessions / The Importance of Newborn Photography / Why I think Home is the best location for Newborn Photography
ABOUT THE AUTHOR + PHOTOGRAPHER: Meredith McKee
This post was written by and includes images taken by Meredith McKee Ruth of Meredith McKee Photography. Meredith is a greater-Seattle-based maternity, newborn and family photographer. Meredith is also the Director of Community for the Heybrook, and a mama to two littles! She speaks fluent “Toddler” and “Dog”. Learn more about her + her work at meredithmckee.com