Bringing home a new baby is a huge milestone—not just for parents, but for big brothers and sisters too. While your older child may be excited about the new addition, the reality of a newborn photo session at home can feel overwhelming for little ones (and let’s be honest—for everyone!).

But with just a bit of intention and planning, you can help your older kid(s) feel included, confident, and even excited about this special experience.

Here are my favorite tried-and-true tips to help set the stage for a beautiful, relaxed newborn session at home that honors everyone in your family.

A sequence of candid kitchen moments shows affectionate interaction between family members enjoying snacks and quality time.
Family bonds over casual moments in a home, sharing tender interactions by candlelight and comfortable settings.
Family lies on patterned blanket while relaxing together on carpeted floor enjoying intimate home time.
Four casual snapshots arranged side by side showing people relaxing and writing on papers while lounging on carpet.
A family relaxes together on the couch reading books beneath a Yellowstone National Park sign.

1. Set the Scene with Stories, Not Scripts


Instead of telling your older child exactly what to do (“Smile at the baby,” “Hold her like this”), set a tone of storytelling. Let them know that the photographer is there to document your family’s real-life moments: the way they peek into the bassinet, bring their favorite stuffed animal to share, or gently hold the baby’s tiny fingers.


You might say something like:

"We’re going to take some photos to remember what it was like when our family grew. You get to be part of that story."

Giving them agency helps them feel proud and included—this isn’t just about the baby, it’s about them too.

Three progressive images show two relaxed people lounging and having fun together under a cozy knit blanket.
Joyful family posing and laughing together in a backyard garden setting.
A family spends time together on a porch as a child draws with chalk on the ground while others look on.

2. Prep with Play


A day or two before the session, talk through what will happen. Act it out with a doll or stuffed animal, or let them play “photographer” for a few minutes using a toy camera or your phone.

Play is how kids process new experiences, so this gives them a sense of safety and familiarity before someone with a camera actually arrives.

Family enjoying quality time together in a cozy white teepee tent setup indoors with toys and pillows.

3. Make Room for the Whole Range of Feelings


Your older child might be in love with the baby one moment and totally over it the next. That’s okay. One of the most important things I can offer as a photographer is space for the real, unfiltered truth of these early days—including mixed emotions and messy sibling dynamics.

Let them know they don’t have to be “on” the whole time. They’re allowed to take breaks, read a book, or snuggle with a parent while baby has a solo moment.


Want more about how I handle sibling dynamics during a session? Check out this post: Sibling Photos – Expectations vs. Reality

Three children laying on a cozy floor together, wearing casual clothing in teal, orange and floral print.
Family shares joyful moment playing and laughing together in their home hallway while holding and playing with children.
A cozy family moment on the bed as they snuggle together with a baby in warm, intimate lighting.
Young child and adult playing together with colorful magnetic building blocks on a carpeted floor at home.

4. Let Them Be the Expert


Give your older child a role in the session. Ask them to introduce the photographer to the baby. Let them pick out a swaddle or choose a special item to be photographed—maybe their old baby blanket or something they made for the baby.


Older kids light up when they feel like they have something meaningful to contribute. They’re not just posing—they’re participating.

Two young children in white outfits share a tender embrace while lying on white bedding, creating a sweet moment.
Series of tender moments showing the close bond between a small child and sleeping baby on soft bedding.
Toddler in white sweatshirt tenderly holds swaddled sleeping newborn while sitting on beige couch.

5. Keep Comfort Items Close


Snacks, loveys, a favorite toy, or even a cozy sweater can help your older kid feel grounded and safe. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, holding something familiar (and maybe a little silly) can provide the reset they need to keep going.


Don’t worry about making everything look “perfect.” The most meaningful images are usually the ones where your family’s personality shows up loud and clear.

Cozy living room scene with a leather couch, built-in bookshelves, and a geometric patterned rug.
Candid family moment showing parent sharing a picture book with toddler while holding baby in cozy home setting.
Healthcare provider examines a baby on a play mat while another caregiver looks on during a home visit.
Black and white photo of a playroom with a toy kitchen set, framed wall art, and people playing with toys on the floor.

6. Carve Out Connection Moments


While the baby is being photographed, sneak in some one-on-one time with your older child—whether it’s reading a short book, a hug in the kitchen, or a snack on the couch together.


Photographing these quiet in-between moments is one of my favorite parts of in-home newborn sessions. They help tell your story: the growing bond between you and your first baby while you’re adjusting to life with another.

A series of candid lifestyle photographs showing playful parent-child moments in different interior settings.

Final Thought: It’s Okay if It’s Not Picture-Perfect


No child (or adult!) is camera-ready 100% of the time, and that’s not the goal anyway. The goal is to document your family as you are in this sacred, chaotic, sleepy, love-drenched season of life.


And when your older kid looks back on these photos one day, I want them to see just how deeply they belonged right from the start.

Family gathers around kitchen island counter with two children sitting on stools while parents stand and interact together.
Two young children in striped sweaters play in foreground while their parents sit together on bed in background.
Two children lying on a round play mat featuring a city road design with buildings and vehicles in muted colors.
Young child in floral dress rests peacefully while holding baby's bottle as infant drinks in relaxed pose.

Ready to book your in-home newborn session? Or just want to ask a few questions first? Reach out anytime—I’m here to help make the process feel simple, supportive, and soulful.