Welcoming a new baby into your home is a big moment for everyone—especially for big siblings. You might have a vision of them snuggled up together, soft smiles, a sweet forehead kiss. And sometimes? That happens. But more often, there’s a lot more wiggles, snack breaks, and a few unexpected plot twists. And that’s okay. In fact, that’s what makes an in-home newborn session so special.

Family snuggled together under a chunky knit blanket sharing a tender moment.
Tender family moment shared around a white crib in a nursery setting.
Family spending quality time together in a bright living room with natural light.

Expectation: The Perfect Pose

You imagine your toddler carefully cradling their new sibling, gazing down with gentle adoration. Maybe even a tiny hand holding onto baby’s fingers. A moment that looks like it belongs in a storybook.

Reality: Love Looks Different Every Day

In real life, toddlers are still toddlers. They might be interested for five seconds before deciding they’d rather build a block tower, grab a snack, or show off their favorite toy. They might give their new sibling a kiss and then immediately ask when it’s time to watch a show. And you know what? That’s perfect. Because these are the moments that tell the real story of your growing family. No forced poses, no stress—just life unfolding as it is.

Family relaxing on floor mat with baby while enjoying playtime at home.

Expectation: A Calm, Quiet Session

Maybe you’ve pictured a peaceful, cozy morning where everyone is calm, the baby is content, and your older child is feeling cooperative.

Reality: Life at Home is Beautifully Unscripted

With an older sibling in the mix, there might be bursts of energy, moments of curiosity, and lots of movement. We roll with it. If your toddler wants to jump on the bed for a few minutes before sitting with their sibling, that’s part of their world right now. If they’d rather snuggle up with you while you hold the baby, that works too. There’s no pressure to perform—just space for everyone to be exactly as they are.

Baby in yellow onesie lying on patterned blanket surrounded by loving family.

Expectation: A Picture-Perfect Home

You may worry about how your home looks—maybe the couch has a few stray toys on it, or the nursery isn’t fully finished yet.

Reality: Home is Where Your Familie's Story is Unfolding

Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine. It’s already the perfect setting because it’s where real life happens. The couch where you’ve rocked your baby in the middle of the night, the floor where your toddler plays—it all matters. Natural light, cozy spaces, and your family being together are all we need to make beautiful images.

Intimate family moment shared on a cozy couch by a window.

Making it all Feel Easy


The best part of an in-home newborn session is that there’s no rush. We follow your family’s rhythm, with plenty of time for snack breaks, snuggles, and whatever moments unfold naturally. Siblings can come and go as they need, without expectations or pressure. The goal isn’t a perfect photo—it’s a set of images that reflect your family as it is right now, in the middle of all the love, laughter, and little moments that make this time so special.


So, if you’re worried about how an older sibling will handle a newborn session, take a deep breath. There’s no right or wrong way for them to show up. However they interact, however they express their love—whether it’s a fleeting hug, a silly dance, or just sitting close by—it’s all part of their story. And it’s all worth remembering.

Children lying together outdoors sharing joyful smiles and laughter.
Two young children in casual clothing lying on soft white fur rug.
Family sharing cuddles and laughter while relaxing together on bed.