Kristy Staats Photography

When should I book a Newborn Session?

When scheduling your newborn session, the sooner you can contact me about your future arrival, the better! Your session will be scheduled in advance based on your due date. Once you're on my calendar, it is a floating appointment. The final date and time will be confirmed once baby has arrived. Clients have found it best to email me before they leave the hospital, while they still have a little time to themselves. This way, the newborn session doesn't get put off and we don't miss the "magic sweet spot" for great newborn poses. This "magic sweet spot" is when baby is within the first week and a half from birth.

 

How long will my session be?

Beacause newborns can be very unpredicatble with sleeping and eating, you can expect your newborn session to be up to 2 hours long. I will take the time to carefully place every tiny finger and every tiny toe in place, and always make sure your baby is safe, happy and comfortable. This can take time and patience.

 

Can I do anything to prepare my baby before the session begins?

YES! :) I ask that you feed baby just before leaving your home. Plan to arrive within 10-15 minutes once baby is fed. Keeping baby awake an hour before the session is very important. I know this can be challenging, but try your best to do so. We want baby to be in a deep sleep during your session, not before. Do not dress baby in anything that is going to leave lines on the skin. Baby should be dressed in loose clothing that does not require pulling over babys head to come off. Snap-up outfits are preferable. If you are a nursing mom, drink PLENTY of water to keep your milk supply up and strong. We want to do everything we can to ensure baby has a full tummy during the session. Also, keep an eye on what you're eating! We do not want baby to be restless and gassy during the session. Spicey foods and caffine are a big NO NO! So stay clear. 

 

What should I bring?

I provide the cute little outfits/wraps/headbands/hats during the session. Please make sure to bring the following items with you to your session.

-Soother 

-Diapers

-Wipes

-Burp cloth

-Blanket

-Bottle (If you are a nursing mother and feel comfortable pumping and giving your baby a bottle, please bring an extra bottle with you)

-Snacks/drink for older siblings

-Water bottle for yourself and your partner

 

Will it be warm?

YES YES YES! Please be prepared for this and dress in layers! You can expect it to be around 80 degrees.

 

What if my baby poops/pees?

Please do not feel bad if baby poops/pees during the session. It is normal and happends ALL the time! If you hear me gasp or start laughing really loud, just come running with some wipes for clean up, and we will get back to business!

 

I have older children. Can they be apart of the photos to?

Absolutley! I'm sure you've been waiting for months to get the perfect picture of all your beautiful babies together. Keep in mind though, siblings (especially toddlers) get very bored very quickly. It is hard to expect them to cooperate for up to 3 hours. I do have a playroom/tv room to help entertain, but I've found it is best to start with 1-2 poses with siblings at the beginning of the session, and then have another adult bring them to the park, out for lunch, or even bring them home where they are comfortable. I can't stress this enough for your sanity, and ease during your session.

 

What will I do during the session?

I will be the primary one handling baby during the session. I've found that the more Mom touches baby, baby smells Mommy the more baby wants to eat and be snuggled not sleep! This is why I said above if you are breastfeeding and feel comfortable pumping and bringing a bottle for session feeding please do so! Be prepared to assist me during a few poses if needed. I will walk you through how to help when the need arises. Other than that, I want your experience to be fun and relaxing, You are free to sit and watch, play with your other kids or catch up on some reading. I reccomend packing a good book and snacks for your comfort. If you do leave the room, I do have a video monitor so you can still see what is going on in the room at all times.

 

Oh no! My baby has acne! Should I reschedule?

Baby Acne is completley normal, and tends to creep up around one to two weeks old (hey, right when you've schedled your newborn session!) Luckily, you have connections with a girl who knows how to get rid of that in your pictures (ahem, that would be me!!) There is no additional charge for this service. Relax, and enjoy this time with your new little one and trust me. I want to give you photos that you will look back on and remember that little bundle that will certainly grow very very quickly!