When to photograph your baby

This was adapted from "Milestones: When should you photograph your baby?" by Christine Bentley

"She’s Precious. He’s Perfect. You want to photograph your baby every moment. Although I truly believe that parents should have point and shoot cameras with them at all times, I believe that professional photos can be an amazing addition to remembering these amazing moments. With that said, and perhaps even the given economy, hiring a professional photographer can be well, a little overwhelming should you desire pictures every single day. However, because the quality and artistic talent of a professional can be completely amazing and priceless, I will explain when it is the best time to photograph your new little addition given your baby’s milestones!"

MATERNITY
"The beauty of a mommy to be, a gift from above and truly a work of life. If you are still pregnant and still haven’t photographed your “bump” by a professional now is a great time to find your photographer. Many photographers offer complete baby plans which may include a maternity session. These sessions are amazing! A great addition to your baby book or your couture album celebrating the life of your new baby, from beginning to, well another beginning!"

NEWBORN
Feeling a little tired? Most likely! During your baby’s first week of life, you and your family are no doubt going through and amazing adjustment. Trying to figure out sleep. Trying to figure out a lot of things.

This is the most unbelievable time to have your baby photographed. I encourage parents to bring their newborn babies in BEFORE 2 weeks of age but even BEFORE 1 week of age, is ideal! Most are looking to have their newborn photographed naked with perhaps an artistic pose. Newborn babies that are just a few days are able to be posed, comfortable naked (as long as they are warm and their bellies are full), and cute as can be. During this time we are too tired to truly appreciate the tiny toes and the wrinkled back. Your photographer will be able to capture all these tiny details, and create some amazing artistic images. Your baby changes so fast, don’t let this time pass you by before you can capture it professionally.

THE 3-4 MONTH SESSION -- Smiles, Tummy time and holding their heads up
You’ve had a newborn session, now what? Your baby is changing by the day! You want to make sure you don’t miss anything right? As mentioned before, we probably won't be taking our children every 5 minutes to a professional. I recommend the next time your child makes strides in their development is the best time to bring them back to your fav photog. At 3 months, your baby is now smiling! Yep, they know who you are! Babies at this age will smile and interact a lot. This is something that they did not do as a newborn. Some babies with also be able to have some tummy time. When positioned on a pillow or my favorite photography prop, the Boppy, a 3-4 month old will be able to place their head up and perhaps peak a smile just long enough for that quick capture!

THE 6-7 MONTH SESSION -- SITTING UP
About this age, there is another milestone, your baby will be grabbing for toys, laughing, and sitting up! This is a great age and one of my favorite to photograph. Again, if your baby is not yet sitting up, wait a few weeks until that is possible. Please know that sitting up with a parents help and balancing does count! Make sure it is safe and an assistant or parent is near by to catch the lean! Little ones may also enjoy some added clothing for this age. I don’t think babies need a lot of props to enhance photos or clothing for that matter, but as they get older adding them can be fun and their personalities shine so much that your little one for sure be the center of attention in any photo!

7-11 MONTHS
This is a perfect time for one of our themed specials. Your baby is sitting up and full of expressions and curiosity right now. They are not quite mobile yet so they make a perfect captive photographic subject. Join us for one of our themed specials like Teddys or TuTus, Feet, Silhouettes, Just Like Daddy, Mommy N Me, Three generations, FACES, Valentines Day, Easter and other Holidays, etc.

ONE YEAR
Crawling, and standing with help, preferably before they are really walking. Teeth! It’s all here by now. This is a milestone for sure! You will want to get their portraits done at 1 year! You have been with your little one now for 1 year and can’t imagine life any different. It is time to capture another fantastic moment if their/your life!

ONE TO THREE YEARS OLD
Now you are wondering, “what about after my baby is 1?” Then what? I encourage you to stay connected with your photographer. Imagine the images, the collages, the montages capturing your baby from the bump, to 1 year, to after? Your photographer will be able to have all those milestones and create some amazing products you will cherish forever. You will want to capture your toddler and child again at milestones in their life. I encourage every 6 months after they are 1.

AFTER 3 YEARS OLD
Once they are 3, time appears to slow down a bit and most of my clients intend to shoot once a year, some still remain on the 6 month time frame.

Like most, I offer incentives at different times of the year to encourage more priceless moments for my clients, take advantage of all those opportunities as I have NEVER heard a parent complain that they have too many pictures of their child!

This article was adapted from Christine Bentley

Breastfeeding Food Guide

You may or may not have noticed your baby acting irritable or just plain fussy a short time after nursing. Every baby is different and we always suggest talking with your Pediatrician. While some foods may affect you and some may not, we strongly suggest avoiding some of the common culprits that tend to agitate newborns such as berries, gassy vegetables and tomato based products. The list below is just a helpful guide of some foods to avoid while breastfeeding:

Citrus/Acidic foods and drinks such as:
  • Cranberries
  • Pineapple
  • Grapefruit
  • Oranges
  • Lemons
  • Strawberries
  • All berriee
  • Tomatoes or tomato products
  • Chocolate (rarely affects babies)
  • Peanuts–Nuts in general
  • Pizza
  • Spaghetti
  • Chili
  • Tacos/Spicy/Mexican Food/Salsa
  • Ketchup
Gassy Vegetables such as:
  • Asparagus
  • Onions
  • Cucumbers/pickles
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cabbage