How to prep your toddler for a newborn session is one of the most common questions I get from families, and honestly, I get it. Toddlers are a little unpredictable, and adding a brand new baby into the mix can feel like a lot. But I promise you, with a little bit of intentional prep, your toddler can walk into the session feeling excited, comfortable, and ready to be part of something really special.

Let’s walk through how to prep your toddler for a newborn session in a way that feels simple and actually doable.

---

How to Prep Your Toddler for a Newborn Session

1) Talk about the session with excitement (and make it sound fun)

A few days before your session, start talking about it in a really positive, light way. You can say something like, “We’re going to take photos with Ms. Marie! It’s going to be so fun. We’ll play games, snuggle the baby, and I want to see your biggest smile… your BIG dinosaur teeth smile!”

This does two things. It builds anticipation and it makes the experience feel playful instead of something they have to “perform” for. Toddlers respond so well when they think we’re just there to have fun.

---

2) Let them “choose” their outfit (with a little guidance)

Toddlers love to feel like they have a say, so this is a big one when thinking about how to prep your toddler for a newborn session.

Instead of asking them what they want to wear (which can go off the rails quickly), give them two or three options that you’ve already chosen and love. Then let them pick from those.

It gives them a sense of control, but you still get an outfit that photographs beautifully. Everyone wins.

---

3) Plan something special for after

This is a game changer.

Let them know ahead of time that after the session, you’re doing something fun. Maybe it’s ice cream, maybe it’s a movie night, maybe it’s a stop at their favorite playground.

You can frame it as, “After we take photos, we get to go do something really special.” It gives them something to look forward to and helps encourage those “listening ears” during the session.

---

4) Full bellies = happier toddlers

This one is simple but so important. Make sure your toddler has a filling meal before the session.

A hungry toddler is not a cooperative toddler. We want them feeling good, energized, and content so they can enjoy the experience.

---

5) Timing matters more than you think

When planning how to prep your toddler for a newborn session, timing is everything.

I always recommend early to mid morning sessions for families with toddlers. This is typically when they’re the most rested and happiest, and we avoid that pre-nap meltdown window that can sneak up quickly in the afternoon.

---

6) Bring snacks for little resets

Even with the best prep, toddlers sometimes just need a minute. That is completely normal.

Having a few easy, non-messy snacks on hand can be the perfect little reset if they need a break. Think of it as a quick recharge, not a disruption.

---

7) Trust your photographer and follow the flow

This is the most important one.

If you’re wondering how to prep your toddler for a newborn session, the truth is that you don’t have to control every moment. You just have to come in ready to trust the process.

I have truly seen it all. Shy toddlers, wild toddlers, toddlers who want nothing to do with photos at first. And every single time, we still create something beautiful.

We keep things playful, we follow their lead, we take breaks when needed, and we lean into the real moments. Those in-between interactions are often the ones you end up loving the most anyway.

---

At the end of the day, your toddler doesn’t need to be perfect. They just need to feel safe, loved, and a little bit excited.

And I’ve got the rest.

Marie Elizabeth Photography | Newborn Photographer in DC

Marie is a DC newborn photographer and creates a luxurious, full-service portrait experience. From planning your session to delivering custom fine artwork to your home, Marie takes care of all of the details. All Marie Elizabeth Photography clients are pampered with the Arlington newborn photography experience, which includes professional hair and make-up and an array of whimsical dresses from the client wardrobe. Marie then will create exquisite works of art, such as heirloom albums and fine art matted prints to grace your home and lay your legacy.

Interested in both a maternity and newborn session? Marie offers a luxury membership to best document that first year with your little one. With perks such as birth announcements and album credit, the luxury membership is the perfect way to remember this special time. Reach out to learn more.