When families reach out to me about newborn photos and mention having a toddler (or two) at home, they often follow it up with something like… “I’m not sure how it’s going to go with my toddler….”. And I get it. Life with a newborn and young kids is loud and messy and unpredictable. But that’s exactly what makes it so worth photographing.
As a Sewickley newborn photographer, I’ve spent over 15 years documenting families at home, and I’ve also raised three boys of my own, so when I say I understand the chaos, I really mean it. It’s a unique mix of “don’t jump off that” and “can you believe how tiny she is?” that only happens when you bring a baby home to toddlers.
And that’s what this session was. Two big brothers, ages three and eighteen months, and their brand new baby sister. I knew right away this would be one of those sessions where the magic wasn’t going to come from perfect stillness or quiet moments like you often get from a session with a first baby. It was going to come from the movement, the laughter, the small bursts of tenderness in between the wild ones. And I love to photograph all of these moments!
Why I Love Photographing Siblings During Newborn Sessions
When there’s an older sibling involved, especially toddlers or preschoolers, the whole tone of a newborn session shifts. It’s no longer just about capturing the new baby. It becomes about documenting the beginning of a new sibling bond, whatever that looks like on that particular day.
Sometimes the older kids want to be super involved, touching the baby’s toes or bringing their favorite toy to share. Other times, they’re more interested in climbing the furniture (or hiding behind it) or running circles around the room. And you know what? All of that is more than ok and actually kind of perfect.
Because a lifestyle newborn session isn’t about forcing anything. It’s about letting your kids be exactly who they are and capturing the beauty in that.
Letting Go of the Idea of “Perfect” Behavior
If you’re reading this and you’re expecting baby number two or three (or more), here’s what I want you to know: your toddler doesn’t need to “behave” for the photos to turn out beautifully.
In fact, some of my favorite sibling images have come from moments where the older child is doing something completely unplanned. Like kissing the baby’s forehead and then immediately running off. Or peeking over the crib rail while I’m photographing the baby. Or climbing into mom’s lap for a cuddle halfway through the session. Or even in the very chaotic moments of jumping on beds, climbing armchairs, or having a pre-nap meltdown in the middle of the floor.
As a Mom to older boys, I promise those are the things you’ll want to remember. The good, the bad and the ugly. Not just what your baby looked like in those early weeks, but how your family felt. What it looked like when you were in the thick of it, learning how to be a family of five.
What This Session Looked Like
For this family, the session started off in the front yard (that part of the session will be in a different blog post!) then we went inside to the living room with all five of them snuggled on the couch. We then moved upstairs to the boys’ bedrooms and into the nursery.
We didn’t push anything. I always start slow, letting the kids warm up and feel like they’re just hanging out at home. Because they are. That’s the beauty of in-home sessions. Your kids are already in their comfort zone, which makes the moments we capture more real.
Once everyone had settled in a bit, I started capturing interactions. Mom holding the baby while the older brothers wiggled next to her. A quiet moment when the three-year-old leaned in for a snuggle with Mom… Those in-between moments where you can actually feel the connection.
Sibling Photos Don’t Have to Be “Perfect” to Be Powerful
Sometimes people think that for a photo to be meaningful, everyone has to be looking at the camera and smiling. That’s definitely not my goal.
The photos I love most are the ones that tell a story. A real one. Like a baby yawning in mom’s arms while her older brother pokes his head into the frame with a goofy grin. Or the moment right after a toddler gives his baby sister a kiss and then runs away giggling.
These are the photos that will make you smile years from now. Not because they’re flawless, but because they’re honest. But don’t worry, I still get some of those ‘everyone looking at the camera and smiling’ shots!
Embracing the Energy of Life With Littles
There’s a certain energy that comes with toddlers. They move fast. They feel big feelings. They’re curious and independent and sometimes totally uninterested in the plan. And that’s okay.
My job isn’t to control that energy. It’s to meet it where it is and work with it. I build space into every newborn session for kids to be themselves. We take breaks. We play. I bring prompts instead of poses, and I never expect little ones to sit still for long.
When families trust the process and lean into the reality of life with young kids, that’s when the really good stuff happens.
What You’ll Remember Most
In the early days after bringing a new baby home, things can feel like a blur. You’re figuring out new routines, adjusting to less sleep, and trying to give everyone the love and attention they need. It’s a lot.
That’s why I believe so deeply in capturing these moments for you. Because even if the house is a little messy or your toddler has a meltdown halfway through, you’re living a story that’s worth remembering.
This isn’t just a photo session. It’s a chance to freeze time. To see your older kids becoming big siblings. To notice the way you instinctively soothe your newborn. To capture the connection that’s already forming, even in the middle of the chaos.
Ready to Document Your Beautifully Busy Life?
If you’re expecting a new baby and you have toddlers at home, don’t let the idea of a “perfect” session hold you back. Let’s capture the real stuff..the laughter, the mess, the quiet snuggles, and the wild energy…all of it.
I specialize in relaxed, in-home newborn photography in Sewickley and the greater Pittsburgh area that’s centered on connection and real ife. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to photograph your growing family.
Reach out here to get started, or take a look at more sessions on my blog to get a feel for what your own might look like.
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!
Here are some other blog posts that you might want to check out!
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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
