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The Toddler Whisperer at Work | Canonsburg Newborn Photographer

If you’re a parent of a toddler and a newborn, you probably know exactly how unpredictable life can feel. Many parents of toddlers who have, or are expecting a new baby, reach out to me for newborn photos and share the same concerns. They often tell me that they have no idea how their toddler will behave during a photo session and worry that their little one will not sit still long enough for a single picture. I completely understand that fear, and I want to reassure you that as an experienced Canonsburg newborn photographer, this is something I handle almost every week!

A man and woman sit close together on a red couch, smiling at each other, while the woman holds a sleeping baby in her arms.


“We are absolutely in love with our newborn photos! Mary Beth did such an incredible job capturing our family, including our almost 2-year-old and our dog. She was so patient and fun, and seriously a toddler whisperer. I had no idea how our toddler would do, but she went above and beyond to keep him happy and engaged the whole time. The photos turned out better than I could’ve imagined. Highly, highly recommend her, especially if you’ve got a busy little one! We will be absolutely be booking with Mary Beth again in the future for our family photos!” -N. (Mom to this 2-year-old and newborn)

I cannot express how much it means to me when a client takes a few minutes out of their very full and busy lives to share kind words about our session together! As a small business owner, Google Reviews are so important to help me book more wonderful clients!

A man and woman sit on a red couch holding a baby; the man kisses the woman's head. A close-up shows the baby in the woman's arms.


After fifteen years of photographing newborns and toddlers, I’ve learned that toddlers are rarely interested in doing what adults think they should be doing….and that is perfectly okay. I’ve raised three boys of my own who were full of energy, curiosity, and a good dose of stubbornness. They taught me early on that the best way to photograph toddlers is to make the experience fun and relaxed instead of expecting them to follow directions. Over time, I have built up a long list of tricks that help bring out genuine smiles and natural connections. Parents often joke that I am a toddler whisperer, and honestly, that might be the best compliment I could ever receive.

A family of four sits on a red couch; a woman kisses a baby while a man and a young child cuddle close together.


For this sweet in-home newborn session in the Canonsburg neighborhood in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, I met this wonderful family who had just welcomed their second baby boy. He was two weeks old and as calm and snuggly as could be. His big brother was almost two years old, and he was full of life. The family also had a beautiful Husky who was eager to be part of the fun. From the moment I arrived, the house felt filled with love and excitement.

A man and woman sit on a red couch with a young child and a baby; the man holds the baby while the child sits on his lap.


Like many toddlers, big brother was a little unsure about the whole photo session idea. Hanging out on the couch with mom, dad and baby brother did not sound like something he was interested in doing. Rather than pushing him to participate right away, I took a few minutes to simply connect with him. We talked, we played, and I let him get comfortable with my camera being around and even let him take a few photos. This turned into him adorably repeating the phrase “PUSH BUTTON, PUSH BUTTON”!

A young child leans in to touch noses with a husky on a red couch while an adult man and woman, holding a baby, watch and smile in a sunlit living room.


Once he began to relax, I introduced a few playful ideas to make him feel included. One of my favorite tricks is a game of “airplane.” I lift them up under my arm and “fly” them through the air and in a few circles while I announce the airplane is coming in for a landing. Every time he landed safely in the arms of mom or dad on the couch, resulting in genuine smiles and giggles. Things like this helped him feel like the session was fun and about him too, not just about the baby.

A family with two parents, two young children, and a dog sits together on a red couch in a brightly lit living room.


From there, everything flowed naturally. Their playful Husky even joined in for a few photos on the couch and in the nursery. What touched me most was how gentle and loving he became once he felt comfortable. He asked to hold his baby brother and gave her the sweetest little kisses on the top of his head. Those images turned out to be some of my favorites from the entire session. They show the tender connection between siblings and the real emotion that unfolds when everyone feels relaxed.

A family of four and a husky dog sit together on a red couch; the father holds a baby, the mother smiles at their young son who sits on her lap, and sunlight streams through a window.
A couple sits on a red sofa holding a baby and a young child, with a husky dog lying beside them. Sunlight streams through a window in the background.


This session is such a perfect example of why I love in-home newborn photography. Being in your own space allows everyone to feel at ease, especially young children. Toddlers can take breaks when they need to. They can grab a snack, play with their favorite toys, or just hang out for a few minutes before coming back to join in. Which is exactly what this little guy did. And while he took a break downstairs with grandma, I got some photos of just the baby and some with just mom or dad. That flexibility makes a world of difference and allows me to capture your family as you truly are.

A smiling couple sits on a red couch with a baby in the father's arms and a gray-and-white husky lying across their laps.


For parents who are nervous about how their toddler will behave, please know that your child does not have to be perfectly cooperative for your photos to be beautiful. The joy, energy, and spontaneity that toddlers bring are what make your images real and full of life. With patience, creativity, and a little bit of play, we always end up with photos that tell the story of your family in the most genuine way.

A family of four sits on a red couch with their pet husky; the parents hold an infant while a toddler leans on the mother's lap near the dog.


Whether we are playing games, taking breaks, or sharing quiet snuggles, every moment adds to your story. This Canonsburg family session reminded me once again why I love what I do. It is not about getting the perfect pose. It is about capturing the connection between parents, toddlers, and new babies in the places where life really happens.

A man and woman sit on a red couch, holding a sleeping baby and a smiling young child, with sunlight streaming through a window behind them.
A young child with brown hair, wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and jeans, sits smiling on a beige armchair.
A woman sits in an armchair, smiling at a young child on her lap who has their finger near their mouth.
Woman sitting on a beige armchair reading a book to a young boy on her lap near a window with animal-themed curtains.
A man sits in a beige armchair holding a sleeping newborn dressed in white pajamas, looking down at the baby in a calm, indoor setting.
A young boy plays with a lampshade in a room, first removing it from a lamp, then placing it on his head and holding it, smiling throughout.
A woman sits in an armchair holding a sleeping baby, with a husky dog standing nearby. Inset shows a close-up of the baby resting on her chest.
A newborn baby sleeps in a woman’s arms while she looks down at the child. Both are dressed in neutral-colored clothing.
A woman sits in a beige armchair holding a sleeping baby. In one image, a dog sits on the floor nearby.
A woman sits in a chair holding a sleeping baby in her arms, gently touching the baby's head.
A woman holds a sleeping baby in her arms while sitting in a beige chair, gently placing a hand on the baby's head.
Close-up of an adult holding a baby, focusing on the baby's bare feet and toes while the baby's upper body is partially visible.
A woman sits in a beige armchair holding a sleeping baby dressed in white pajamas. Both are facing the camera, and the woman is smiling.
A woman sits in a chair holding a sleeping baby, while a husky dog sits beside them near a window with daylight streaming in.
A man stands in a nursery holding a sleeping baby dressed in white pajamas; a dresser, mirror, and bookshelf are visible in the background.
A baby in a white onesie lies on a beige couch, looking up with arms outstretched and legs bent at the knees.
A man holds a smiling toddler while a woman holds a swaddled baby. They stand together in a nursery, smiling at each other.
A man holds a smiling toddler while a woman holds a sleeping baby. The adults stand close together in a softly lit room.
A man holds a toddler, and a woman holds a baby in a nursery decorated with animal-themed decor and a mirror on the wall.
A man and woman stand in a nursery, smiling as the woman holds a sleeping baby wrapped in a patterned blanket. A dresser, books, and wall decor are visible in the background.
A man and woman hold a newborn baby in a nursery decorated with animal heads and children's books. The baby rests on the man's shoulder in the close-up.
A man and woman sit in an armchair with a toddler and a baby; the toddler kisses the baby, while the adults look on and smile.
An adult man and woman sit in a chair with a young child and a newborn wrapped in a blanket, all close together in a cozy indoor setting.
A man and woman sit with a young child and a newborn baby on a beige armchair in a home setting. The child looks at the camera while the woman holds the baby.
A woman holds a swaddled newborn while a young child sits on her lap, and a man looks at them. They are seated closely together on a beige armchair.
A man and woman sit in an armchair with a young boy who is kissing a swaddled baby in the woman’s arms.
A woman sits in a chair holding a swaddled newborn, while a young boy gently kisses the baby's head.
Newborn baby wrapped in a patterned white swaddle, sleeping on a brown knitted blanket with a soft, furry background.
A young boy sits on a brown rug, gently touching the head of a swaddled newborn baby lying on a brown cushion.
A newborn baby sleeping on a brown knitted blanket, wrapped in a white swaddle with green leaf and orange floral patterns.
A newborn baby in a white onesie lies on a crib sheet decorated with animal illustrations, looking up with one arm raised.
A baby in a white outfit lies in a crib with animal-themed bedding, featuring illustrations of woodland creatures and a bird on a branch.
A newborn baby wrapped in a white patterned blanket sleeps peacefully on a crib mattress with animal and plant designs.
Newborn baby swaddled in a white blanket with orange designs, lying on bedding decorated with illustrated woodland animals and plants.


So if you are in the Canonsburg, Southpointe, or Cecil Township areas and you’re worried about how your toddler might handle a newborn photo session, take a deep breath and trust the process. I promise, with a little patience and a lot of play, your session will be filled with laughter, love, and moments you will treasure for years to come.




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! 

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    Established in 2009
    Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.

    Mary Beth Miller Photography

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    Established in 2009
    Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Township