What to Expect in an In-Home Newborn Session with a Toddler Sibling | Lawrenceville Photographer

A Cozy In-Home Newborn Session with a Toddler Big Sister: What to Expect

There’s something so special about returning to a family’s home to capture another milestone in their journey. I first met this wonderful couple when they welcomed their first daughter, again when she was a one-year-old, and now, I had the joy of photographing them as a family of four! Watching Miss M embrace her role as a big sister was just awesome. She added so much personality and liveliness to the session like most toddler siblings tend to do!

I also loved photographing them again in their beautiful three-story historic Pittsburgh home. For this session, we utilized a different room within their home, to make sure these images had a fresh look compared to big sister’s newborn photos.

And of course, I was delighted to see their original “baby” again; their beloved 10-year-old pug, who is just as much a part of the family’s story as ever.

What to Expect in a Newborn Session with a Toddler Sibling

Many parents wonder how a newborn session will go when there’s a toddler involved. The good news? Toddlers bring energy, love, and spontaneity to the session, making for the most authentic and heartwarming moments. My goal for the session is always to keep things relaxed, flexible, and fun so that everyone (including the big sibling!) feels comfortable.

Here’s how I make it work:

1. Embracing the Chaos and Going with the Flow

Toddlers have their own agendas, and that’s perfectly okay! Instead of forcing posed moments, I let them take the lead and interact naturally with their new sibling. Whether it’s a quick cuddle, a curious peek, or even a moment of playful distraction, I capture it all.

The key is patience and allowing things to unfold organically. And after 15 years of experience with photographing newborns and toddlers, I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve!

2. Making the Toddler Feel Important

A new baby can be a big adjustment for an older sibling. During the session, I make sure to involve the toddler in a way that feels special to them. I might start with solo sibling shots while I ask them questions so they get comfortable with me. Then I let them ‘help’ in little ways (like gently patting baby’s back), or take breaks for some one-on-one moments with mom and dad. When a toddler feels included, their natural affection shines through and they are less likely to act out.

3. Keeping It Fun and Engaging

Instead of asking toddlers to “sit still and smile,” I encourage movement, laughter, and play. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch or bed, reading a book together, or giving baby a gentle kiss on the head, these moments create the most genuine images.

Preparing Your Toddler for a Newborn Photo Session

To help parents feel more at ease, here are a few simple tips for preparing toddlers for the session:

• Set expectations ahead of time – Let them know a friendly photographer is coming to take pictures of the family, and they’ll get to be a part of it!
  
• Keep it low pressure – The best moments happen naturally, so there’s no need to stress about ‘perfect’ behavior.
  
• Have a favorite toy or snuggly nearby – These can be great tools to keep them relaxed and feeling at home.
  
• Take breaks as needed – If a toddler needs a snack or some downtime, that’s totally fine. We work around them, not the other way around! During this session when big sister needed a break, Dad took her down for a snack while I focused on Mom and baby. After big sister’s snack, she was ready to be in the photos again.
  
  

The Beauty of Real Moments

This session was filled with tender, fleeting moments; the kind that make in-home newborn photography so special. From big sister proudly holding her baby sister (for a few seconds at a time!) to helping mom with diaper changes, to giggles with dad and quiet snuggles with mom, every image tells the story of this family’s love in their own home.

If you’re expecting and wondering how an in-home session might work with a toddler, just know that it doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’ to be beautiful. The real, raw, love-filled moments are what you’ll treasure most.

Are you ready to document this special chapter in your family’s life? As a Lawrenceville photographer serving all of the greater Pittsburgh area, I’d love to capture it for you!

Check out the blog post from our first newborn session with their first daughter!

Be sure to check out my fellow photographer, Julie Brock Photography! She’s a Louisville family photographer and also has a great post about What to Expect When Photographing Siblings with a Newborn

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! 

Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!

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!