If you’re expecting your second (or third!) baby, there’s a good chance one thought has crossed your mind:

“What if my toddler doesn’t cooperate during our newborn session?”

I hear this concern from parents all the time, and I want to let you in on a little secret.

After photographing newborns and families for more than a decade, the one thing I can never have enough of isn’t a sleepy baby, a perfectly clean home, or children looking at the camera.

It’s connection.

Connection is the heart of every beautiful gallery.

Your Toddler Doesn’t Need to Perform

Many parents arrive at their newborn session worried that their older child will be too busy, too shy, too energetic, or simply not interested.

Here’s what I want every mom to know:

Your toddler doesn’t have to sit perfectly still to create beautiful photographs.

In fact, some of my favorite images happen when children are simply being themselves.

Those little moments—holding baby’s hand, peeking into the bassinet, running to mom for a hug, counting tiny toes, or giggling together—are the memories you’ll treasure years from now.

Why Connection Matters More Than Perfect Posing

Instead of asking children to smile at the camera every few seconds, I spend much of our session encouraging natural interaction.

You might hear me say things like:

• “Can you gently touch baby’s nose?”
• “Let’s count baby’s little toes together.”
• “Can you give your baby brother a big snuggle?”
• “Run your fingers through her hair.”
• “Can you tell your sister something that makes her laugh?”

Those simple prompts create genuine emotion instead of forced smiles.

The result?

A gallery that feels authentic, joyful, and full of love.

The Best Photos Often Happen Between the Poses

Some of the images my families love most aren’t the perfectly posed portraits.

They’re the in-between moments.

The way your toddler reaches for the baby’s hand.

The smile you give your partner.

The laughter after someone makes a silly face.

The quiet snuggle while everyone settles in.

Those fleeting interactions tell your family’s story far better than everyone looking perfectly at the camera.

My Approach to Newborn Sessions

Whether we’re photographing your family in your home or in my studio, my goal isn’t perfection.

It’s connection.

I’ll gently guide your family throughout the session while leaving room for natural moments to unfold.

That means less pressure on your children and a much more relaxed experience for everyone—including mom and dad.

Parents often tell me afterward that they were surprised by how fun and easy the session felt, even when things didn’t go exactly as planned.

And that’s exactly how I want it to feel.

What Every Mom Should Know

If you’re worried your toddler will “ruin” your newborn session, let me reassure you:

They won’t.

Their curiosity.

Their excitement.

Their cuddles.

Even their wiggles.

Those are the moments that make your gallery uniquely yours.

Beautiful family photographs aren’t created by perfect behavior.

They’re created by genuine connection.

And that’s the kind of magic I look for every single time I pick up my camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my toddler won’t sit still during newborn photos?

That’s completely normal. I use prompts, games, and movement to create natural interactions instead of expecting young children to pose for long periods.

Can siblings be included in newborn photos?

Absolutely! Including older siblings often creates some of the most meaningful images from the session.

Do you photograph newborn sessions in homes?

Yes! I offer both in-home and studio newborn photography throughout the Kansas City metro, allowing families to choose the experience that fits them best.

How should I prepare my toddler for a newborn session?

Keep expectations low, avoid putting pressure on them to “smile,” and let them know they’ll get to play, cuddle, and spend time with their new sibling. I’ll guide the rest.

Ready to Preserve This Season?

If you’re looking for a Kansas City newborn photographer who embraces the beautifully imperfect moments and focuses on genuine connection, I’d love to help tell your family’s story.

Contact Lacey Rene Studios to learn more about newborn, maternity, milestone, and family photography throughout the Kansas City metro.

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