Being a professional photographer, I have the blessing of working with momma’s, dad’s, and their precious little ones. There are some expert techniques that all newborn photographers use to get those angelic photos.
These are my tried-and-true techniques for getting newborns to sleep soundly, so you can get some much-needed rest too! Remember that I am not a doctor and you should get medical advice. The content in this article is informational and for educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.
In this article, I'll be sharing my top tips and tricks, so let's dive in!
The 5 S’s
In his book “The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep: Simple Solutions for Kids from Birth to 5 Years”, Harvey Karp, M.D. lines out the 5 S’s for getting your newborn to sleep. This helpful memory prompt refers to the following: Swaddle, Side, Shush, Swing, and Suckle. These are the exact steps I follow in the studio with my newborns to get them to sleep.
Let’s start with swaddle. Swaddling is the first step you will want to do with your baby. Trust me, I’ve seen firsthand how a properly swaddled baby can help them feel relaxed and peaceful, making it easier for them to fall asleep. So swaddle that baby up tight! Wrapping them up in a cozy blanket can help them feel safe and snug, just like they did in the womb.
Next, try laying your baby on their side. It can help soothe their nerves and reduce their startle reflex, making them more likely to drift off to dreamland. I adore capturing the serene images of newborns sleeping on their side.
Now, let's talk about making some noise! Shushing might seem a bit odd, but trust me, it works. Mimicking the white noise your baby heard in the womb can be super calming. As a photographer, I've seen how effective this technique can be in helping to lull a newborn into a peaceful sleep.
Swinging is also a great way to get your baby to sleep. The back-and-forth motion is super soothing and can help them relax and snooze off in no time. I prefer using a figure 8 motion to get that little one to drift off. Some of the most precious moments in a newborn session are between a mother and her newborn as they sway gently back and forth! 😍
For the last “S,” encourage your little one to suckle. Whether it's from breastfeeding or a pacifier, the act of sucking can help calm them down and drift off to sleep.
In addition to taking care of your little one with the 5’s, an unexpected way to get your newborn to sleep is to take care of yourself, momma. Did you know that breastfeeding makes you more connected to your baby than you might have known?
Be mindful of your digestive health to help baby sleep
Babies' stomachs are very sensitive to things that a breastfeeding mom eats. So anything that causes digestive discomfort, like bloating or gas, will affect your baby, making it hard for them to sleep. If your baby is fussy a lot, it could be something you're eating, especially if you're breastfeeding. Whatever you ingest, your little one is getting too, which could upset their stomachs.
Here is a list of foods that I ask my new moms to avoid before coming into the studio for a newborn session because it can affect the baby's temperament.
- Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
- Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
- Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts.
- Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
- Dairy. Yogurt, ice cream, or milk products.
- Carbonated beverages. If they make you burp, they could make your baby gassy too.
Sometimes babies are allergic to their mom's milk. You may consider asking your doctor to investigate if your baby cries a lot.
There is also a product that helps soothe your baby’s tummy and general fussiness by the name of Gripe Water. Here is the Amazon Shopping Link to Gripe Water.
I want to mention again that I am not a physician, and you should ask your doctor for medical advice. All of the newborn sleep tips mentioned in this article are tips that I have used in my studio to make photographing easier for baby, momma, and the rest of the family.
Develop a routine
As your baby starts to figure out their world, having a little routine can make them feel cozy. That's why creating a bedtime routine is key! It helps teach them that when it's time to get some shut-eye. So, try to do the same things every time you put your baby down, like singing a lullaby or reading a story, and make sure it's nice and relaxing for them. Creating this routine doesn’t need to involve making your home as quiet as a library.
One of the biggest mistakes new parents make is making a quiet environment for their baby while they sleep. This can actually create problems as any noise can disrupt their sleep. In fact, it is beneficial for babies to become accustomed to the normal sounds of their household. Infants are already used to noise as they have spent nine months in the womb, where it is constantly bustling. By allowing the normal sounds of your home to be present during your baby's sleep time, you can establish healthy sleep habits for your child.
So there you have it, my best tips as a photographer and mom for getting a newborn to sleep. I've seen how effective these techniques can be in helping babies get the rest they need. And let's be real, a well-rested baby means a well-rested mama, so it's a win-win!
If you are ready to have cherished images of your newborn? Contact me by filling out the form at Courtney Ranck-Copher Photography: Simply Pure.
0 Comments