The Complete Guide to Your Newborn Photography Session in Milton Keynes
Everything you need to know to prepare for a stress-free, magical newborn photoshoot at our Milton Keynes studio
Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most precious moments. Those tiny fingers, delicate features, and peaceful sleeping poses are fleeting, changing almost overnight. Professional newborn photography preserves these irreplaceable early days, creating heirloom portraits your family will treasure for generations.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about preparing for your newborn photography session, from optimal timing to what happens during the shoot. Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another little one, this guide ensures you feel confident and prepared.
What You’ll Learn
- → Perfect timing for newborn photos
- → How to prepare your baby
- → What to bring and wear
- → Session day timeline
- → Safety during photography
- → What happens after the session
When to Book Your Newborn Photography Session
⏰ The Golden Window: Days 3-18
The optimal time for newborn photography is within the first 3 to 18 days after birth. During this precious window, your baby is still naturally sleepy, curls into adorable poses, and maintains that precious newborn look with delicate features and soft skin.
Why This Timing Matters
✓ Sleepy & Settled
Newborns sleep 16-20 hours daily in the first weeks, making it easier to achieve those peaceful, curled-up poses safely and calmly.
✓ Naturally Flexible
Your baby’s body is still naturally curled from the womb, allowing gentle positioning into those classic poses.
✓ Fewer Wake Windows
Before 3 weeks, babies have minimal awake time and don’t yet have strong day-night rhythms, making scheduling easier.
How to Book: Two-Step Process
During Pregnancy: Reserve Your Spot
Contact us during your second or third trimester to secure a tentative booking. A £49 deposit holds your place on our calendar. This isn’t an additional fee, it’s deducted from your chosen package price.
After Baby Arrives: Confirm Your Date
Contact us immediately when your baby is born. We’ll schedule your session within the optimal 3-18 day window. Early or late arrivals? No problem, your booking is flexible by design.
Pro Tip: Babies don’t always arrive on schedule! Whether your little one comes early, late, or right on time, we’ll work with you to capture those precious first days.
Preparing Your Baby for the Session
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, stress-free session. These simple steps help your baby stay calm, comfortable, and sleepy, resulting in those gorgeous, peaceful portraits.
24 Hours Before the Session
Keep Your Routine Normal
Don’t try new routines or schedules. Stick to what your baby knows, consistency reduces stress.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Put baby in loose-fitting clothing the day before to prevent elastic marks or lines on delicate skin.
Plan Your Journey
Use Google Maps to locate “Mihai Gonguta – Photo Studio” (not other navigation apps). Plan for free parking directly in front of the studio.
On Session Day Morning
- Keep baby awake 1-2 hours before – A slightly overtired baby sleeps more soundly during posing
- Feed baby just before leaving or immediately upon arrival – A full tummy = a sleepy, content baby
- Keep the car warm during travel – Warmth helps baby stay relaxed and sleepy
- Dress in layers for easy outfit changes – The studio is kept warm for baby’s comfort
Don’t worry about baby acne, dry skin, or tiny scratches. These are completely normal and can be professionally retouched in editing. Your baby is perfect just as they are!
What to Bring to Your Session
👶 For Baby
- ✓ Nappies and wipes
- ✓ Milk/bottles for feeding
- ✓ Dummy (if baby uses one)
- ✓ Spare outfit for accidents
- ✓ Any comfort items
👨👩👧 For Parents
- ✓ Change of clothes (accidents happen!)
- ✓ Snacks and water for yourself
- ✓ Neutral / elegant / casual / solid-colored clothing for family photos
- ✓ Clean shoes
What We Provide – You Don’t Need to Bring:
30+ Wrap Colors
Professional Props
Headbands & Hats
Blankets & Baskets
Newborn Outfits ( Gold Package Only )
Sanitized Equipment
Your Session Day: What to Expect
Newborn photography sessions typically last 2-4 hours. This might seem long, but we work entirely at your baby’s pace. The time includes feeding breaks, nappy changes, soothing, and multiple setup changes. We never rush, your baby’s comfort and safety always come first.
Arrival & Settling
You’ll arrive at our warm, welcoming studio with free parking right outside. If baby needs feeding, we start there, a full tummy means a sleepy, content baby.
Main Photography Session
Once baby is settled and sleepy, we begin the photography session. The studio is kept cozy and warm to keep your newborn comfortable during unwrapped poses.
- Wrapped poses: Baby swaddled in your chosen wrap colors
- Parent and sibling photos: Beautiful family portraits included in all packages
- Posing table shots: Classic and curled poses (Silver & Gold packages)
- Outfit change: One professional newborn outfit (Gold package only)
Feeding Breaks
Newborns typically need to feed every 2-3 hours. We build feeding breaks directly into the session timeline. There’s comfortable seating for nursing mothers. Take your time, we’re in no rush!
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Before you leave, we’ll confirm your remaining payment (if not already completed) and discuss the timeline for receiving your preview gallery.
💚 Remember: We Work at Baby’s Pace
If baby needs extra feeding breaks, nappy changes, or soothing time, we take them. If baby is fussy, we pause and try again when they’re ready. Every baby is different, and that’s perfectly okay. Your session time is flexible, and we never cut corners to rush through.
Safety During Newborn Photography
Your Baby’s Safety is Our Top Priority
Every pose, every setup, and every moment of your session is conducted with your newborn’s safety and comfort as the absolute priority.
Our Safety Practices
Experienced Handling
Extensive experience in safe newborn posing techniques. Baby is always properly supported, with hands positioned to protect their head, neck, and body.
Composite Techniques
Complex-looking poses (like “froggy pose”) are often created by combining multiple safe shots. Baby is never placed in an unsafe position.
Parents Always Present
You’re welcome (and encouraged!) to watch the entire session. Many parents assist with soothing or positioning, and you’re always within arm’s reach of your baby.
Temperature Control
Studio maintained at a warm temperature to prevent baby from getting cold during unwrapped poses. We adjust heating as needed for comfort.
Sanitized Equipment
All wraps, props, blankets, and equipment are professionally cleaned and sanitized between sessions for your baby’s health and safety.
No Rush Policy
We never rush a session to save time. If baby is uncomfortable or fussy, we pause, adjust, and only continue when baby is ready.
Questions or concerns about safety? Please don’t hesitate to ask during your session. Your peace of mind matters, and we’re happy to explain our techniques or adjust our approach based on your comfort level.
After Your Session: What Happens Next
Want More Than Digital Files?
Your newborn images look stunning as premium keepsakes. We offer:
From £169
From £30
From £110
Choose Your Newborn Photography Package
⭐ Rated 5 stars by 80+ families across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, and surrounding areas
Ready to Preserve Your Newborn’s Precious First Days?
Contact us today to secure your tentative booking. Don’t wait until baby arrives, our calendar fills quickly!
📍 Unit 10A Cuckoo Hill Farm, Milton Keynes MK19 7HQ | Free parking available
Common Questions About Newborn Photography
What if my baby won’t sleep during the session?
Some babies are more alert than others and that’s perfectly okay! We can capture beautiful awake shots showing your baby’s bright eyes and alert expressions. Many parents treasure these “awake” portraits just as much as sleeping poses. We work with your baby’s natural rhythm, never forcing poses.
Can siblings attend the newborn session?
Absolutely! Sibling photos are included in all packages. We recommend photographing siblings early in the session when they’re fresh and cooperative. After sibling shots, they’re welcome to stay and watch, or parents can bring entertainment for them during the remainder of the session.
What if we need to reschedule?
Life with a newborn is unpredictable! If you need to reschedule due to jaundice, illness, or any other reason, just contact us as soon as possible. We’ll find a new date that works within the optimal newborn window (or whenever baby is ready if they need more time).
Do you photograph twins or multiples?
Yes! Twin and multiple newborn sessions are welcome. These sessions typically require additional time, and we recommend contacting us directly to discuss your specific needs and package options. Each baby will receive individual portraits plus beautiful images together.