When Is the Best Time For Newborn Photos?

Welcoming a newborn into your life is one of the most special and fleeting moments you’ll ever experience. But when is the best time for newborn photos? As a Los Angeles in-home newborn photographer, I know how important it is to capture your baby’s earliest days in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and meaningful. The answer depends on several factors, from your baby’s development to your own recovery and family dynamics.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the ideal timing for newborn photography, what to consider when planning your session, and cover the benefits of in-home photography.

Why Timing Matters for Newborn Photos

Newborn babies grow insanely quickly! In just a few weeks, their tiny features might look totally different, and their sleepy demeanor will transform into alertness and curiosity.

When it comes to picking the best time for newborn photos, there are really two timeframes to choose from: 1-2 weeks old vs 3-12 weeks old. There is no right or wrong answer. It’s really a matter of personal preference. Here’s what to consider with each option–

1-2 Weeks Old

• Baby will be very sleepy. Their expression might be similar in most photos.
• You will probably have a wider variety of setups since they are more easily settled when moved.
• The photos will capture the connection between you and your partner and celebrate the presence of your new baby.

3-12 Weeks Old

• Baby will be more alert and have different expressions in the photos.
• If the baby is used to being held, it might be harder to set them down on their own. Not a problem, it just means more photos in your arms.
• Once the baby starts making eye contact with you (and smiling,) the photos will capture the connection between parent and child, or baby and sibling.

What Else to Consider When Scheduling Your Newborn Photos

1. Your Recovery

Consider your physical and emotional recovery post-birth when thinking of the best time for newborn photos. Allow time for your body to heal so you’re not uncomfortable moving around and sitting on different surfaces. Make sure you’re in a good headspace for your photos because your experience during your photoshoot matters as much as the final photos.

2. Baby’s Health and Development

Make sure your baby is healthy and able to feed well by the time of your photo session. Adjust timing as needed for any health concerns so the baby isn’t fussy (and you’re not stressed out) during your photoshoot.

3. Umbilical Cord/Belly Button

If you are planning on including down-to-the-diaper photos, make sure you’re aware that remnants of the umbilical cord can hang around the belly button for up to 2 weeks post-birth. (Most typically, the cord will come off within 10-14 days.) Consider your preference for showing or avoiding this in your photos.

4. Older Siblings

If you have an older child, give them a chance to spend some time with the new baby before scheduling your newborn photos. Bringing home a younger sibling is a huge transitions for a child and they may need extra time to acclimate.

5. Caretakers

Do you want to include anyone else in your photos? If a grandparent or relative is going to be a primary caretaker, the best time for newborn photos might be when they are around. Bring them in towards the end of your photo session to capture them with your baby.

Benefits of In-Home Newborn Photography

Taking newborn photos at home gives you the perfect opportunity to capture real and candid moments in a relaxed environment. Plus–

1. It’s easy.

I heard someone say that the first two weeks with a newborn feel like one really long day. The hours blur together and everything gets a little hazy. The last thing you need is to have to be at a specific place at a specific time. Make it easier on yourself by having your newborn photos at home. 

2. You can respect your baby’s schedule.

Those early days with a newborn tend to be a little unpredictable. They may cluster feed one day and sleep for 4 hours straight the next. If you decide to have your newborn session at home, you can respect your baby’s needs and even document their routine.

3. You have everything you need at home.

Over time, parents become expert packers and can be ready to leave with everything they need within minutes. But in the beginning when everything is new, it takes a lot of mental bandwidth to remember all the things. (I’ve personally forgotten diapers for my baby and had to borrow one from a friend’s toddler.) At home, you have everything you need. Not only is this a practical benefit, but a mental one because it’s one less thing to worry about. All the things your baby could possibly need – diapers, a change of clothes, swaddles, bottles, pacifiers – are within reach. 

4. You’re most comfortable at home.

One of the key factors in making sure you have great newborn photos is to stay relaxed and happy throughout your session. The environment plays a huge role in this. By taking newborn photos at home, you are setting yourself up to be at ease. Not only do you know your way around, but there’s a sense of privacy there that you wouldn’t get on location. 

5. Your photos will tell a story.

There are so many details that will make their way into your images when you take newborn photos at home. The nursery you worked so hard to decorate, a quilt that has been passed down for generations, a book that your best friend bought your child… the list is endless. The photographer doesn’t even need to be aware of the meaning behind all the items – because you are. And they will inevitably make their way into the photos and add to the story of what your newborn days were like. Your photos will be so much richer for it. And contain so much information that would otherwise not be included if you were in an environment that wasn’t yours. 

For more on this topic, check out my article Why Take Newborn Photos At Home?

What If You Miss the “Ideal” Window?

Life with a newborn is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you were set on the 1-2 week window but you missed it, don’t worry! It’s never too late to document your baby’s early days. Each stage brings its own uniqueness. It might be their first smiles and more defined features that show up around the second month. Or maybe it’s those early interactions and intentional eye contact. Every age offers an opportunity to create beautiful memories. The important thing is to get it documented.

Additional Resources

There are so many things to do when expecting a baby, and thinking of the best time for newborn photos is just one of them. Here are some of my most popular resources for expecting parents:

• 10 Must-Have Newborn Photo Ideas (Free PDF Included)
• The Newborn Photography Checklist For Parents
• What To Wear For Newborn Photos
• How To Prepare for In Home Newborn Photos (Free PDF Included)

Final Thoughts

Capturing your newborn’s earliest days is a priceless investment in memories you’ll cherish forever. Whether you choose to schedule your session days after birth, or prefer to give it a few weeks, the best time for newborn photos comes down to personal preference. The most important thing is to make sure you document this fleeting stage in your life.

Local to Los Angeles and ready to book your session? Reach out today to chat about in-home newborn photos and see if we’d be a good fit!

When Is The Best Time For Newborn Photos?

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Marjorie Cohen is a Los Angeles Newborn Photographer offering at-home sessions to families in LA County. Marjorie works with parents who want relaxed and natural photos with their children. Follow along in Instagram and Pinterest for her latest work!