The first year flies by, doesn’t it? One moment you’re cradling a sleepy newborn, and the next they’re babbling, crawling, or diving into a birthday cake. For many parents, that first year is a whirlwind—and knowing when to stop and capture it all in photographs can feel overwhelming.
As a professional baby photographer in Saint Paul with over 25 years of experience, I’ve worked with hundreds of families who all asked the same question: When is the best time to schedule baby photos? The answer? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Each age brings something unique and beautiful. This month-by-month guide is here to help you understand your options, whether you’re planning ahead or already in the thick of babyhood.
Let’s explore the most popular photo stages in your baby’s first year, and what makes each one so special.
📸 The First Few Weeks — Newborn Photos (5–14 Days Old)
There’s something undeniably magical about those early days. Newborn photography is best done within the first two weeks—ideally between 5 and 14 days old. Why? Babies at this stage are typically very sleepy, still curl naturally into those adorable womb-like poses, and are generally more flexible and calm during the session.
Why This Window Matters
Sleepy, Curled-Up Posing: Babies naturally stay in those squishy positions, making it easier (and safer) to create timeless images.
Fewer Startle Reflexes: Newborns haven’t yet developed strong reflexive movements, which makes for smoother posing.
Easier Transitions: Diaper changes and swaddles tend to go more smoothly at this stage.
What to Expect at a Newborn Session
In my studio, sessions are baby-led and slow-paced. I keep the room warm, use white noise, and prioritize your baby’s comfort. Posing is always gentle and done with safety in mind. You’ll relax on the couch with a coffee while I do the quiet work of capturing every delicate detail.
Tips for Parents
Book Early: I recommend booking during your second trimester to ensure a spot.
Plan for Flexibility: Babies don’t follow calendars—if yours arrives early or late, I always build room in my schedule to adjust.
🌙 One to Three Months — The Stretchy Stage
This stage often gets overlooked, but it can be a sweet spot for families who missed the classic newborn window or needed more time to recover post-birth.
What Changes at This Age
More Awake Time: Babies are starting to focus and respond to faces.
Stretchy, Less Curled: You may not get the same womb-like poses, but there’s more opportunity for eye contact and interaction.
Chubbier Features: Baby’s face starts to fill out—and those cheeks? Photogenic perfection.
Why Some Parents Wait
Recovery Time: Especially for C-section mamas, the first few weeks can be a lot. Waiting a few more weeks can make the photo session more enjoyable.
Personality Peeks: Babies start showing expressions, tracking voices, and reacting to their surroundings.
Ideal Session Style
Swaddled poses (for comfort)
Close-up detail shots (hands, lashes, lips)
Parent + baby cuddles, with lots of skin-to-skin contact or cozy blankets
🌟 Six to Eight Months — The Sitter Milestone
If you ask most photographers (myself included!) what their favorite age is to photograph after the newborn stage, this one’s near the top. Around 6 to 8 months, most babies can sit confidently without help but aren’t yet crawling out of frame. It’s the sweet spot for expressive, joy-filled portraits.
Why It’s Golden
Big Smiles, Bright Eyes: Baby is fully engaged and loves interaction.
Strong But Still Small: They’re sturdy enough to sit, but still tiny and snuggly.
Gorgeous Chub: Let’s be honest—those rolls are iconic and deserve to be documented.
Ideal Setups
Minimalist studio setups with simple backdrops that keep baby the star
Textured blankets, baskets, or floor props for sitting
Tummy time shots to showcase giggles and interaction
Planning Tip
Once your baby is confidently rolling and pushing up on arms, you’re just a few weeks away from sitting. Reach out early so we can plan ahead to catch the sitting milestone right as it blooms.
🚼 Nine to Eleven Months — The Curious Crawler
This age brings movement, mischief, and so much charm. Between 9 and 11 months, most babies are crawling, cruising, and ready to explore the world around them.
What Makes It Fun
Energy and Personality: You’ll see more curiosity, more reaction, and bigger laughs.
Interactive Sessions: Babies love peekaboo, playing with props, and even mimicking sounds.
Unpredictable Fun: Every photo feels authentic and spontaneous.
Pose Ideas
Crawling straight toward the camera
Standing while holding onto a prop or box
Cheeky expressions while trying to “escape” the set
Bonus Tip
If weather allows, this is a great age for outdoor or lifestyle sessions at home. We can document daily routines, nursery details, and those early attempts to stand and toddle.
🎂 Twelve Months — Cake Smash or Classic One-Year Photos
Twelve months is a huge milestone—not just for your baby, but for you. A whole year of love, change, and growth deserves to be celebrated.
Celebration Time
A one-year session is your chance to look back on that wild first year and see how far your little one has come. Whether you want a cake smash or a timeless portrait, this is your moment.
Session Theme Ideas
Cake Smash: Classic white cake, pastel décor, or even a theme like woodland or boho
Minimalist Studio: Clean backdrop with neutral props for timeless portraits
Heirloom Vibe: Vintage outfit, classic toys, and fine-art editing
Final Thoughts
A one-year session is often the perfect cap to your baby’s first-year story. It’s also a wonderful time to design a keepsake album or wall collage featuring highlights from newborn through the first birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I missed the newborn window—did I ruin my chance at great photos?
Absolutely not. While those early poses are unique to newborns, every stage brings new opportunities. Whether baby is two weeks or two months old, we can create a beautiful session tailored to where they are now.
Q: Should I book multiple sessions during the first year?
Many families choose a milestone plan with 2–3 sessions: typically newborn, sitter, and one-year. I offer flexible packages for exactly this reason, so you don’t miss the big stages.
Q: What if my baby isn’t hitting milestones right on schedule?
No stress—every baby develops at their own pace. I work with your baby’s readiness, not a rigid timeline. We’ll adapt the session to what your little one is doing right now.
Q: Can siblings or parents be included in milestone sessions?
Always. These are your memories too, and sibling shots or family cuddles are welcome at any stage.
Q: How should I prep for baby’s photo session?
I provide a full prep guide with tips on nap timing, snacks, outfits, and what to bring. Sessions are baby-led and relaxed—so you can show up without pressure.
There’s No Wrong Time—Only Beautiful Moments to Capture
There’s no “perfect” time to document your baby’s first year—only perfect-for-you moments. Whether you love the curled-up sleepiness of a newborn or the wobbly joy of a one-year-old, every photo tells a story worth remembering. My goal is to make sure your baby’s first year doesn’t slip by without being preserved in heartfelt, timeless images.
Ready to capture your baby’s story? Whether you’re planning ahead or already deep in the baby stage, I’m here to help you choose the perfect time for portraits.
Click here to inquire or book your baby’s milestone session →
