The best age for baby pictures is actually based off milestones and development rather than an actual timeline. So skip the “6 month” portraits and go for a sitter session instead.

Each baby is an individual and reaches milestones at a different time. So don’t feel pressured to do those month milestones. Instead opt for these four important milestone photos to capture during your baby’s first year.

Best age for baby pictures – The Newborn Session

Obviously, the first of the big milestones, their arrival! The newborn baby pictures are best done during the first couple weeks of life. Baby is still brand new, of so tiny, and sleepy! You can do your newborn session either in my light and bright studio space, and skip any kind of house cleaning or straightening up. Or, I can come to you in your home for a lifestyle session using your home and spaces as the backdrop.

Best age for baby pictures – The Tummy time – Grabbing toes milestones

After the newborn session, the next age to capture in your new baby’s milestone pictures is the tummy time push up stage. I know you’re so excited to capture the next milestone, but it’s important to wait a bit for this one. Your baby should be holding that tummy time pose strongly, with their head up without too much fuss or trouble. We get the best images that way!

If baby isn’t quite there yet the tummy time pose can be upsetting to your baby, and then ultimately to you. They won’t be able to concentrate, and the resulting photos can look a bit unflattering to them. Best advice, hold off until he or she has mastered that milestone. Typically around the 4-5 month mark.

Best age for baby pictures – The Solid Sitter

A FAVORITE of so many parents, myself included! Babies at the sitter milestone are so much fun! They can sit up all on their own with no support. They are able to interact with you and with toys, they can laugh and giggle and just be an absolute joy!

Bonus, for the sitter session, baby typically has not mastered the crawl yet. They may be able to be in the crawl position, but without crawling away from us. That’s beneficial for a photo session for sure, less “chasing and placing”!

Turning One

If you skip the previous two milestones, for sure go for the big ONE! It’s absolutely one of the best age for baby pictures! We will schedule your first birthday photoshoot in my Sussex County New Jersey Photo studio two to three weeks before you want the pictures back for sharing or printing for their birthday and birthday party.

Cake smashes have been popular for the last I don’t know how many years, but you don’t have to follow that trend if you don’t want to! I often schedule family sessions for first birthdays both in home and in the studio. That way you can have the whole family included in the big first birthday celebration! After all, you all made it through baby’s first year, and that deserves a celebration!

If you choose to do a cake smash, donut smash, paint party, etc. That portion can happen the last 15 minutes of your birthday photo shoot.

In home first birthday session

In studio First Birthday Session

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