When to Schedule Baby Photos: A Month-by-Month Guide
Table of Contents
Wondering when to schedule baby photos?
Every stage of your baby’s first year is special, and professional photography helps preserve those fleeting moments. But with so many milestones, how do you choose the best time for baby photos?
The truth is—there’s no wrong time! Each stage offers something unique. Whether you love curled-up newborn shots, bright-eyed smiles, or first birthday cake smashes, this guide will help you decide the best time to schedule baby photos based on what you want to capture.
Newborn Stage (5-14 Days Old) – Tiny, Sleepy, & Curled Up
💛 Best for:
- Dreamy, curled-up newborn poses
- Tiny fingers, toes, and delicate newborn details
- Cozy, intimate family snuggles
📸 Things to Know:
- Babies are sleepiest in the first two weeks.
- Newborn sessions focus on soft, natural moments with parents.
- If you love classic newborn photography, book early!
⭐ Best for parents who: Want to remember just how tiny their baby was in those first days.
1 Month (3-6 Weeks) – Awake & Expressive
💛 Best for:
- Bright, wide-eyed moments
- First stretches and tiny expressions
- Snuggly, relaxed lifestyle photos
📸 Things to Know:
- Babies are more awake but still tiny.
- You’ll get fewer curled-up poses but more alert, curious moments.
- Perfect if you missed the early newborn window but still want a “newborn look.”
⭐ Best for parents who: Want a mix of sleepy newborn shots and early expressions.
2-3 Months – First Smiles & Personality
💛 Best for:
- First real smiles!
- Eye contact and interaction
- Chubby cheeks & growing personality
📸 Things to Know:
- Babies start responding to voices & making eye contact.
- No longer in the curled-up newborn phase, but still tiny.
- A great alternative if you missed the newborn window!
⭐ Best for parents who: Want expressions and connection over traditional newborn posing.
6 Months – Sitting Up & Big Smiles
💛 Best for:
- Sitting up independently (a huge milestone!)
- Laughing, clapping, and playing
- Chubby baby rolls & bright-eyed joy
📸 Things to Know:
- Babies sit up but aren’t crawling yet, making posing easier.
- They are super expressive and love interacting.
- Great for capturing pure joy and personality!
⭐ Best for parents who: Want a mix of portraits and playful, giggly moments.
9 Months – Crawling & Exploring
💛 Best for:
- Crawling, standing with support, and exploring
- Playful, interactive expressions
- Lots of movement and action shots
📸 Things to Know:
- Babies are more mobile, leading to fun, candid photos.
- They may stand while holding onto furniture, which is adorable!
- Sessions are more active and playful.
⭐ Best for parents who: Love a natural, documentary-style session capturing movement and personality.
12 Months – First Birthday
💛 Best for:
- First birthday milestone!
- Walking, standing, or cruising
- Playful, celebratory portraits
📸 Things to Know:
- Some babies are walking, others are still crawling—both are great for photos!
- Many families include the whole family in these outdoor portraits.
- A great way to celebrate their first year in a fun, personalized way!
⭐ Best for parents who: Want joyful first birthday memories!
When to Schedule Baby Photos for the Best Experience?
Now that you know what to expect at each milestone, you can decide when to schedule baby photos based on what’s most important to you. Whether it’s a newborn session, 6-month giggles, or a first birthday celebration, every stage is worth documenting!
If you’re unsure, consider a baby milestone plan, where we capture multiple sessions throughout the first year—giving you a complete story of your baby’s growth.
💌 Want to book your baby’s session? Let’s plan something beautiful together!
👉 Explore Newborn & Baby Photography
📖 Looking for more insight on baby photography? Check out this helpful guide from Parents about the best time for newborn photos.
Get your Baby Photo Session Checklist here
This quick & easy checklist will help you prepare for a stress-free session, so you can focus on the snuggles, smiles, and memories. 💛
