
Welcoming a new baby into the family is a truly special milestone, and sibling and baby photography beautifully captures this unique moment in time. When you choose to include siblings in your newborn session, it adds even more depth and meaning to your photos. As siblings meet their new baby brother or sister, the bond they share becomes an unforgettable memory. At my Waxhaw studio, just outside Charlotte, NC, I create a warm and comfortable environment where families can relax and enjoy the session. Whether you are looking for sweet, snuggly moments or playful interactions, let’s explore some helpful tips to make your session with multiple siblings a smooth and enjoyable experience! And feel free to check out my newborn session packages too….there is a little something for everyone & every budget!
Sibling and Baby Photography: Capturing the Unique Moments
Every child’s reaction to the arrival of a new baby is different, and that’s what makes sibling and baby photography so beautiful. Some siblings may be thrilled and eager to hold or kiss their new baby, while others might feel unsure or even shy about this new family dynamic. It’s important not to pressure children into behaving in a certain way. Every response—from stealing a kiss to simply observing from the sidelines—is authentic and precious.
In your sibling and baby photography session, I embrace each sibling’s individuality. Some might want to snuggle up close, while others prefer to watch the baby from a distance. These candid moments capture the true essence of family life and the bond siblings share with their newborn brother or sister.




Making Siblings Feel Included in Your Family Newborn Session
Incorporating older siblings into your newborn session is key to ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience. I understand the importance of making siblings feel involved, so they aren’t just bystanders in the photos. When older children feel engaged and valued, they are much more likely to participate actively, which results in more meaningful and beautiful photos.
During your family newborn session, I encourage siblings to help in small ways, like choosing props or helping to decide how the baby is wrapped. It’s often helpful to have a chat with older siblings about what to expect, so they feel included in the process. I even let younger siblings sit beside me while I wrap the newborn, making them feel like an essential part of the session. This keeps the session lighthearted, and helps everyone enjoy the moment.
One recent client shared: “Tobi is wonderful!!! We did family and newborn photos, and she is amazing at getting the cutest pictures. She is patient and ensures each session is exactly what you want. Highly recommend her! You won’t regret it.” – J. Walden. When siblings feel special, they’re more likely to form a positive connection with their new sibling, creating beautiful, lasting memories.
Adjusting Poses for Different Ages in Sibling and Baby Photography



The safety and comfort of all family members, especially the newborn, are my top priority. When posing siblings with the newborn, I carefully consider each child’s age, size, and ability. By adjusting poses to suit each sibling’s stage in life, we can create safe, fun, and meaningful photographs.
Toddlers (Under 2 Years Old)
For toddlers, sibling and baby photography often involves a parent holding both the baby and the toddler. This ensures everyone’s safety while capturing those intimate, snuggly moments between siblings. Toddlers have shorter attention spans, so these moments are often quick, playful, and focused on things like a gentle kiss or a tiny hand grasping the newborn’s fingers. Sometimes, we also capture a toddler sitting beside their new sibling, either in a basket or on a soft prop, which adds variety to the session.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-4)
Preschool-aged siblings may be eager to “hold” their new sibling, but safety remains a top priority. At this age, poses typically involve the older sibling lying down beside the newborn on a soft surface, ensuring the baby is supported and secure. This setup allows for a sweet, intimate bond between the two siblings while maintaining the newborn’s safety and comfort.
Older Siblings (Ages 5 and Up)
With older children, we have more flexibility in posing since they have the motor skills and patience necessary to safely hold their new infant sibling. At this stage, sibling and baby photography can include poses like cradling the newborn in their arms or sitting together in a cozy chair, showcasing the sibling’s pride in being a big brother or sister. Older kids may also enjoy having more interactive or dynamic photos taken, such as reading to their baby or sharing a quiet moment.



Pacing the Session for Younger Siblings
Young siblings may not always have the patience to sit for long periods during a family newborn session. To ensure the session goes smoothly for everyone, I recommend starting with sibling and family photos before focusing on individual shots of the newborn. This allows younger siblings to participate early on in the session. Once we’ve captured the key sibling moments and have finished the family photos dad, grandma, or whomever mom nominates can take the kiddos to school, daycare, or to a park to play. This also ensures mom can finally have a moment to breathe and relax while I capture beatiful images of their newest little love!
My Waxhaw studio is designed with families in mind, offering comfortable seating and space for younger children to relax between poses. By pacing the session this way, we can keep everyone happy and stress-free, creating an enjoyable experience for both parents and kids.
Tips for Including Multiple Siblings in Newborn Photos
When you have multiple siblings, the session requires a bit of extra planning to ensure smooth transitions and happy interactions. Here are a few tips for making sibling and baby photography a breeze:

Group Sibling Portraits
We’ll aim for a beautiful group photo that showcases the sibling’s connection with the new baby. Whether it’s a warm cuddle, a playful interaction, or a moment of quiet love, these group shots become cherished keepsakes for your family. A well-composed group portrait will highlight the bond between siblings and their new sibling, making it a memorable part of your family’s journey.
Individual Moments with Each Sibling
To truly capture the unique bond each sibling shares with the newborn, I always dedicate time to focus on individual moments. After we’ve taken the group photos, I ensure that if mom wants to that each sibling has time in front of the camera with the baby, creating portraits that emphasize their individual relationship. The goal is to showcase these personal connections, whether it’s a tender kiss, a protective hug, or simply holding the baby’s hand.
The sessions are highly customizable to reflect what matters most to you. If you want more emphasis on family portraits, we can focus on those. Alternatively, if the focus is on newborn photos or a mix of both family and newborn portraits, I’ll tailor the session to suit your needs. This is your family’s moment, and I’m here to make sure it’s perfect for you.


Preparing for Your Sibling and Baby Photography Session
Proper preparation can make all the difference when siblings are involved. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth session:
- Review the Newborn Prep Guide: The Newborn Prep Guide I provide has essential tips for feeding, soothing, and preparing your baby for the session. A well-fed, sleepy newborn is key to capturing those perfect posed shots. If the siblings are super young we will definitely take only wrapped images of the newborn with their sibling.
- Talk to the Kiddos: Explain to your children what will happen during the session, emphasizing their special role in taking pictures with their new sibling. Knowing this session is just as much about them as the new baby will help them feel better. Even better to show them other photos of kids their age and their newborn siblings I have posted on the newborn portfolio you can review on my website: www.tobistimelesstreasures.com/newborn/ or my instagram page
- Choose Comfortable Outfits: Choose soft, neutral clothing that will complement the overall color scheme of the session. Avoid busy patterns or fabrics that might cause discomfort. Simple outfits like rompers or overalls for younger children will prevent clothing from becoming untucked during the session.



Celebrate the Unique Bond of Your Growing Family
Including siblings in your family newborn session is about more than just creating beautiful photos. It’s a celebration of the love and connection that make your family special. Whether it’s a toddler’s giggle or an older child’s proud smile, these moments are precious and fleeting.
At my Waxhaw studio, I serve families throughout the greater Charlotte area, tailoring each session to reflect your family’s unique story. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, I ensure that everyone—big and small—feels celebrated and comfortable.

Book Your Family Newborn Session Today
Are you ready to capture the joy of your growing family? I’d love to help you preserve these moments. Reach out to book your sibling and baby photography session or learn more about what to expect during your time at the studio. Let’s create images you’ll treasure for years to come! Visit https://tobistimelesstreasures.com to learn more or to book your session today.