How to Get Great Sibling Photos with Baby (Without the Meltdowns)
May 04, 2025 • 4 min read
We all want that sweet shot of the older sibling holding the baby just right, or the giggle-filled group hug that melts your heart. But if you’re a parent of more than one kiddo, you also know that sibling photos can come with a few… challenges.
- Meltdowns
- Wiggly energy
- “I don’t wanna!” moods
Good news: It is possible to get those gorgeous, genuine sibling moments—without the stress. Here’s how to set the stage for success.
Time it Right
Timing is everything, especially when you’ve got little ones involved. I always recommend planning sibling photos for earlier in the session, when attention spans are still fresh and no one’s hangry (yet).
If your toddler usually naps mid-morning or needs some warm-up time before jumping in, let’s work with that. At-home sessions give us the flexibility to adjust as needed—no pressure, no racing the clock.
Snacks Are Your Secret Weapon
Seriously. Don’t underestimate the power of a favorite snack (bonus points if it’s not too messy). Having a few familiar treats on hand can be the perfect reset button during a session—something to look forward to or a moment of calm in between setups.
Pro tip: make it part of the session! A shared snack between siblings can lead to some super sweet candid moments.
Keep Safety the Top Priority
When it comes to sibling photos with a newborn, safety is always the number one priority—especially when toddlers are involved. A lot of the sweet, serene images you see of babies and big siblings are actually created using composite images. That means I photograph each child separately and blend the images together later during editing. This lets us create those dreamy, frame-worthy shots while making sure your baby is never in a risky situation.
Sometimes I’ll hide a little treat or toy in a prop—like an empty bucket or basket—so your toddler looks curious and engaged. Then I photograph the baby in that same setup later, safely away from wiggly toddlers and tiny fingers. When I merge the two images, it looks like one perfect moment, but really, everyone stayed safe and happy the entire time. It’s a little photographer magic and a lot of thoughtful planning.
Let Them Help (Even If It’s Just for a Minute)
One of the best ways to get older siblings—especially toddlers—involved is to give them a job. Whether it’s handing you a swaddle, helping pick a headband, or choosing the baby’s first “pose,” giving them a sense of purpose helps them feel included instead of sidelined.
Let Them Move
And sometimes, it’s not about helping at all—it’s about letting them get the wiggles out! I’ve had wild threenagers doing laps around the room while I quietly set up. Once they’ve burned off some energy, we often get that golden one-minute window where they’re happy to hold and hug the baby. It’s fast, it’s unpredictable, and it’s real life—and sometimes, that’s when we capture the sweetest, most genuine moments.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
The best sibling photos aren’t the ones where everyone’s perfectly posed and smiling at the camera. They’re the ones where your kids are genuinely interacting—holding hands, laughing, sneaking a peek at their new baby brother or sister.
We’ll gently guide things, of course, but I always leave space for natural moments to unfold. The chaos, the cuddles, the honest expressions—that’s the magic we’re after.
At the end of the day, sibling photos don’t have to be stressful. With the right timing, a little flexibility, and an approach that meets your kids where they are, we can capture the connection and joy that’s uniquely yours—meltdown-free.
Ready to book your in-home newborn session with sibling moments included?
Let’s chat about what works best for your crew!
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