The Best Time to Take Newborn Photos

When you’re planning a wedding, everyone reminds you how priceless those photographs will be. For many families, though, the images that end up closest to the heart are the newborn portraits. Welcoming a baby changes everything, and this tiny window of time passes quickly. So what’s the best time to take newborn photos? Here’s a clear, parent-friendly guide to help you schedule with confidence.

Is There a Strict Newborn Photo Time Frame?

You may have heard that you must book within 14 days or the portraits won’t “count.” That’s a myth. There isn’t a hard cutoff when portraits stop being newborn portraits. Any time in the first several weeks works. A skilled newborn photographer can create beautiful infant portraits up to six weeks after birth. No timers. No “newborn police.” Just thoughtful planning around your baby’s needs.

The Best Time to Take Newborn Photos, Week by Week

Babies change quickly in those first days, which means your experience at 7 days old can be very different from 17 days old. Each age range has pros and considerations. Use these notes to choose the best age for newborn photos based on the look you love.

6 days old

8 days old

10 days old

13 days old

18 days old

20 days old

22 days old

27 days old

30 days old

5 weeks old

6 weeks old

8 weeks old (premature)

6–14 Days Old: Sleepy and Curled

For most families, this is the ideal time for a newborn photo session. By day four, many parents find feeding starts to regulate. Scheduling sessions from day six onward allows time for cluster feeding to settle so baby arrives full and content. In this window, babies tend to sleep deeply and curl naturally, which makes those peaceful, simple, sleepy poses easier to create.

A heads-up: days 10–12 can sometimes be a little fussy for about 48 hours. If your baby decides they want extra cuddles, we adapt. With patience, soothing, and safe posing, we still create a full gallery of portraits you’ll love.

Good for: classic sleepy poses, curled positions, macro details (lashes, lips, tiny toes).
Keep in mind: brief growth spurts or fussy phases are normal; pacing the session around feeds is key.

15–21 Days Old: More Awake, Still Dreamy

Around the third week, many babies spend more time awake and alert. Parents often hope for open-eye portraits here, and we can usually capture a few. Just remember: before eight weeks, babies can’t reliably focus their eyes, so they may glance past the camera or look a bit cross-eyed on occasion. Once they drift to sleep, we move gently into comfortable poses, though it may take more settling than it did earlier.

Parents also tend to be feeling the tiredness by this point. A professional studio workflow includes flattering light, guided posing, and simple styling so parents look rested and connected in family portraits.

Good for: a mix of sleepy images and a few awake expressions; family images.
Keep in mind: slightly longer transitions into poses; more frequent soothing.

22–30 Days Old: Bright-Eyed and Stretchy

By week four, babies are typically more alert and love to stretch out. They may resist tight curls, and we lean into poses that suit their natural comfort. Expect more swaddled looks and gentle, relaxed positions rather than the very folded newborn poses. The result is still tender and timeless, just with a slightly different feel.

Many parents appreciate that, by this stage, post-pregnancy swelling has eased a bit, which can boost confidence during parent-and-baby portraits.

Good for: swaddled portraits, parent snuggles, simple props, and awake details.
Keep in mind: fewer tightly curled poses; more movement, so calm wrapping helps.

Over 30 Days Old: Content, Curious, and Often Awake

Once your baby is past one month, we often see more wakefulness and lots of adorable stretches and kicks. Sleepy portraits are still possible, but awake images may lead the gallery. Swaddling keeps baby cozy and allows us to capture calm expressions without the startle reflex interrupting the moment.

Good for: expressive awake portraits, wrapped poses, connection-filled family images.
Keep in mind: less likelihood of fully posed, unclothed images; we prioritize comfort and safety.

Premature Babies and NICU Stays: How to Schedule

If your baby arrived early or spent time in the NICU, you haven’t missed out. For preemies, we often plan around your baby’s adjusted age (calculated from the due date). This extends your window for the best time to take newborn photos and helps us meet your baby where they are developmentally. We’ll coordinate with your pediatrician’s guidance, keep sessions warm and calm, and adapt posing to baby’s cues.

A Note on Flexibility: Babies Are People, Not Timetables

Guidelines are helpful, but every baby has a distinct temperament. Some are deeply relaxed and happy to be posed. Others are sensitive and prefer minimal movement. Many settle beautifully after a full feed unless reflux or tummy discomfort changes the plan. This is why the best time to take newborn photos is really the time that aligns with your baby’s comfort and the style of portraits you love. An experienced newborn photographer reads cues, moves slowly, and works safely to create a beautiful gallery at any point in those first weeks.

How to Choose Your Ideal Time Frame

Use this quick guide to match your goals with timing:

• You want classic, curled, sleepy portraits: Aim for 6–14 days.

• You want a mix of sleepy and a few open eyes: Aim for 15–21 days.

• You love swaddled, minimalist portraits and parent snuggles: 22–30+ days works well.

• Your baby was premature or had a NICU stay: Plan around adjusted age, not the birth date.

  

  

  

  

Practical Tips for a Smooth Newborn Photo Session

• Book early so your session lands near your preferred window, then confirm the exact date after baby arrives.

• Feed right before the session or on arrival to encourage a cozy nap.

• Keep baby warm and comfortably dressed for easy transitions into wraps and poses.

• Relax your expectations and let the baby lead. When we follow their rhythm, the images feel genuine.

  

  

  

  

So, When Is the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos?

Short answer: the best time to take newborn photos is the window that matches the look you want and your baby’s cues. If you’re dreaming of curled, sleepy portraits, schedule during the second week. If you love bright eyes and swaddled simplicity, the third or fourth week is lovely. And if life takes a turn, you still have options—beautiful ones.

If you’re ready to plan your newborn photo session or want help choosing the perfect window for your family, reach out. We’ll chat through your goals, your baby’s timeline, and build a session that feels calm, safe, and memorable.