Pros and Cons of Newborn Photos at 1 Month

You might be wondering what newborn photos at 1 month look like? Do newborn photos have to be done at 1-2 weeks old?

Typically mom schedules her newborn photos during her third trimester. I will have her due date on my calendar, and she’ll email to confirm the exact session date as soon as the baby is born. We try to have the newborn session take place when the baby is 1-2 weeks old. 

However, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes your baby needs to stay in the NICU for a little while, healing from birth is not going smoothly, an older sibling gets sick, you didn’t think you’d want to do a newborn session, but now that your baby is here, you definitely do. Whatever the reason for coming in a little bit later than 1-2 weeks, know that doing a newborn session at 1 month old is also very successful and just as sweet. 

I’ve got the photos to prove it too.

Cons to Newborn Photos at 1 Month

More Alert

Older newborns are more alert, so you will likely end up with more photos with their eyes open. I struggle with whether to put this under the cons or pro section. When I photograph a brand new 1 week old, any photos I get with their eyes open are always chosen as favorites. But if you were really hoping for those sleepy newborn photos where they are curled up like newborn Dru is (pictured above on the gray drop) just know these are harder to achieve as the weeks go on. But not impossible! Check out 1 month old (5 weeks to be exact) Emerson pictured below.

Big Appetite

An older newborn’s appetite is revving up with each passing day. They simply eat more, so the session may go longer because of more frequent or longer feedings. This can be a bit tiring on mom. If you are able I suggest bringing a bottles to give yourself a little break.

Stronger Startle Reflex

The startle reflex is more robust, so they wake themselves more easily than a 1-2 week old. If this seems to be the case with your baby, I will simply have you hold them more in the photos, so they are snug in your arms, and I will wrap them, so they feel safe and secure.

Baby Acne

Baby acne creeps up at around 3-4 weeks old. I can remedy this with Photoshop ; ) If it is super bad, I will suggest we postpone until it has passed. You can see how I edited out newborn William’s baby acne in the photo below.

Pros to Newborn Photos at 1 Month

Adorable Chub

Older newborns are eating more, so their sweet cheeks are filling out, and they are a little bigger. Who doesn’t love a chubby baby?

Smiles!

We have a higher chance of catching a smile on camera. Most babies start to smile at 6 weeks old, so a newborn at 1 month is likelier to bust out an adorable gummy smile than a 1-2 week old.

More Time for Healing

Some mamas just need a few more weeks at home to heal! That is okay and completely understandable!! Giving birth is a huge physical undertaking. Getting out of the house at 1 month may seem that much more manageable. What’s most important is getting your baby photographed. The exact timing can be flexible.

That’s about it! If you are interested in newborn photos at 1 month or up to 6 weeks old, please be in touch via my contact page here. Let me know when your baby was born, and I look forward to hearing from you!