Booking while you’re still pregnant isn’t just practical advice. It’s the thing that makes the whole experience far less stressful once your baby arrives.

A sleeping newborn wearsa a pink bathrobe and a towel on her head and is relaxing on a spa chair

Why I ask parents to book a newborn session before their baby arrives, and how it all works in practice.

The timing really does matter

Newborn sessions work best in the first ten days. This is when your baby is at their sleepiest and most curled up, which makes it possible to move them gently through poses without waking them up. After that, they start to become more aware of the world around them, and that curiosity is lovely but it does change what’s achievable in a session. They’ll still sleep a lot, but transferring them from one setup to another without disturbing them becomes much harder.

a sleeping newborn in a pink outfit with a lace back detail.

Booking in advance means one less thing to think about

Newborn life is a lot. Between the feeds, the sleep deprivation, and adjusting to everything being completely different, searching for a photographer and chasing availability is the last thing you want to be doing. If you’ve already booked before your baby arrives, that’s one thing completely sorted.

We book provisionally for your due date plus seven days and adjust the date once your baby is here. So there’s no commitment to a specific day, just the reassurance that you have a slot.

It gives you time to plan

Booking early means you have time to think about what you’d like from the session before you arrive. Colour preferences, any props you want to bring from home, sentimental items like a favourite teddy or a blanket that means something. You can gather things at your own pace rather than last minute.

Newborn sessions as a gift

If you’re looking for something to give at a baby shower, a newborn photography gift voucher is a genuinely practical option. It gives the parents something they’ll actually use and takes the pressure off them to sort it themselves. Vouchers are available in any amount and can be purchased year round.

How to book

Get in touch during your pregnancy and we’ll set a provisional date. Once your baby arrives, we adjust from there. Simple as that.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re expecting a newborn session. Whether you’re wondering when to book, how to prepare, or what to expect on the day, I’ve put together a collection of guides to answer the questions I hear most. From safety to siblings to choosing props, everything you need is here. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, just get in touch.

Newborn Photography in East Grinstead

Newborn photo shoots are best when your baby is between 5 and 10 days old. This is when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest, perfect for capturing those beautifully calm and natural images. I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant so we can set a provisional date and adjust once your baby arrives.

Your session takes place in my warm, cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed with your baby’s comfort in mind. Sessions are relaxed and unrushed, and include three digital images of your choice for £95. There’s no sales session, just a private online gallery where you can view and choose your favourites in your own time.