When you spend as much time with tiny humans as I do, you end up with quite the toolkit for helping even the fussiest babies feel calm and safe.
In part one of my Studio Secrets series, I shared five of my go-to newborn soothing techniques—but it turns out I had a few more up my sleeve. So here’s your bonus instalment: five additional tips I regularly use in my studio, each designed to gently support babies as they settle in.
1. Gentle Eye Sweeping
This is one of the most instinctive tricks I use—lightly sweeping my fingers across baby’s eyelids in a rhythmic motion. It encourages them to close their eyes and helps guide them toward sleep. It’s calming, familiar, and often surprisingly effective.
2. Forehead Strokes
A slow, downward stroke between the eyebrows and across the forehead can work wonders. It mimics the soothing touch babies often experience from parents and creates a grounding, sleepy sensation.
3. Swaddling & Containment
That “tuck and contain” feeling recreates the snug safety of the womb and helps reduce the startle reflex. It’s one of the first things I do when settling a baby.
4. Familiar Scents
Whether it’s a muslin that smells like mum or a soft wrap from home, scent is powerful for newborns. Having something familiar nearby helps make the studio feel safe and comforting.
5. White Noise + Heartbeat Layering
The womb isn’t silent—so I recreate the constant, rhythmic soundscape with a gentle white noise and heartbeat combination. It helps babies feel at home in a new space.
Every baby is different—but these techniques have helped me support so many newborns through their first photo shoot, even on days where sleep seems like a distant dream. If you’re a parent looking to soothe your baby at home, feel free to give these a try. They might just work their gentle magic for you too.
Everything You Need to Know About Newborn Photography
Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most incredible moments, and capturing those early days with professional photography ensures you have beautiful memories to cherish forever. Whether you’re wondering when to book, how to prepare, or what to expect at your session, I’ve created a collection of helpful guides and resources to answer all your questions.
From safety in newborn photography to including siblings or pets, explore these expert articles to help you plan the perfect newborn photo shoot. Click below to find out more! If you don’t find the answers to your question here, of course I’m always happy to help so 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 serene images. To ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant—we’ll set a provisional date for a week after your due date and adjust if needed once your baby arrives.
Your session takes place in my warm and cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed for your baby’s comfort. The shoot is relaxed, unrushed, and includes three digital images of your choice, all for £95. There’s no sales session—just a private online gallery where you can view and select your favourites at your own pace.
