a digital image of a newborn sleeping on their tummy on a white floral swing

Newborn photo shoots ideally take place when your baby is between five and ten days old and definitely in the first three weeks to ensure maximum sleepiness and poseability.

During this time, they may still have their cord clamp.  Some babies seem to shed them really quickly and some hang onto them a little longer.  So, if your baby’s cord clamp is still on at the time of your newborn photography session, don’t worry – it won’t affect the shoot at all! It’s completely normal for the clamp and stump to still be there, and we’ll work around it effortlessly to create beautiful images you’ll love.

How Long Does a Cord Clamp Stay On?

Most newborns lose their cord stump within 7-14 days, but every baby is different. Some babies will have lost it before their session, while for others, it may still be there. Either way, it’s nothing to stress about!

a swaddled baby sleeping next to some peach roses

Will the Cord Clamp Be Visible in Photos?

That depends on baby’s position and outfit choices, but if it is visible:

  • I’ll pose your baby in ways that naturally de-emphasise it.
  • Many outfits, wraps, and props will cover it up.
  • It’s easy to edit out in post-production if needed.

The focus of your baby’s photos is always on their tiny features, precious expressions, and beautiful newness, so a small detail like a cord clamp won’t take away from the magic of their images.

What If I’m Worried About It?

If you’d prefer the cord clamp not to be visible in your images, just let me know! We can easily adjust posing and styling to keep it out of sight. However, many parents choose to keep it in as part of capturing their baby exactly as they were in those early days—every little detail telling the story of their first few weeks – the choice is totally yours to make and you just need to let me know your preference.

Your Baby Will Be Perfect, Just As They Are

However your baby arrives at their session, they will be absolutely perfect. The most important thing is that you have a relaxed, enjoyable experience while we create images you’ll treasure forever.

If you have any concerns about their cord clamp (or anything else!), just let me know—I’m always happy to help.

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.