Why I always put newborns down on their left side
If you look through my newborn gallery, you’ll notice that I nearly always pose newborns on their left side when lying down and here’s why.
It’s nothing to do with habit or lighting requirements. The left side is thought to support digestion and reduce reflux, as the stomach naturally curves that way. It’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference to comfort—especially if baby’s just had a feed. With newborns being so unpredictably, I’ll take any advantage I can find to keep them comfortable and sleepy while we create your images.
(Of course, this is only for supervised moments during a session—safe sleep always means placing babies on their back.)
What a Head Tilt might be Telling me in your Shoot
Along the theme of reducing digestive discomfort as much as possible at a shoot, one of the little cues I look out for in the studio is when a newborn seems to settle more easily with their head tilted back. While it’s not something you’ll necessarily read in baby books, I’ve found this can be a sign they’ve got a bit of trapped wind. That slight arch in posture can relieve tummy pressure—so if I spot it, it gives me a helpful clue in how to soothe and support them.
Tiny Humans, Big Facts – Want Some More?
Looking for gentle guidance and little-known tips to help you navigate pregnancy and the early days with your newborn? Tiny Humans, Big Facts is a growing collection of bitesize blog posts, packed with insight from the studio—covering everything from pregnancy pointers to baby-soothing techniques and behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you’re expecting, just starting out, or simply curious, there’s always something helpful to discover.
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.
