Newborn Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer

Newborn Photography Tips - Safety

Newborn safety is always at the forefront of everything I do throughout every single session. I use precautions to identify any potential risks in order to avoid them.

When we’re working with these precious babies, we must consider not only their safety and how secure they feel throughout the session, we also have to consider how handling the baby makes our clients feel.

I’m constantly mindful of demonstrating safety at all times for the parents, because this is often the first time that they are seeing their baby held by a complete stranger. I want my parents to feel confident and comfortable with the way that I am photographing their baby.

I handle with each and every baby the exact same way I would expect someone to handle my baby — with the upmost respect.

This is why I’ve created a set of rules for my studio:

1. Never Leave Baby Unattended
2. Always Support Baby’s Head and Neck
3. Photoshop is a Safety Tool
4. Never Force Baby into a Pose
5. Always Wear Camera Strap when Shooting From Above
6. Never Stand on Anything Above Baby
7. Always Have a Spotter When Using Props
8. Avoid ALL Fall Risks
9. Never Use Glass or Breakable Props
10. Baby’s Safety is Always More Important than “Getting the Shot”

These are the rules that I abide by, and that I require of anyone who works with me in handling newborn babies. Always whilst keeping the baby nice and safe and secure.

Safety Checklist for Parents

These are some items to keep in mind at your session.

Again, never hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable with something your photographer is doing with your baby.  Whether it’s a safety concern or simply something you personally are uneasy with, either way, you are the one who’s voice is most important.

• Room temperature – most photographers will heat the room so that baby is not cold.
  • Watch for signs of overheating – sweaty neckline, mottled skin, redness in the face, irritability.
• Air quality:
  • Props/blankets look and smell clean.  Musty and mildewy smells could indicate the presence of mold growing in a damp, warm studio.  If you are concerned about your baby breathing in mold toxins, don’t hesitate to choose to leave with your baby.
  • Essential oils are trendy right now, but can cause allergic reactions and sensitivities.  Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer to remove the use of oils if you are uncomfortable with them.
  • Other environmental allergens such as dust, pets, foods, etc.
• Tripping hazards
  • Cords are taped down, rug grippers are used with flokati and floor boards. Props are put away.  Waste and spills should be cleaned immediately, without delay.

• Antiques and props
  • watch for splinters and nails
  • Props are weighted properly.
  • Newborns should never be positioned in or on glass containers or objects that can break or shatter.
• Posing surfaces should be an adequate size to prevent accidents
  • biomechanical supports should be in place to lessen the chance of ergonomic injuries
  • wooden backgrounds should be secured to avoid tipping and falls.
  • Sandbags are used to weight props and light stands.
• Your newborn is supported by human hands at ALL TIMES throughout risky poses. 
  • This ensures that babies will not be at risk of falls, central cyanosis or positional asphyxiation – three very dangerous scenarios that can result in very seriously injury or even death.

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In the absence of an assistant, parents, especially mothers, should never be asked to stay further away from babe as is sometimes requested due to the idea that the smell of mother’s milk will cause the baby to become unsettled. Should the baby show signs of hunger such as the rooting that can occur when they sense and smell their mother, they should be given appropriate time to feed. A satisfied baby will not be unsettled due to the smell of milk and it is better to have an extra set of hands close by than not.

• Your photographer, assistant or other people present are not ill.
  • Where and when illness may delay your session beyond an appropriate timeline of around 1-2 weeks, a good photographer should either have an assistant photographer on hand to complete your session or provide referrals to other respected photographers working in a similar style. For posed newborn work, your session is time sensitive and should be completed sometime within the first two to three weeks of life. Unposed, documentary or lifestyle sessions can be completed in longer timelines and rescheduling should be easier with these types of sessions
• Your photographer does not touch, move, or attempt to remove any medical items such as belly button clamps, circumcision gauze, etc.
• Your baby is not showing signs of central cyanosis – the bluish discoloration around the core, lips and tongue.  This can be quite a dangerous. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, central cyanosis is never normal in the newborn period, and is almost always linked to a lower amount of oxygen in the blood. For this reason, the photographer should be concerned regarding the cause of deoxygenation whenever central cyanosis is present.
• Your photographer has hand sanitizer available.
• Adequate seating and changing areas are available and suitable for new moms and those recovering from C-sections.
• Easy access to drinking water.
• Your photographer is insured in order to protect you in the event of accidents.

Having images taken of your newborn is a memory you’ll treasure forever.  Enjoy your experience, and always have the confidence to speak up if you have any doubts at all.