When Is the Best Time for a Newborn Photoshoot? 1-4 Weeks vs 5-8 Weeks Explained

Bringing your newborn home is an incredible, life-changing experience. For many parents – especially first-time mums and dads – the thought of booking a photoshoot during this beautiful but exhausting time might feel overwhelming. You may have heard that newborn photos must be taken within the first 14 days, but let me reassure you: that’s not the case for at-home photography.

While studio photographers often require babies to be under two weeks old to achieve certain poses – where little ones are deeply asleep and their bones remain flexible, much like in the womb – my sessions are all about capturing natural, relaxed moments in the comfort of your home.

Here, we’ll explore the differences between having a session when your baby is 1–4 weeks old versus 5–8 weeks old, what to expect, and how we can make the whole experience stress-free, supportive, and beautifully personal.

1-4 Weeks Old: Sleepy and Tiny

At 1–4 weeks old, your baby is still very much in the newborn stage, with those curled-up hands, delicate features, and soft, sleepy expressions that parents often love to capture.

• What to Expect:
  Your little one may sleep through a good portion of the session, which allows for calm, cosy solo baby portraits and lovely family shots of you holding and cuddling your baby. At this stage, we can focus on the pure tininess of your newborn – those tiny toes, button noses, and peaceful faces.

• Behaviour:
  Some babies will sleep soundly, others might need cuddles and feeds to settle – and that’s absolutely okay. I work entirely at your baby’s pace, leaving space for breaks, changes, and all the natural rhythms of life with a newborn.

5-8 Weeks Old: Alert and Expressive

By 5–8 weeks, your baby is a little bigger and may be more alert, showing off those first expressions and most likely even a smile or two.

• What to Expect:
  You’ll start to see more personality in your baby’s photos at this age. Their eyes are often wide open, taking in the world, and they’ll enjoy more time being held, snuggled, and comforted. This age is perfect for capturing a mix of gentle portraits and those precious interactions between you and your baby.

• Behaviour:
  Babies at this stage may need a little more cuddling, but don’t worry – I always take a patient, relaxed approach. Whether your baby is awake, fussy, or snoozing, we’ll create beautiful memories that reflect their unique personality.

What If My Baby Was Born Early?

If your baby arrived a little earlier than expected, they might remain smaller for longer. For example, a baby born 3 weeks before their due date will often look like a 2 week old at 4 weeks after birth. These tiny, sleepy newborn characteristics can linger for longer, which is wonderful if you want those delicate, early-stage portraits.

For premature babies or those with special considerations, I always tailor the session to suit their needs and your comfort. My approach is gentle, patient, and focused on making you feel supported throughout.

Why At-Home Photos Are So Special

The beauty of an at-home newborn session lies in the details. Your photos will include little moments and personal touches that reflect your life as it is right now:

• The cot you carefully picked out.

• The changing table tucked in the corner.

• That nursing pillow you rely on every day.

• The teddy that’s almost as big as your baby.

These seemingly ordinary things will one day hold so many memories. In years to come, you’ll look at the photos and say:
“Remember when we had to baby-proof that TV unit?” or “That vest – it was our favourite one when you were tiny!”

These little details will fade with time, but having them captured in your photos helps you tell your child their story.

The Convenience of At-Home Sessions

One of the biggest benefits of an at-home newborn session is how convenient it is. With a new baby, even leaving the house can feel like an adventure, and the last thing you need is to pack up endless bags of nappies, outfits, blankets, and everything in between.

With an at-home session:

• Everything you need is within arm’s reach – nappies, muslins, spare clothes.

• There’s no need to pack or rush out the door.

• Your baby is comfortable in their own environment.

• You get to enjoy the experience without added stress.

As a mum of three, I completely understand the beautiful chaos of those early weeks, and I’ll support you every step of the way.

Preparing Your Home (Don’t Worry – It’s Simple!)

New parents often worry about their home not being “photo-ready,” but I promise, it doesn’t need to be perfect. The bedroom, living room, and nursery (if there is one) are the key spaces we’ll likely use. I always recommend a little decluttering – think clear bedside tables or tidy sofa corners – but there’s no pressure. If needed, I’m more than happy to help move things around on the day to make the space work beautifully.

We can use your blankets, or I can bring along soft, neutral ones to keep everything cosy and timeless.

A Supportive, Stress-Free Experience

Whether you’re choosing to have the session at 1 week, 8 weeks, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is that the experience feels relaxed and enjoyable for you. Babies are babies – some will sleep, some will cry, and some will need extra cuddles. I’ve worked with them all, and I’ll take care of everything.

From pencilling in a date around your due date to confirming when you’re ready after the baby arrives, I’ll make the process as simple as possible. My patient, baby-led approach ensures that your little one – and you – will feel calm and comfortable throughout.

Kind Words from a Recent Client

"We had our newborn session at home when our son was 3 weeks old, and it was the best decision. Zofia was so patient and kind, and she completely put us at ease. The photos are just stunning, and I love that I have beautiful photographs of me with the baby… It’s so personal to us, and we’ll treasure those memories forever." – Emma

The Value of Having These Photos

Picture yourself sitting down with your little one a year from now, looking through photos from their newborn session. Their tiny hands point at each picture, and they ask with wide eyes, “Was that me?” Moments like these remind us why newborn photos are so special – they aren’t just pictures, they’re the start of your child’s story.

Those everyday details – the cot, the favourite teddy, the tiny outfits – might fade from memory, but photos keep them alive, sparking stories you’ll tell for years to come. It’s such a joy to help families create memories like these.

Let’s Tell Your Family’s Story

Your home. Your baby. Your memories.

If you’re ready to capture this beautiful, fleeting time, I’d love to help you create relaxed, natural photos that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether your baby is 1 week, 8 weeks, or somewhere in between, we’ll make it work beautifully.

Get in touch to book your London newborn session.