As a Buffalo baby photographer, I get to witness the magic of newborns every day—and I never stop being amazed by how incredible those early days are. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or you’re already a seasoned parent, these five interesting facts about newborns might just surprise you!
1. Newborns recognize your voice right away
Babies start hearing around 18 weeks in the womb, which means that your voice is one of the first sounds that they know. This is why newborns often appear to calm down when they hear a familiar voice. During your portrait session, I always encourage parents speak softly to their baby because it is comforting, familiar and helps soothe them.
2. Their skin changes quickly
Newborn skin can look different from day to day. From soft peach fuzz to peeling skin, from jaundice to baby acne, these skin conditions are all normal. Many parents come in alarmed at the state of their baby’s skin or worried about how it will affect the portraits, but I want to assure you that I’ve seen it all and your portraits will come out beautiful regardless! Each portrait that you select and purchase will be professionally retouched to whatever degree you wish. Whether you’d prefer a full retouch to remove all acne or don’t mind the delicate peeling skin, your preferences will be taken into consideration.
3. Babies love to be snug and warm
Your baby was cozy inside your womb for 9 months, being cozy and warm is all they know. Swaddling mimics the womb and helps babies feel secure. It also happens to photograph beautifully, which is why soft wraps are a staple in every newborn session at my East Aurora studio.
4. They sleep a lot! (But not always when you want them to)
Newborns can sleep up to 16–18 hours a day, but not necessarily in long stretches. For photo sessions, I use gentle techniques to lull babies into a peaceful sleep. This can sometimes be the most time consuming part of the session! Patience is key in both getting baby to sleep and keeping them asleep while they’re being photographed.
5. Every baby is wonderfully unique
It there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that no two babies are alike. I tailor every session to your baby’s temperament and go at whatever pace is comfortable for them.
As a Buffalo baby photographer, it’s an honor to be part of these fleeting early moments. My cozy studio is stocked with everything you need, so all you have to do is arrive and enjoy the experience. If you’re expecting, now is the perfect time to start planning your newborn session—those first days go by so quickly!
