After giving birth, adjusting to life with a newborn can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, learning new routines, and figuring out your baby’s unique needs, it’s a lot to manage. As a maternity and newborn photographer with over a decade of experience at Little Legacies Studio, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless families and newborns. Over the years, I’ve learned some valuable tips and tricks when it comes to soothing and comforting newborns in the studio—many of which can easily be applied at home to help new parents transition more smoothly into this next chapter of life.

When a family books a newborn session at Little Legacies Studio, I always make it a point to share the techniques I’ve learned to calm and comfort babies. These methods not only make for a successful photo session but can also become essential tools for parents in their everyday lives. Here are three game-changing tips that can help any new parent.

One: Swaddling is one of the most effective ways to soothe a newborn. It mimics the snug, secure feeling babies experience in the womb, helping them relax and fall asleep more easily. However, wrapping a newborn can be tricky, especially for first-time parents. It requires patience and practice to get it right.

When I work with newborns in the studio, I often start by wrapping them in a soft, stretchy fabric to help them feel calm and secure. If you’re new to swaddling, I recommend practicing on a stuffed animal or doll before trying it on your baby. The key is to find a swaddle wrap made from gentle, breathable, and stretchy material—newborns have extremely delicate skin, so you’ll want something that feels soft and comforting.

In my studio, I always begin with a wrap, particularly if the baby is fussy. The gentle pressure of the swaddle helps calm the baby, giving them a sense of security and making it easier for them to drift off into sleep. Once they’re relaxed, the photography session can begin without any disruption.

For parents at home, mastering the swaddle can make a world of difference during nap times or when the baby becomes restless. If you’re looking for a soft, breathable swaddle, many popular brands offer great options, but be sure to test out what works best for your little one.

Two: If there’s one device I can’t live without in my studio, it’s the Baby Shusher. Many parents may not be familiar with this tool, but it can be a lifesaver when trying to calm a fussy baby. The Baby Shusher is exactly what it sounds like—a portable device that emits a soothing shushing sound, mimicking the noise your baby heard while in the womb. This sound helps babies relax and, most importantly, fall asleep.

The Baby Shusher is a staple in my studio. It’s small, portable, and easy to use, making it perfect for at home or on the go. You can adjust the volume and set a timer, making it versatile for different situations. Whether you’re at home in the nursery, at a friend’s house, or out and about, the Baby Shusher can provide consistent, soothing background noise to help your baby feel more at ease.

The best part is that it saves you from having to “shush” your baby yourself, especially when you’re tired in the middle of the night or in public where constant shushing might be awkward. It’s available on popular platforms like Amazon and Target, and there are various brands to choose from, though my personal favorite is the Baby Shusher brand.

Three: Another item that has made a big difference for both my studio sessions and parents at home is the Lulla-Vibe Vibrating Mattress Pad. Many of us have experienced the magic of a baby falling asleep in the car due to the gentle vibration and movement. The Lulla-Vibe Vibrating Mattress Pad replicates that sensation, helping babies drift off to sleep in their crib or bassinet.

This pad offers gentle vibrations without producing heat, so there’s no concern about overheating your baby. It’s also virtually silent, meaning it won’t disturb the quiet, serene environment you’re trying to create for nap time. The Lulla-Vibe is lightweight and portable, making it easy to use at home or even pack for a trip. It’s widely available online or at local stores like Target, and I’ve found it to be an essential tool for helping newborns sleep better, especially after a session.

For parents who struggle with getting their baby to fall asleep, this vibrating pad can be a game-changer. It’s as close as you can get to replicating the calming motion of a car ride in the comfort of your home.

Of course, every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new products into your baby’s routine. That said, the items and techniques I’ve shared here have consistently worked wonders in my photography studio, and I hope they can help make your life as a new parent just a little bit easier.

Remember, being a new parent is an ongoing learning process, and it’s okay to ask for help or try different things until you find what works for your family. Whether it’s mastering the swaddle, using a Baby Shusher, or introducing a Lulla-Vibe mattress pad, these small tools can have a big impact on both you and your baby’s overall comfort.

At Little Legacies Studio, we pride ourselves on not only capturing beautiful images but also helping families create meaningful memories. Whether through photography or sharing tips from years of experience, our goal is to support parents on this beautiful, challenging, and rewarding journey.

Happy parenting!