As a Sandy Springs newborn photographer, I’ve spent the last 10+ years photographing close to a thousand newborns. That means I’ve had a lot of practice helping little ones settle into sleep.
Here’s the truth: babies don’t have to sleep the entire session for us to create beautiful photos. Some of my favorite images come when babies are wide awake and locking eyes with the camera.
But let’s be honest—getting your newborn to sleep is usually the goal. A sleepy baby makes posing easier and allows us to capture those dreamy, peaceful portraits every parent loves.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a handful of tried-and-true sleep tricks that work not only in the studio, but at home too. I thought I’d share them with you, because I know you love your sleep just as much as I do!
1. White Noise
This one is essential! White noise helps recreate the comforting sounds your baby heard in the womb.
In my Atlanta-area newborn sessions, I often use the Baby Shusher, which works wonders (though it does shut off after ~20 minutes). You can also download the White Noise app or invest in a machine from Amazon for under $20.
Pro tip: stick with the classic white noise setting before experimenting with other sounds. Different babies prefer different sounds. And when you don’t have white noise around and want to calm baby, humming works great and you will see me doing that often.
2. A Full Belly
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. A well-fed baby is a sleepy baby.
Before each session, I encourage moms to feed their little one—and we’ll pause as often as needed for top-ups. You can do the same at home to encourage longer stretches of rest.
3. The Power of Swaddling
If you’ve seen my work, you know I love using swaddles. Most babies feel safe and secure when swaddled—it mimics the cozy feeling of being in the womb.
In my studio, I use extra-long, stretchy swaddles that work better than the shorter versions you’ll find in most stores. You can even purchase a piece of jersey knit fabric (just check with your pediatrician first to make sure it’s safe for your baby).
And if you need a refresher? There are plenty of YouTube tutorials that walk you through different swaddling techniques that are easy to do at home.
4. Keep It Warm
Babies love warmth. My newborn studio in Sandy Springs is always kept toasty so little ones feel comfortable while sleeping.
At home, try turning up the thermostat just a bit—or use a safe, cozy swaddle. Just remember not to overheat your newborn.
5. Relax, Mama
This one is just as important as all the others: relax. Baby senses your mood, and if you are stressed, baby will sense that.
Babies are unpredictable, and even when you do everything “right,” they sometimes have other plans. Maybe your newborn suddenly hates the swaddle, or maybe they go through a growth spurt and their sleep changes overnight.
It’s all part of the process, and I promise—it’s temporary. These early days feel long, but they pass quickly. Give yourself grace, rest when you can, and know that you and your baby are learning together.
Bringing It All Together
Whether in my studio or at home, these simple techniques—white noise, a full belly, swaddling, warmth, and calm energy—make all the difference when it comes to newborn sleep.
If you’d like to see these Sandy Springs newborn photographer tips in action, I’d love to welcome you into my studio. You can click here to learn more about booking a newborn session or explore my portfolio of newborn images.
Capturing these fleeting, beautiful early days is such a joy, and I’d be honored to create timeless photographs of your growing family.
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