Newborn Safety

Congratulations on your new little arrival!   After dreaming about meeting your little bundle for the first time you are now researching for a photographer to help capture the perfect image of your sweet babe to hang up on your walls and to announce to the world!

There are several things to ideally look for in your newborn photographer…….

-Where do they operate?  (home, studio, or on location)

-Budget?

-Experience?

-Art/edit style?

-Prop selection?

-And most importantly, are they trained in newborn safety?  

 

Here are some important things to look out for during baby’s session.

Sickness – 

Do not let people near your baby if they are sick!!

If I get sick, I will have to reschedule there is no question to it.   If a doctor clears me for work (they are aware of my profession) then we will set up a new time for your session.   I know getting baby’s portraits done is a time sensitive matter but it’s so much better to delay the session a few days to a week than to risk getting baby infected.  I also ask if you, siblings, etc.. are sick then please do not bring them to my studio space.  It’s important that I keep my workspace as clean and germ free as possible to keep my tiny clients safe.  If I suspect sickness I will have to unfortunately send you home.

Laundry –

Oh boy!  I sure do a lot of laundry in my line of work.  Sometimes babies just have accidents and that’s a-ok.  It happens.  I personally use Baby Dreft for my laundry needs.  To sanitize I use Lysol and Clorox wipes / bleach on high traffic areas of the studio.

Snuggles and kisses – 

Do not let anyone kiss your baby.   Babies love to be snuggled and held up close for comfort and security and that’s fine, but there is no reason why anyone other than yourself should be kissing your new little one.

Wrapping – 

I like to make sure that baby is snug, but not too tight.  Wrapping to tight can cut off baby’s circulation.   Materials I use are stretchy and I make sure that I can stick a hand and finger inside the wrap safely to get baby’s limbs out when needing too.  

Posing – 

I will not force baby to do anything they do not want to do, especially when it comes to advanced posing like froggy.  Some babies just do not want to bend or be placed on their tummies and that’s fine.  Every baby is different and is important to listen to their cues and accommodate to their comfort level.   Also watch out for purple lips, toes and fingers.  Baby’s have immature circulation systems and is easy to cut off blood flow if not careful.

Compositing – 

Complex posing like froggy, potato sack, and usage of props hanging off the floor like swings must be composited for baby’s safety.   It’s just not a good idea to have your baby swinging high off anything or holding their own little bodies up for any reason.   A composite is several images composited into a final single image.  

Props – 

I do not place baby inside anything that could harm them.  That means no pointy baskets or absolutely no glass items.

Heat – 

We do use space heaters inside the studio to keep baby warm.  Baby is usually naked and I like to simulate the womb as much as possible to keep them comfortable during transitions.  Make sure heaters are not too close to baby.

Workspace – 

Is the workspace clutter free and sanitary?   A cluttered workspace can lead up to accidents.  Is the equipment in good working order?    Blankets and outfits and props should be cleaned after usage to be germ free for the next little one.

There is no image worth risking your baby’s safety for.  If something makes you uncomfortable during a session then speak up and be your baby’s advocate.  A professional will understand and honor your requests.

My goal is to be one of the most professional and safest newborn photographers in my area and to help educate others to help set a new standard to our growing industry.  🙂

 

follow us @kimcowanphoto

email us | kimberly@kimcowanphoto.com

studio : (432) 704-5044

North Park Shopping Center

4612 Billingsley Blvd, Suite 34

Midland, TX 79705