Best Time to Take Lifestyle Newborn Photos | NJ Newborn Photographer

How to choose the best time to take lifestyle newborn photos.

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most special times in your life, and capturing those first precious moments with a lifestyle newborn photo session is such a beautiful way to preserve these memories. As a New Jersey newborn and family photographer, , one of the most common questions I get is: “When is the best time to take newborn photos?”

The answer? It depends on your family, your goals for the session, and the kind of memories you want to capture. Every family is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s the beauty of lifestyle newborn photography—it’s designed to adapt to your story.

To help you decide, I’ve broken it down into three timeframes, each with its own charm and possibilities.

For Tiny, Sleepy Baby Photos: Schedule Your Session When Baby Is 7–14 Days Old

If you dream of capturing just how little and new your baby is, the first two weeks are perfect. This is when your baby will still have that “brand-new” look, with tiny fingers, curled-up toes, and a tendency to stay snuggled and sleepy.

These early days are ideal for parents who want to document those fleeting newborn details and love the idea of serene, sleepy images of their baby. It’s also a time when your little one is more likely to snooze through the session, making it easier to capture those dreamy, peaceful moments.

For a More Relaxed Pace: Plan Your Session When Baby Is 2–4 Weeks Old

Adjusting to life with a newborn can be a whirlwind, and sometimes, giving yourself a little extra time to settle in can make all the difference. If you’d like to ease into this new chapter before scheduling a session, the 2–4 week window might be the perfect fit.

During this time, your baby is still small and snuggly, but you’ve had a chance to catch your breath and settle into a rhythm. This is a great option for families with older siblings or for parents who simply prefer a less rushed timeline.

We’ll still capture all those sweet, early moments—your baby’s little yawns, tiny fingers gripping yours, and the way they fit so perfectly in your arms. Plus, lifestyle photography is all about capturing real, authentic memories, and that doesn’t have to happen in the first few days of your baby’s life.

For Alert and Personality-Filled Photos: Schedule When Baby Is 6 Weeks to 3 Months Old

If you’d love photos that show more of your baby’s personality, consider waiting until they’re a bit older—around 6 weeks to 3 months. By this stage, your baby may be awake more often and starting to interact with the world around them.

This is a wonderful time to capture moments like your baby looking into your eyes, discovering their surroundings, or even giving their first little smiles. These interactions make for some of the most heartwarming and meaningful photos.

For families who prefer outdoor sessions, this timeline is especially great if your baby arrives in winter. Waiting until spring means you can take advantage of the warmer weather for a beautiful outdoor session.

What’s Best for Your Family?

Ultimately, the best time for newborn photos is the time that feels right for your family. Whether you’re ready to document those first days, prefer to wait until you’ve had a chance to settle in, or want to focus on capturing your baby’s personality as it begins to emerge, there’s no wrong choice.

If you’re still unsure, I’m here to help you decide! Let’s work together to create a session that captures the beauty of this incredible time in your life.

Want to know more about lifestyle newborn photography? Check out my post on Three Things to Love About Lifestyle Newborn Photo Sessions.