Is Posed Newborn Photography Safe?

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There’s nothing quite as precious as your newborn baby, and if you’re anything like me, your entire perspective shifted the moment you discovered you were expecting.

I spent countless hours researching everything from safe foods during pregnancy to the most secure car seats and safest sleeping positions. This might sound all too familiar! Your new baby is undoubtedly the most important person in your world, and you naturally want to ensure you’re making the right choices for them at every turn.

If you’re considering a newborn photo shoot, you might be wondering about its safety. Are those adorable, curled-up poses you see online truly safe for newborn babies? And what about studio lighting – is that okay for your little one too?

As with most things in life, the safety of newborn photography largely depends on who’s behind the camera and how they approach their craft.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the key aspects to consider and questions to ask your photographer. This way, you can feel confident that your precious new baby is in safe hands during their first photo shoot.

We’ll Explore:

  • Your photographer’s experience and qualifications
  • Safe posing techniques for newborns
  • Setting up a safe newborn photography studio
  • The safety of camera flash for newborn babies
  • My experience and approach to safely photographing newborn babies

Your Newborn Photographer’s Experience and Qualifications

Posed newborn photography is a unique art form. It requires not only a thorough understanding of camera techniques and lighting but also expertise in safely handling and posing newborn babies.

Surprisingly, there are no formal requirements for a newborn photographer to have specific training or qualifications before they start working with babies. Anyone can call themselves a newborn photographer and offer this service to families.

However, whilst there’s no official requirement for qualifications, there are numerous opportunities for photographers to train with experienced professionals in newborn photography – these range from one-to-one training sessions at established studios to conferences, workshops, and online courses.

Due to the lack of industry regulation, you’ll likely find that each photographer has a different level of experience. Some may have no formal training at all, while others have invested extensively in education, continually develop their skills, and have hundreds or even thousands of hours of hands-on experience photographing babies.

Choosing me as a newborn photographer means choosing a photographer who has not only learned from specialist trainers throughout the years, but also someone who’ve worked and photographed hundreds of babies – so you know your little one is in safe hands.

is newborn photography safe?

Safe Posing in Newborn Photography

Posing newborn babies to achieve those heart-melting images you see in portfolios can range from simple to quite complex, depending on the specific pose.

Some crucial factors that photographers must always keep in mind include:

  • Supporting the baby’s head and neck at all times
  • Being attentive to how a baby responds to each pose and adjusting if the baby shows any signs of discomfort – babies should never be forced into a pose they’re not comfortable with
  • Monitoring the baby’s sleepiness or alertness, and whether they might suddenly move out of a pose into an unsafe position
  • In certain poses, being mindful of the baby’s circulation and ensuring there’s not too much pressure on any one body part
  • Safely wrapping and swaddling babies to ensure the wrap doesn’t restrict movement or affect circulation

Composite Images in Newborn Photography

In addition to these safety considerations, some poses should only be created as composite images. These are photographs where two or more images are combined in post-processing and should never be attempted as a single shot.

These poses include any position that would be unsafe for a baby, such as appearing to sit up in a ‘cocoon’, supporting their head with their hands, lying atop objects, or in a hammock or swing. These images should always be created as composites, and your baby should never be placed unsupported in these positions.

Creating a Safe Environment in a Newborn Photography Studio

Beyond posing techniques, it’s equally important to ensure that the studio itself is a safe environment for your newborn.

Here are some key points to look out for and inquire about to ensure your photographer is maintaining a safe working environment:

  • Cleanliness – Is the studio clean, and are blankets and wraps properly laundered between sessions?
  • Camera Safety – Does the photographer use camera neck or wrist straps to prevent accidental drops? Many newborn photographs involve leaning over the baby or holding the camera above them, so it’s crucial that the camera is properly secured.
  • Stable Equipment – Does the photographer use stable, secure methods for overhead shots? Some photographers might use steps or ladders for these angles, which could pose a risk.
  • Secure Studio Equipment – Are large pieces of studio equipment, such as lights or backdrop stands, properly weighted to prevent tipping? This is often done using sandbags or heavy equipment bags.

Is Camera Flash Safe for Newborn Babies?

A common concern among parents is whether camera flash is safe for newborn babies. As both a parent and photographer, I completely understand this worry – I would never want to risk a baby’s eyesight.

When used properly, there’s no evidence to suggest that studio lighting is harmful to babies. The potential risk would only arise if a very bright flash were pointed directly at a baby’s eyes.

However, the vast majority of photographers who use studio lighting in their newborn sessions never point the light directly at the baby. The light is typically very low level – no different from sunlight through a window – and is diffused through a softbox. It’s also angled to avoid shining directly into the baby’s eyes.

My Experience and Approach to Safely Photographing Newborn Babies

As you can see, numerous factors determine whether newborn photography is being conducted safely.

So, how do I approach this at Paula Veverka Photography?

Over the years I’ve invested in countless hours of online and in-person training with other experienced and world-renowned newborn photographers.

During my sessions, I never leave a baby unattended, and I use every possible precaution to completely eliminate any risk for your little one: from setup, to props, equipment and everything else.

My Glasgow studio is a clean, calm space that’s thoroughly cleaned before each session. All blankets and wraps are laundered after every use to ensure they’re fresh and clean for each baby.

Newborn Photography at My Studio: What’s Next?

I hope this article has given you insight into what to look for when assessing a newborn photographer’s safety practices. I want you to feel confident that when you book a session with Paula Veverka Photography, your baby will be in safe hands.

If you have any other questions about safety in newborn photography, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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When to Schedule Your Newborn Photo Session in Glasgow

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As a new parent in Glasgow, capturing those precious first moments of your baby’s life is an experience you’ll treasure forever. At Paula Veverka Photography, we understand the importance of timing when it comes to newborn photography.

As your specialist Newborn Photographer in Glasgow, I’m here to guide you through the process of scheduling your newborn photo session for the best possible results.

The Ideal Age for Newborn Photos

In an ideal world, the best time for newborn photography is during your baby’s first couple of weeks of life. During this period, newborns are typically at their sleepiest and can easily curl into those adorable poses you’ve likely seen in newborn portraits. I always encourage new parents to schedule your session as early as possible within this timeframe.

However, it’s important to remember that every baby is unique. If you can’t make it to the studio during those first few weeks, don’t worry! Babies can still have beautiful newborn portraits many weeks after being born. Over the years I have photographed hundreds of babies and I can easily adapt my workflow to your baby’s need so you absolutely don’t have to miss out on capturing this special time of your life.

Your Newborn Photo Session: Stress-free Scheduling

Many factors can influence the timing of your newborn photo session, the unpredictability of birth being the most important. Of the benefits of working with an experienced newborn photographer is that I allow enough flexibility in my diary to ensure your session will happen within the right timeframe, no matter if baby is early or late.

That’s right, while we use your due date as a guide, we know that babies often have their own plans – so should your little one be early or late we’ll adjust your session date at no extra cost to you.

Another important consideration is the recovery time for both mother and baby. After birth, you’ll need time to settle into your new family dynamic so we’ll stay in touch to ensure your session is a wonderful experience with no stress.

When to Book Your Newborn Photo Session

The ideal time to book your newborn session is after your twenty-week scan, as this gives us plenty of time to prepare, plan and ensure we can truly create the images you’ve always dreamed of.

As a mum myself however, I know that life while expecting is a real whirlwind of emotions and activities… so don’t worry if you haven’t booked during pregnancy, I can still accommodate you! If your little one has already arrived, get in touch, and I’ll do my best to schedule you quickly. Remember, I only book one newborn photoshoot per day, allowing up to 3 hours for each session. This ensures there’s no time pressure during your baby’s newborn photos.

Paula Veverka Photography: Cosy Newborn Studio in Glasgow

My cottage studio in Glasgow is specially designed for newborn photography. It’s warm, cosy, and relaxing, creating the perfect environment for your baby’s first photoshoot. I also offer facilities for new mums to enjoy a model makeover during the session, with a dedicated make-up room and beautiful gowns that will help you feel pampered and confident for your family photos.

newborn photo sessions Glasgow

Choosing Colors and Styles

As your session date approaches, we’ll have a detailed conversation about your color preferences and the styles you’d like to incorporate, so we can ensure we include colours you love and backgrounds that appeal to you. we’ll also discuss any sibling or family photographs you’d like to include in your shoot.

What If You’ve Missed the “Newborn” Window?

As mentioned, if you’ve missed the traditional newborn window, don’t worry! While those first few weeks are ideal for certain poses, beautiful baby photos can be taken at any age.

Should baby be really too old for a newborn session, we can still book you in for a beautiful milestone photoshoot that can capture all those cute expressions and their growing personality.

Your Newborn Photo Session

Ready to book your newborn session or have more questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can create a wonderful experience for you and your family, and photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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How old should a baby be at their newborn photoshoot?

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The newborn phase is a whirlwind of  night feeds, constant nappy changes, sweet snuggles, and cute baby gurgles. It is both a beautiful and chaotic phase in your life and your baby’s and passes in in the blink of an eye. 

For many parents, taking photos of their baby in the newborn phase is a special moment for the family and can create beautifully cherished memories. It is something you can only do once, becaus despite how those sleep-deprived nights feel, the newborn phase whizzes by quickly. 

In this article, we will discuss the best time to  have newborn photos taken  and what you can do if you have waited too long to book. There are many beautiful moments in a baby’s first year of life and we will show you how you can still have a gorgeous baby photoshoot at any stage.

What is the best age for a newborn photoshoot? 

Most newborn photoshoots are staged with the baby curled up in a cute position, sleeping and looking peaceful. In order to achieve this your baby has to be very young and still in that sleepy phase of their life. This means that most newborn photoshoots are booked in advance of the baby’s birth and usually take place in the first two weeks after the baby is born. 

For many, newborn baby photos hold many special memories and can be taken either in your home or in a warm studio with soft lighting and snuggly fabrics for your newborn to sleep on. There are many different styles of newborn photography, with many options to capture your baby curled up and sleeping soundly or in your arms in a sweet family portrait. 

It is best to do some research online as to the style of photographs you would like, as all photographers will offer you different options. Also  talk to your photographer about the type of photo you are hoping to achieve.

Your photographer will also provide a selection of props and outfits for your baby to help make the photos extra special. 

Can I still get beautiful photos with an older baby? 

The first two weeks of a baby’s life don’t always go to plan, and even if you have booked in advance and planned your newborn photoshoot, plans can change. For whatever reason, if you were unable to have  a newborn photoshoot don’t worry, you can still capture  truly stunning photos of your baby when they are a few weeks or months older. 

Newborn photographers are experienced with working with both young babies and children and will have quite a few tricks up their sleeves for getting beautiful photos. Even if your baby is past the newborn sleepy stage. 

Older babies still nap for long periods of time, often at least twice a day, so with some careful time management you still can get those sweet sleeping baby photos. However, if your baby is older and very active there are some other wonderful photo opportunities you can capture on film. 

3 months ( 12 weeks) 

At around 3 months babies are smiling and their eyes are fully open, taking in the world around them. It is the perfect time to capture those first smiles, photos of them interacting with their parents, or playing with a soft toy.

newborn photoshoots

3 – 4 months (12 – 16 weeks)

Between 3- 4 months babies are developing their neck strength, with exercises such as tummy time. At this age, babies do not need to be held or laid on their backs and they are much more alert and will interact with people and objects. It is the ideal time to get some beautiful photos of their little personality starting to shine. 

4-  9 months (17 – 26 weeks) 

Between 6 – 9  months babies start to sit up unaided and they are developing their hand-eye coordination. At this stage, you can expect to get some excellent photos of them sitting up  with a big smile on their face. It is also a great age if you would like siblings to join them as they can sit next to them and play. 

Babies at this age will naturally be reaching and grabbing objects so you can also stage a sweet photo with their favourite toys such as a teddy or ask your photographer about what props they have available. 

6- 10 months (27 – 34 weeks) 

At around 6-10  months babies are beginning to crawl, or in some cases, they are already expert crawlers and are a flurry of activity. This stage may be a bit more challenging as they are unlikely to sit still for long, however, this can create some excellent photo opportunities of your baby crawling toward the photographer, or images of baby inside a wooden box etc. Photographers will have many props that can contain baby for a moment, which will also make beautifully cute pictures. 

As your baby is a bit more robust at this age you can also consider an outdoors photoshoot and capture some exciting images of your baby exploring the surroundings of a nearby park or enjoying a gentle push on the swings. 

8 – 12 months (35 – 52 weeks)

Finally, at around 8 – 12 months, you can expect your baby to be on the move, exploring by either crawling or cruising by holding onto furniture or your hand. Some babies may even be walking at this age, taking their first wobbly steps either holding their parent’s hand or using a walking aid. It is a great time to take some photos of them in their element, discovering the world around them. This could include chasing bubbles in the park, enjoying a bath, or exploring pictures in a book by themselves. 

Of course, there is also the event that is their first birthday which is a very special milestone for any family, and one that you most certainly will want to capture. You can take some great photos of them receiving gifts or tasting their birthday cake. And of course then there are also cake smash photoshoots!

Final thoughts 

We hope that by the end of this article, we have either convinced you to book a newborn photoshoot or given you some great ideas for photos as your baby grows. However, no matter what age you choose to take a photo of your baby, you will be creating beautiful memories that you will cherish and look back on with love. 

Newborn Photoshoots at Paula Veverka Photography

Thinking about a session for your little one? Visit our dedicated page Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

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10 PREGNANCY TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME MUMS

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Since you announced that you’re pregnant, have you lost count of the number of times people have asked how you’re feeling?

Often, you don’t actually know how you’re feeling – especially during those early days when you’re just trying to control the nausea and not freak out about what’s happening.

One of the scariest things is not having total control – of your hormones, the changes to your body, and when baby arrives.

Relax!

You’ve got roughly nine months to get your head around having a baby and becoming a mum. While some things are beyond your control, there are other bits that you can organise and prepare for in advance.

So, make a (decaff) brew, put your feet up and read our top pregnancy tips for first-time mums…

Pregnancy Tips for First Time Mums: Listen to your body

We’ve all ignored our bodies at some point in our lives – whether that’s doing an extra lap of the park while out running, staying up late even though you’re exhausted or having another chocolate when you’re already full.

When you’re pregnant, it’s vital to be kind to your body and listen to the little signals it sends you. If you feel tired, take a nap. If you’re craving a peanut butter and jam sandwich, have one. If you feel any pain or think something isn’t quite right, don’t ignore it. Contact your midwife or GP and get checked out. It’s probably nothing but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Find your support network

While there will always be people who are quick to offer their advice, it can be overwhelming when you’re bombarded with different information, especially if you get conflicting advice.

Finding a group of women, or even just one person, who’s going through the same journey at the same time, can be really useful. Not only can you compare notes and discuss your hopes and fears throughout your pregnancy, your baby will also have company while you share poo stories and compare sleeping patterns over coffee with your fellow mum friends afterwards.

Joining an NCT class or prenatal yoga session can be the perfect way to meet other mums-to-be, plus you’ll be getting active and learning some valuable skills at the same time.

Follow expert advice

You might think there is no need to include this on our pregnancy tips list however, as we mentioned, you’ll likely receive lots of advice from friends and family about what to do and what not to do.

You can also drive yourself crazy by googling everything and freaking yourself out about what you find.

The best advice to follow is that of your GP or midwife. They have years of knowledge and experience, plus, they know you and your medical history, so are best placed to offer the right guidance.

Have a plan

They say that best-laid plans often go awry, and that can be true when it comes to giving birth. Nonetheless, it’s good to write a birth plan and share it with your midwife so they know your ideal scenario for labour and delivery.

Planning is also key during pregnancy, as once baby arrives, you’ll have very little time or energy to do much at all.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before you give birth and set some goals for when you’ll complete each task, so you don’t leave everything until the last minute.

The list could include things like:

  • Decorating the nursery
  • Buying essentials for baby (like a car seat, pram and cot)
  • Writing your birth plan
  • Doing a test run to the hospital
  • Batch cooking some meals
  • Packing your hospital bag

Pregnancy tips: Keep active

Although you may not feel like it, especially towards the end of your pregnancy when you feel like the size of an elephant, it’s recommended that you keep active with some gentle exercise. Just walking for 20 minutes each day can do wonders for you and your baby.

Not only does exercise release endorphins, which can boost your mood, experts say that active women are less likely to experience problems during their pregnancy.

If you’re not a particularly active person, it’s advised that you don’t suddenly become a fitness freak and try and make up for lost time! Walking, swimming, pilates or yoga are great exercises to do while you’re pregnant. But remember to stop and contact your doctor if you experience any pain or unusual symptoms.

Eat well

Despite what they say, you’re not actually eating for two when you’re pregnant. Your appetite may come and go, and you may go off certain foods that you loved before you got pregnant. There’s no need to worry though, as this is quite common.

Eating healthily during pregnancy can do wonders for you and your baby. Include lots of fruits, vegetables and fish in your diet to keep your energy levels up and boost your immune system, but a little of what you fancy every now and again is also key to a happy, healthy pregnancy.

It’s inevitable that you’ll gain some weight while you’re pregnant, so accept this and don’t try and diet, as this could harm your baby.

Talk about your feelings

This is a very important one in our list of pregnancy tips. Being pregnant for the first time is scary. This is a completely unknown journey you’re embarking on, so it’s common to feel a mix of emotions – excitement, terror, sadness, happiness, nervousness – there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

The important thing is to talk about how you’re feeling. You might want to talk to your midwife or maybe you prefer to confide in your partner. Whoever you choose to talk to, don’t be afraid to open up and be honest about your feelings.  

Pregnancy tips for first time mums: Practice your pelvic floor exercises

You’ve probably already been told about the importance of doing your pelvic floor exercises, as these muscles can come under strain during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s recommended that you start doing pelvic floor exercises when you first find out that you’re pregnant, but it’s important to continue these exercises throughout your pregnancy, and even after you give birth.

Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to a little wee escaping when you cough or sneeze. But doing your pelvic floor exercises regularly can strengthen these muscles and help reduce incontinence.

Get some rest

You might feel extra tired, particularly during the early stages of your pregnancy. So, as recommended in point 1, listen to your body and get as much rest as you need.

We’re not going to lie, sleep can be hard to come by once baby arrives, so enjoy being able to nap when you want while you can.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

There are no silly questions when it comes to pregnancy, labour and birth. Everyone’s experience is different, so don’t assume that because it happened to your friend, it’ll happen to you too.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or feel confused about things, seek help from your midwife or GP. They’re experts and are on hand to help.

Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

Thinking about a newborn photoshoot? Discover more at www.paulaveverka.co.uk/newborn-photographer

And why not consider a Maternity Photoshoot?

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7 common baby skin conditions

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It’s common for babies to develop a skin condition in their first few days or weeks, as their delicate and sensitive skin is adapting to the outside world. So, it’s essential to treat your baby’s skin with care.

Although it can be scary when your baby comes out in a rash and you’re not sure what it is, there’s often no need to worry, so don’t go jumping to conclusions and definitely don’t go googling symptoms.

Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. Others can be easily treated at home. However, if you’re at all concerned by your baby’s skin condition – particularly if they seem unwell and have a high temperature – contact your doctor. They can advise about the cause and whether treatment is necessary.

Here are 7 common baby skin conditions that occur in babies and are easily treated…

Baby skin conditions: #1 Eczema

Eczema is a common condition in babies, and it can be very irritating. It causes the skin to be red, itchy, dry and sometimes cracked, especially in the creases at the elbows and knees.

Eczema can be worsened by a number of things like strong soaps, detergents, bubble bath and chlorine in swimming pools. Heat can also make the condition worse as the skin becomes drier.

Try and keep their room cool at night and stick to cotton clothing. Using a suitable emollient cream every day can help prevent flare-ups. There are a number of products on the market, or you may prefer for your doctor to prescribe one.

Eczema isn’t contagious or infectious, although it can get infected if the sores are opened by constant scratching. So, it’s a good idea to keep your baby’s fingernails short in case they’re tempted to scratch.

baby skin conditions

Baby skin conditions: #2 Nappy rash

Next on our list of common baby skin conditions is nappy rash.

Nappy rash is an inflammation of the skin in the nappy area that appears red and sore. It can be caused by a number of things including urine or poo irritating baby’s skin, a yeast infection, and it can also be a sign of teething.

To avoid nappy rash, keep the area clean and dry as much as possible by changing their nappy frequently. If possible, it’s also good to give them some nappy-free time.

Barrier creams can help soothe the skin and protect the area from becoming irritated. If the nappy rash is persistent, it may be better treated with a medicated cream.

#3 Cradle cap

Cradle cap usually appears as white or yellow scaly patches on baby’s scalp, but it can also appear on the face. It’s a harmless condition that isn’t itchy or painful for your baby and it’s not contagious. It usually clears up on its own within 6 to 12 months.

Although the cause of cradle cap is unknown, there are a number of things you can do at home to help treat it.

You could lightly massage the affected area with an emollient moisturiser to help loosen the scales and brush your baby’s scalp with a soft brush. Avoid using olive oil and don’t be tempted to try picking the scabs, as this could cause infection.

#4 Milia

If your baby develops small white spots on their face, especially the nose, it could be milia. These are blocked pores that usually clear up within a few weeks without any treatment needed. However, if you notice a rash or crusting around the milia, take your baby to see a doctor.

Don’t try and squeeze or scrape off these spots like you might do with a pimple, as you could cause scarring or infection. Just be patient and wait for them to disappear naturally.

Baby skin conditions: #5 Baby acne

Some babies can get acne on their face in the first few months of life. These pimples normally clear up without any treatment, usually in the first few months.

Again, don’t try and squeeze the pimples as this could cause scarring. Keeping your baby’s face clean and dry can help but avoid using lotions and oils, as these can irritate the skin.

Baby skin conditions: #6 Hives

Hives usually appear as red, raised bumps or welts and can sometimes be blotchy. They’re normally caused by an allergic reaction and can be itchy and irritating, but a mild case of hives may not bother your baby.

The tricky thing is working out what caused the hives, to stop them coming back again. Common causes of an allergic reaction are from foods – like shellfish, nuts and dairy – pollen and pets.

Hives tend to appear within a few minutes to two hours after exposure to the offending irritant. If your baby comes out in hives, think about what they’ve recently been exposed to. This may give you an idea of what caused the hives to form.

Antihistamine medication can help reduce the hives, but if your baby is too young to take the medicine, you could try applying a cold compress to the affected area.

If you think the hives were caused by something they ate or drank, contact your doctor as they may have had an allergic reaction that could be worse next time.

#7 Heat rash/prickly heat

Heat rash or prickly heat might appear if your baby gets hot in a humid environment. It’s usually caused by blocked sweat glands and shows as little red bumps or blisters on the skin, which can be very itchy. It’s common for babies to get heat rash because they can’t control their own body temperature.

If your baby has heat rash, keep them out of the humidity and as cool as possible. It should then clear up within 2 to 3 days without treatment.

Other common baby skin conditions

Of course, there are some common baby skin conditions that are more serious for babies. These usually occur at the same time as a high temperature and obvious signs that your baby is unwell. If this happens, take your baby to see a doctor and get advice on how the condition can be treated.

And no matter what the condition, there’s never any harm in getting some peace of mind from a professional.

Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

Thinking about a newborn photoshoot? Discover more at www.paulaveverka.co.uk/newborn-photographer

Baby turning one soon? Cake Smash and Splash photoshoots are perfect to celebrate this milestone! Discover more at www.facebook.com/paulaveverkaphotography

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5 Must-Haves for New Babies

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From nursery to preparing for the first few days at home, there’s a lot to think about as you get ready for your baby’s arrival!

As you start writing down your list of must-haves for your brand new, tiny baby you’ll probably feel a little overwhelmed… after all, babies need an awful lot of gear!

To help you, we have broken it down for you and created a list of 5 must-haves for new babies that will help you keep your little one happy and comfy during those incredible first few weeks.

From nappies to onesies, these are the key items newborn babies need!

must-haves for babies

MUST HAVES FOR BABIES: #1 COT AND BEDDING

In the guide “Helping Your Baby To Sleep”, NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in your room for the first six months and many parents choose not to use a full-sized cot.

However, after that, you might want to get baby used to sleeping into a cot, so the best thing is to buy one ahead of time, complete of mattress, and have it ready for baby.

SnüzPod by Snuz is only one example of a bedside cot designed to be positioned right by your bed with the side down, keeping your little one at arm’s length which – you will soon find out – is essential for night feeds.

Newborn babies need a very firm mattress, but this changes as they grow up, so you might want to consider a mattress that is firm on one side and medium on the other, like The Little Green Sheep Twist Natural Cot Bed Mattress (available at Amazon).

The core of this mattress is constructed from coconut fibres blended with natural latex that act like ‘thousands of tiny springs’ – with one firm side that will support tiny babies and the other side recommended from around 12 months on.

This composition makes The Little Green Sheep also good for allergy sufferers and breathable.

Of course, we could not discuss cots and mattresses without talking about bedding and trust me, you will be changing sheets a lot in the early days!

Consider buying about four or five fitted cot sheets and a couple of washable cot mattress pads, with a few blankets that can be layered depending on how cold it is. Wearable blankets are a great alternative to traditional blankets, as well as cellular blankets – that allow air to circulate and are perfect for regulating a baby’s temperature.

must-haves for babies

The pressure to be omnipresent as a parent is great, but the comfort of being able to get a quick glance of your newborn is comfort you can’t put a price on – which is why a baby monitor is a must-have for your peace of mind!

“5 Must-haves for New Babies”

MUST-HAVES FOR BABIES: #2 BABY BOTTLES

Newborns usually start with 4-ounce baby bottles with slow-flow teats but be prepared to try a few different brands to figure out baby’s favourite one. You will also need at least as many nipples as bottles, and some 8-ounce bottles you can use as baby begins to drink more.

When it comes to bottles and pacifiers, germs are an unwelcome guest, and while bottle brushes are a must-have, some parents like the additional level of sterilisation offered by a steriliser.

Brushes are handy for scrubbing small parts and crevices in bottles, bottle parts, and nipples, while when it comes to the steriliser you might want to look for a UV model, that uses LED lights instead of water or tablets.

#3 BABY MONITOR

The pressure to be omnipresent as a parent is great, but the comfort of being able to get a quick glance at your newborn is a comfort you can’t put a price on – which is why a baby monitor is a must-have for your peace of mind!

Of course, not all baby monitors are created equal, you can choose a basic audio model or a more expensive video monitor: while the latter may seem a luxury you don’t need right now, when baby arrives you will probably love the idea of being able to see baby even when outside their room.

MUST-HAVES FOR BABIES: #4 NAPPIES

Ready for No 4 in our list of must-haves for new babies?

Let’s face it; nappies are going to be a part of your shopping list for multiple years and, whether you use cloth or disposable, you will probably go through 10 or more nappies a day, so make sure to stock up!

If you use disposable, you might want to begin by buying small packs of a few different brands and kinds, to figure out the perfect fit and avoid stocking up on a type that irritates your baby’s delicate skin.

Once you have the right brand and type figured out, you will be able to find big packs at a much more convenient price.

You’ll also want to have a good nappy rash cream always available, either to prevent nappy rash or to handle them when they occur.

And of course, wipes – and plenty of them!!

These can be made of polyester, cotton, rayon, or other fibres and trust me and it is a good idea to consider unscented ones. And most of all, remember you will probably need more than you know what to do with!

A good nappy bag can also be a lifesaver on the go and act as a catchall for all the devices and tools you need for keeping up with your baby’s needs.

Bottles, changing station, extra onesies, the choices are endless, but if you don’t have the right nappy bag, then it’s all staying at home without you!

#5 CAR SEAT AND PRAM

Fewer things are more important on this list than a safe car seat.

In fact, you won’t even be able to take your new baby home without one.

Most families start from a convertible rear-facing car seat, as these are portable and can blip into a stroller base. You might choose to opt for a convertible car seat instead and do some future proof as this will adapt do your growing baby.

Something like the Graco 4 in 1 car seat is perfect as it can last well into your child’s booster seat years.

While your baby is still a newborn, they are going to be small enough where carrying them is the easiest option.

A soft sling is the best choice for toting your baby around earlier on and will prove much easier than a hard pram.

Paula Veverka Newborn Photoshoots

Most monitors these link to your phone and use it as a viewing unit via an app, and some (like Owlet Smart Sock V3) allow you to monitor information such as heart rate and oxygen levels.

Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer (available at Amazon) allows you to use your microwave and it claims to generate enough germ-killing steam to blitz 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria in less than 2 minutes.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

You won’t struggle to find resources to help you add more items to your list of must-haves for babies, starting from the NHS website, which/ offers plenty of guidance on preparing for your brand new baby.

Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

Thinking about a newborn photoshoot? Discover more at www.paulaveverka.co.uk/newborn-photographer

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