The goal of any successful Newborn Session is to get beautiful portraits of your baby in poses, all the while keeping them calm and content in the process.

We all know babies can be challenging.  They could be fed, burped and all needs met yet may still need a bit of extra soothing.  We also know that not all babies are the same.  While some may like the sound of a loud SHUSH , others may just need a gentle vibration to soothe them into that slumber needed for a successful Newborn Session.

In this post I will talk about 3 Must-Have soothing tools that I keep handy in my studio and use frequently in my sessions.

First, you've got to set the overall environment.  When baby arrives to my studio, the lights are already off (except for the modelling light from my PLM) and my White Noise Machine is already going. 

The White Noise Machine I currently use is no long available on Amazon so I can't link it, but I would suggest looking for one that also has Brown/Pink noise, or fan noises.  I find these sounds to be less harsh than regular WHITE noise is. 

Next up, is the Shhhhussshhing.  After you've shushed enough times yourself during a Newborn Session, you find something that does it for you.   Many of us in the industry use these little devices because they are small and portable.  They easily tuck next to baby in a prop, or near them on the table.  The loud shushing noise of these can really help to 'snap' baby out of a crying or fussing fit.

You can find it on Amazon [HERE]

If you want a cheaper option, the same company does also offer an App for both Android and iPhone users for a one time purchase of about $6.99.

Rocking. Some babies just need that little bit of movement to lull them.

But what if you're like me and you use a table to do your posing and don't use an assistant - making it difficult to jiggle, pose and perfect baby all at the same time?!

Even the initial transition of putting baby down onto the table from my arms can be a big one, resulting in baby needing some settling.  

That's where the RockIt comes in.  What is it?  The RockIt is a portable baby rocker device that you can strap to a stroller, or bassinet etc  to make it rock slowly or quickly.  It sort of mimics the constant gentle jiggling movements of a car ride. 

I have mine strapped to the leg of my table in just a way so that it rocks the table if I need it.  Super handy for those extra fussy or touchy babies while going through your table flow!

Get it [HERE] 

Another option that may serve better for Newborn Photographers using a bean bag instead of a hard surface table for posing, would be the Baby Brezza soothing mat.   This mat can be easily tucked under all your posing layers , offers multiple soothing rhythms and can be easily controlled via an app on your smart phone. 

Get it  [HERE]

Last but not least, the Lullavibe.

It does exactly what it sounds like.  It is a totally portable soft covered paddle that offers soothing constant vibration.  I find this especially comes in handy for use when you’ve got baby in the potato sack pose , or when you have baby in pose on the table. A little vibration to the bum or back seems to do the trick in most cases! I like this tool as well because it offers just a bit of weight which can help keep baby feeling secure when rested against their little bodies.

Get it [HERE]