If you’re pregnant with your second baby and already imagining the chaos of trying to wrangle a toddler during your Wexford, PA maternity photoshoot, take a breath. I’ve got you.
I’m going to be honest with you: toddlers are unpredictable. They will probably roll in the grass, decide they suddenly hate their shoes, or ask for a snack at the most inconvenient moment. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes these sessions so beautiful.
Here’s everything you need to know to include your little one in your maternity session without the stress.
Why Including Your Toddler in your Wexford Maternity Photoshoot Is Worth It
Before we get into the logistics, let me just say this: the photos of your toddler with your belly are going to be some of your favorites from the entire session. There is something so tender about a little one resting their head on your bump, or pressing their lips to your belly because they already love this baby. These are the moments that make second-time mamas cry when they look back at their photos years later.
Your Wexford, PA maternity photoshoot doesn’t have to be perfectly posed or Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful. Real moments, even the messy ones, are what you’ll actually treasure.
Tips for a Stress-Free Wexford Maternity Photoshoot With Your Toddler
1. Time the Session Around Their Schedule
This is the single most important thing you can do. If your toddler is a disaster before their afternoon nap, don’t schedule a midday session. If they wake up grumpy, early morning isn’t your friend either. Think about when your child is genuinely at their best and happiest, and let’s plan around that.
Golden hour sessions in the early evening tend to work really well for toddlers who are in good spirits after some afternoon play time.
2. Feed Them Before You Come
A hungry toddler is a feral toddler. I say that with so much love. Make sure they’ve had a solid snack or meal before your Wexford maternity photoshoot, and bring backup snacks in your bag for after we’ve gotten some photos. We can use snack time as a natural break if they need a reset. I suggest fruit snacks or mini marshmallows. Please avoid chocolate.
3. Let Them Warm Up
Most toddlers aren’t going to run up to me with open arms the second we meet. And that’s okay. Plan for a few minutes at the start of the session where they can run around, get comfortable with the space, and watch mama interact with me before I ask anything of them. Once they see that you’re relaxed and having fun, they usually follow your lead.
4. Don’t Force It
If your toddler decides they don’t want to be in photos for a stretch of time, we go with it. I’ll shift to capturing just you and your partner, and then we’ll circle back to the toddler shots when they’re ready. Some of the best moments happen when kids feel like they have a little freedom and choose to come back on their own terms.
5. Bring Their Comfort Item
A favorite stuffed animal, a lovey, or a specific toy can make all the difference. We can even incorporate it into some of the photos in a sweet way. And if it just lives in the bag as a security blanket for them, that works too.
6. Give Them a Job
Toddlers love to feel important. Tell them their job is to take care of your belly, or to give the baby a kiss when you say so. Giving them a simple, meaningful role helps them feel included and usually gets you the sweetest, most natural moments on camera.
7. Dress Them for Comfort First
I know you want the perfect coordinating outfits which are great. But if the dress has a scratchy tag or the button-up shirt makes your son feel like he’s being tortured, it’s going to be a battle. Choose something that photographs beautifully AND that your toddler will actually be comfortable wearing. When in doubt, soft, simple, and neutral always works.
What to Expect During Your Wexford, PA Maternity Photoshoot With a Toddler
Here’s the honest truth: the session will probably not go exactly according to plan. Someone will get distracted by a bug. Someone will fall. There might be a brief meltdown. And that is completely okay.
My job is to keep things moving, keep the mood light, and find the magic in whatever is actually happening in front of me. I’m not going to stop the session every time your toddler does something unexpected. I’m going to keep shooting, because more often than not, those unscripted moments become your favorite photos.
Come in with flexible expectations and a sense of humor, and I promise you’ll leave with images you absolutely love.
Ready to Book Your Wexford, PA Maternity Photoshoot?
If you’re expecting your second baby and you want to capture this season with your whole family, I would love to work with you. My sessions are intentionally relaxed, candid, and go-with-the-flow, because real families don’t pose perfectly, and real moments are always better anyway.
Click here to check out work as a Wexford, PA Maternity Photographer. Click here if you are ready to chat.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT