Newborn Photography Safety For Parents

There are currently no safety regulations for newborn photography. Anyone can start photographing newborns without any training or knowledge.

Christina Louise is committed to the safety of newborns and places them at the center of our profession. We offer resources to assist you in selecting a safe photographer, and to identify potential risks during your session. These resources are available by clicking the link below.

During Your Newborn Session

Secure Posing With Composite Images

Photographers of newborns are encouraged to use safe techniques when taking pictures of babies in dangerous positions. These are some examples of composite imagery you can expect your photographer to use with your baby.

The Potato Sack Pose

Below is an illustration that shows you some additional safety issues your Safety Certified newborn photographer will be trained in. This is a great indicator that a novice photographer might not be the best choice for your baby.

The Froggy Pose

This is also known as the “froggy” pose. It should be composed of two images to ensure that the baby’s head remains supported. If the photographer doesn’t have an assistant, parents can help.

Suspended baby

Images that depict a baby suspended in a sling, or any other prop, such as this one are taken on the ground or in a bean bag and created as a composite. The babies are not lifted, but they remain on the ground at all times.

Safety For Siblings

Sometimes toddlers are unpredictable and can feel out of control during a session. Composite images are safer for babies and will allow the toddler to have a more enjoyable experience in the spotlight.

Safety Checklist

These are just a few things to remember when you’re having a session.

If you are uncomfortable with the way your photographer treats your baby, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. You are the most important person in this situation, regardless of whether it is a safety concern or something that you feel uncomfortable with.

• The temperature in the room – Most photographers will heat the space so that baby does not get cold.
  • Overheating signs include a reddening of the skin, reddening of the eyes, irritation, and a sweaty neckline.
• Air quality:
  • Props and blankets smell fresh. Mold growth in warm, damp studios can be detected by mildewy or musty odors. Do not hesitate to take your baby with you if your baby is breathing in mold toxins.
  • Although essential oils are very trendy, they can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities. If you are not comfortable with oils, ask your photographer to stop using them.
  • Other allergens include dust, pets, and foods.
• Falling hazards
  • Tape cords are applied to the floor, and rug grippers are used for flokati or floorboards. Props should be disposed of. Spills and waste should be removed immediately.
• Props and antiques
  • Pay attention to nails and splinters
  • Props are properly weighed.
  • It is not a good idea to place newborns in glass containers or other objects that could break or shatter.
• To prevent injuries, surfaces should be large enough
  • To reduce the risk of injury, biomechanical supports should exist
  • To avoid falling and tipping, wooden backgrounds must be secured.
  • Use sandbags to support light stands and props.
• Throughout risky poses, your newborn is always supported by human hands. (See images below).
  • This means that babies are not at risk for falls, central cyanosis,, or positional asphyxiation. These three potentially deadly scenarios can cause serious injury or even death.
• Parents, especially mothers, shouldn’t ask their babies to be kept away from them if they are not accompanied by an assistant. This is because the baby may become upset by the mother’s milk smell. If the baby shows signs of hunger, such as rooting (which can happen when they smell and sense their mother), they should be allowed to eat. The smell of milk will not cause a baby to become upset, so it is better to have someone to help.
• You, your assistant, or any other present people are not sick.
  • If illness delays your session beyond a reasonable timeline of approximately 1-2 weeks, a professional photographer should have an assistant photographer to help you or refer to other photographers who work in the same style. Your session should be completed within two to three weeks for posed newborn photography. These sessions are more flexible than those that are posed. They can also be done in a shorter time frame and can be rescheduled easily.
• Photographers are not allowed to touch, move or attempt to remove medical equipment such as circumcision gauze, belly button clamps, and so on.
• Your baby is not showing signs or symptoms of central cyanosis, the bluish discoloration around your core, lips, and tongue. This could be very dangerous. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre says that central cyanosis in newborns is not normal and almost always is linked to lower blood oxygen levels. Photographers should be aware of the possible causes of central cyanosis.
• You have hand sanitizer for your photographer.
• There are plenty of changing and seating areas available for both new mothers and those who have just had a C-section.
• Access to water is easy.
• In order to protect yourself in case of an accident, your photographer is covered.

It’s a wonderful memory to have images of your newborn taken. Enjoy the experience and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure.

This post was written by a photographer at maternityphotographerflorida.com. Christina is a Florida-based photographer capturing the intimate moments of maternity, motherhood, and childhood. As visual storytellers, we turn your most intimate moments into lasting memories. Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a photo shoot!