How to Involve Older Siblings in Your Newborn Session (and Why It Matters)

Welcoming a new baby into the family is such an exciting chapter, but if you already have older children at home, you’ll know that life suddenly becomes even busier. Many parents tell me they worry about how their toddler, preschooler, or even tween will cope during a newborn photo session. Will they sit still? Will they feel left out? Will the session be stressful?

The truth is, including siblings doesn’t just work — it creates some of the most heartfelt images of all. Those first cuddles, kisses, or even funny toddler faces often become family favourites. With the right approach, siblings can be engaged, happy, and an important part of the experience.

Why Sibling Photos Are So Special

For parents, sibling shots are more than just cute. They capture the very first bonds between your children, and they help older siblings feel proud and involved in this new stage of family life. When you look back years later, you’ll remember not only how tiny your newborn was, but also how protective or curious their brother or sister was at the time.

“Sibling love at its sweetest — these precious first portraits capture the bond between big sisters and their brand-new twin siblings.” © 2025 - Amy Tong Photography.

Making It Fun and Stress-Free

In my Sydney studio, I plan every baby photo session with siblings in mind. Each child has their own personality and energy, so I adapt as we go. Over the years I’ve found a few approaches that work beautifully:

• Starting with siblings early: I often begin with sibling portraits while the newborn is being settled. It gives older children a sense of importance and helps them relax once their special part is done.
  

• Keeping it simple: Little ones usually do best with short bursts of attention. I use quick, gentle interactions that capture genuine affection and connection without overwhelming them.
  

• Adding familiarity: If a sibling has brought along a favourite toy, book, or even a snack, I’ll sometimes incorporate it to help them feel at ease — and often these little touches create the sweetest storytelling images.
  

• Playful prompts: For toddlers, I introduce fun games and light-hearted cues that naturally bring out their smiles and curiosity.
  

• Engaging older kids: Tweens and older siblings often love being given a “grown-up” role, like holding the baby carefully or assisting with props. It helps them feel included and proud.
  

A Relaxed Experience for Parents

Parents often come in nervous about how their older child will behave. My advice? Don’t stress. I’ve photographed hundreds of families since 2012, and I know that toddlers wiggle, preschoolers get silly, and sometimes siblings don’t feel like smiling. That’s all completely normal. My job is to create a relaxed, playful atmosphere where genuine connections shine through.

Even if your toddler only cooperates for a few minutes, that’s all we need to capture those precious sibling images.

Memories You’ll Treasure Forever

Baby photos aren’t just about documenting your newest arrival — they’re about telling the story of your whole family. Including siblings creates images that you and your children will cherish for years to come. One day, they’ll look back and say, “I remember when I held you as a baby!”

📷 Are you expecting and wondering how to make a newborn session work with siblings?  I’d love to show you how fun, relaxed, and heartwarming it can be. Get in touch to book your newborn session at my Sydney studio, and let’s capture your growing family together.