Newborn Family Photos | Pose Ideas for Parents & Siblings

While I love all types of sessions, there is just something magical about newborn family photos. I love seeing the connection between a family and their newest addition. And of course, I love seeing all my families come back to me year after year with new additions to their family!

In my 14+ years of photographing Indianapolis newborns, I have put together a great guide of my favorite poses, ideas and prompts for family photos with newborn here at Dellarose Photography. This post covers full family, siblings, and parent posing ideas, as well as a helpful section with links to all the furniture, tools and aides that I use for my newborn family photoshoots.

Studio Newborn Family Photo Ideas

If you’re looking for family pics with a newborn, these pose ideas work in studio or at home. I’m covering families of three, four, five and even six- how I pose them and the prompts I give.

Sitting Newborn Family Photoshoot Pose

I actually have two options for sitting poses- one is my World Market rattan daybed and the other is just a full size bed frame from IKEA. I linked both at the bottom of this post.

Both are great, but I will start with showing you newborn family photo ideas using the daybed first.

In my newborn sessions, I usually start with full family, keeping in mind that siblings may be uncomfortable at first with me or the camera flashing to be alone with baby.

My first prompt is having everyone look up at me. This is a traditional shot that all moms want for a keepsake!

Family pose idea #1: family of five, all looking right at the camera with mom holding baby.

I love using my bamboo daybed for this pose- it fits families of all sizes!

I like to have all the family members touching and connected in this pose. See how I have everyone put a hand or arm on each other? Showing connection is important!

Here I have a family of four in the same “looking at camera” pose.

Now here are some sitting family pose ideas I use during my newborn photoshoots, but using my faux bed set up.

Looking at the camera is never my ONLY intention with photos but I do always make sure we try & get it. Especially with bigger families. It’s the first photo I take & make sure I get what I need before moving to more of my newborn and family photo ideas​.

Using multiple items to get all the kiddos to laugh is work, but completely worth it when Mom sees the final image.

This new family of six was all smiles which does take a bit of work to get. Abi, the youngest sister, had to be tickled quite often for this shot.

I love using my bed set up for newborn family portraits. It gives such a cozy vibe for families!

This family pose during a recent newborn photoshoot was SUPPOSED to be everyone looking at the camera- but sometimes young siblings have other plans. Still cute as can be.

Newborn Family Photoshoot Looking Down at Baby Pose

After looking at the camera, I then I have them all look down at their new baby.

If a sibling doesn’t really want to look down, I tend to act like something is on their face to trick them into looking. The biggest thing to remember is to make sure to tell them to smile at the baby when looking down.

Extending the same pose, but now with parents and siblings looking down at baby to get a variety & more connection.

Both Parents Looking Just at Sibling Parents

This is another idea for after I capture everyone looking down at baby. After that, I sometimes like to put the focus on big brother or big sister for a minute. So I ask mom and dad to look just at their first child.

The photo shows just how important he or she was/is still in the family. If they are too young to want to reach over and give baby a kiss, this is a perfect way to incorporate them. Another favorite!

Little Jo was all smiles while his Daddy held him on his lap. Mom was all smiles while taking this. You can tell she loved looking at her first little man.

Standing Newborn Family Portrait Pose Ideas

For indoor newborn family photos​, some families prefer traditional posing with them standing in their photo instead of sitting. This pose can actually be much easier for some moms, especially so soon after giving birth.

During this pose I will put smaller siblings in dads arms or if the family has multiple siblings, I will put them on stools so that way they are up close to Mom & Dad for a cozier look.

Sometimes I will let the stools show in the photos & other times I will crop them out.

Here is a family of six I recently had in my studio in the standing “looking at camera” pose. Big brother & sister are on stools and they liked being up close with their parents. They loved talking how “tall” they felt.

This standing pose is perfect for studio newborn family photos​.

Squirmy sibling tip: When I have an older sibling that doesn’t want to be held or is super squirmy. My favorite prompt is for dad to act like he is dropping them- this silly game almost always makes them crack up and smile.

Got a family of four? Here is my favorite family of four pose for newborn photos where Dad is holding sibling up high to be on the same level as every one else.

Another family newborn photoshoot idea- but this time dad is holding baby because mom wanted to be in the background just a bit more.

This is the only way the middle brother would stand on the stool too. COZY in mom’s arms- so we went with it!

Standing family pose idea for newborn photoshoot where mom is holding two older brothers from behind and Dad is holding newborn.

In this pose, I had Dad step in and gently squeeze everyone close. It creates an instant feeling of connection and works especially well for family pics with a newborn- a classic family-of-four shot.

Sibling Kissing Baby On Head

To add variation during the family standing pose during this newborn photoshoot, I had big sister lean in and kiss baby brother on the top of his head with mom and dad looking down. So sweet!

Notice how I also made sure that dads arms and hands were keeping the entire family tight and together. One close unit!

This was a different session, but you see the same concept. After the standing family pose, big brother wanted to turn around and kiss his new baby brother! A different take on family posing during a newborn session. Mom loved this one.

Family Photos With Newborn: Sibling Holding Newborn

In my newborn sessions, mom or dad is holding baby for most of the first poses. But when I am doing my full family newborn photography posing flow, I do like to switch things up and give oldest sibling a turn to hold baby in some family pictures!

I ask them to help hold the baby so they feel more included and makes it more fun for them. Alot of times they are not truly holding baby on their own, because I pose them right in front of Dad so that he is actually doing most of the holding, while sibling “helps”.

This will also give a more “cuddly” look as dad is actually holding baby with big brother helping.

Here is big sister Emilia, four years old, who was so happy with this pose because Mom was hugging her in. Dad is helping oldest sibling hold their new baby.

In this shot, I had both big sister and big brother help hold baby while Dad helps with his hands.

Here is another shot where you can see that dad is actually holding newborn baby. But since I placed big sister right in front of him, on his lap, it looks more like she is holding newborn. This is a safe way to get a newborn and sibling pose!

Another variation with Big sis Terra holding her sister so it freed up Mom to hold big brother Jack’s hand. I love the connection here.

Here I am showing you another way to position siblings so they can hold their newborn sibling. Here big brother is leaning and wedged between mom and dad for extra support, and I placed swaddled baby in his laps.

I always say “criss cross, apple sauce!” to get siblings to cross their legs and make a pocket for baby.

Here we see big brother helping mom hold his new brother while sister looks on. They each had turns safely “holding” baby with mom and dads help.

This little guy was a little unsure about holding his new brother, so again, I had him sit in Dad’s lap and just hold his hands on baby while Dad reached around and held baby.

This sibling and newborn photoshoot pose idea using the help of Dad works especially well for unsure siblings.

In this newborn family pic pose, instead of just using Dad hands, we had both mom and dad place their hands under big sisters hands while she held hew new baby brother. A perfect family of four pose for my newborn photography sessions!

Here you see Caitlyn not only loved holding her little brother but she also liked being center of the photos!

Another example now with big sister Ava holding baby so she feels more included. This brought out her smile a bit more. They always volunteer quickly when you ask who would like to hold baby next.

Easy pose idea for newborn family photoshoot! Family of five with big sister Ava getting to hold her new baby sister, while mom helps.

Here is a great example of a family pose idea for newborn pictures, where youngest sibling is not cooperating.

I REALLY had to focus on the youngest sibling here because ONLY mom could hold him- otherwise it was not going to happen!

So we go to Plan B- I had big sis hold newborn and it worked perfectly to get that shot with everyone smiling. She did such a great job holding her up too!

If the littlest didn’t have older siblings I would just have Dad hold Baby in this one.

Pose idea when youngest sibling was not having it! Big sister stepped in and made this newborn photoshoot family pose idea work perfectly.

Here’s another take of a pose for older sibling to hold baby in my newborn portrait sessions. Although not “full” family, but when parents want shots with only Mom or Dad with kids, I love this pose.

I will have siblings and just mom or just dad, pose together with the oldest sibling holding baby and again, parents hands helping and supporting them!

Two big brothers and Dad posing with new baby brother.

Family Photos with Newborn + Sibling Pose Ideas

Newborn & sibling photos are one of the most important photos that parents want to capture. Depending on the age of the siblings & their demeanor, they aren’t always a guarantee. However, If parents request this pose, I always make sure to use all of my tricks of the trade I have learned in the last 14 years to get them. Below are some examples of different ages & those poses I try for.

Siblings Sitting Up Holding Baby

Sitting up and holding baby is usually one of the easiest poses to get with young ones. Especially if they have an older sibling with them. Pillows can help hold up arms as well to help support baby’s head. I typically take these with baby asleep so that we can focus on the youngest sibling and not have to worry about baby moving around.

Here we see Baby Brianne is cuddled up on her big brother’s arm so that her head can rest easily.

Big brother James (5) jumped at the opportunity to hold his newest sibling. I think this was Mom’s favorite photo.

Sisters, Amy and Jennifer, were old enough to sit on their own and hold their new baby brother together on the couch set up. I love how snuggled in they all look.

Now adding variety & more connection by looking down at their new baby brother. I specifically love how he is awake while they are looking at them. Puts the focus on him in this shot.

Sibling Holding Newborn on Their Back

If big sister or brother already like to snuggle with their new baby, this is a go to pose for me.

They feel so big “holding” their sibling & it’s usually a favorite of Moms. You can get a variety of looks from just this one pose so I think it is always the sweetest. The older the sibling is, the easier it is.

Tatum was very happy to hold her baby sister in this pose.

As you can see, I love to use neutral colors in my sibling poses. I think it helps keep each photo classic. Maya is wearing a dress from my client closet

Paige was barely two, and Mom worried we wouldn’t get this shot. In situations like this, persistence matters — and yes, bribes work. Fruit snacks and lollipops usually do the trick.

Iman took his job as big brother seriously and made sure he followed every direction. Did I mention he asked for his prize after shot? :)

I love this shot because big brother seems so interested in his new baby sister. After this, he gave her the sweetest kiss.

And here is a shot where big brother, Jack, was hesitant on smiling… let alone TOUCHING his big sister. I had mom stand over my camera to let him know that she was right there!

Just keep with it. This image was everything to Mom.

Love this newborn and older sibling photo ideas! Baby brother was awake for this shot which worked out ok because his siblings were a bit older.

When siblings are little, under three years old, I really try to get pose with a sleeping newborn. It just gives me one less thing to worry about when posing the siblings.

Three Siblings Lying on Back Posed with Newborn

Having multiple siblings on their back can be tricky.

Either the oldest feels they should be able to be next to baby or the middle sibling is arguing to do so, as well. I always put baby in between both & make them both feel special.

After getting the oldest settled, I get myself ready for the youngest sibling. Depending on age, they can show hesitation to wanting to be there. Parents are usually a great help with this.

I always have my camera ready & shoot when the youngest sibling is put in position- because you have to be FAST!

This new little guy posing with his big brother and two big sisters.

I try my best to make sure all siblings are as close as possible to each other. Even moving heads closer as soon as I get my safety shot.

Siblings on Tummy With Heads Close to Newborn Pose Ideas

One of my last go-to poses is siblings on their bellies. The reason for this is that I want them to be on the same plane and close to baby but sometimes younger ones have a harder time with direction or wanting to do this. So I always save this one for last.

I do ask parents to help with this newborn family pose! Its just easier for them to help position sibling. I don’t want them to be afraid of me if I reach out and move them.

Having younger siblings get close to baby can be tricky. This little guy was farther away from baby’s head then what I usually go for but sometimes you just take that safety shot and move on.

This was an example that. After this shot, I tried to get him closer but he wasn’t having it. You wouldn’t know though, if I had not gotten that safety shot, then we would not have gotten anything. So still a win!

Now here in this example, a completely different story! These two brothers loved getting as close as possibly to their new baby!

This was the cutest pose because little brother, Jayden, wanted to physically lie his head down on top of his sister. :)

This pose happens to be another favorite of mine (and Moms) because of the close connection.

Three older siblings in this laying on tummy pose can be a bit challenging- we barely go the youngest sibling to want to be in there. But this photo still turned out perfect. Also, bribes helped!

Katie was so giggly when it was her time to shine. I would have shot this at a better angle but it was QUICK because she would only lay down with baby for .2 seconds!

Parents don’t see that we could have gotten a better angle, they just see the love!

To add a little variety to this pose, I will ask sibling if they wan to gently place their cheek on baby. I only will do this if I feel it is safe and older sibling won’t be too

Big sis literally wanted to give her new baby sister the biggest hug so I went with it! Perfection.

Here is sweet Ashley in the same sibling on tummy with newborn in front pose. Again, being barely two years old, I’ll take this shot all day long!

Mom thought it was perfect and didn’t think we would get ANYTHING!

Here are two of the sweetest siblings EVER! Posing them both super close, their heads as close as possible, and right up next to baby is the key. That connection is everything.

Little brother, although hesitant, would do anything his big sister did.

Siblings Kissing Baby

Having big brother or sister kiss can also be hit or miss. Different things can happen.

One, they can be jealous of who gets to do the kissing on the head.

Two, they kiss and then you cannot see baby’s face.

Or three, they just don’t want to do it. I just go with the flow on this one. It usually works out to get a cute shot anyway.

Of all my kissing images, I think this one is my favorite. Big brother, Jesse, let his younger brother take control and he just followed. So sweet.

Family Newborn Photos Outtakes that Parents Love!

Of course when you are doing sibling poses with a newborn, you are always going to get some outtakes!

Like these next few shots of these sweet brothers goofing around- little brother hamming it up with big brother and big brother sticking his tongue out!

At first this shot I got looked like a whisper. But little brother, Jayden, was actually sticking his tongue in Jesse’s ear. Ha ha.

This was the photo right after the tongue in the ear. Mom loved them so much she picked both!

Brothers having fun with poses during their family newborn photoshoot.

Sibling Next to Baby in Prop

If a parent requests this shot I set up for it. In my newborn photoshoot family posing workflow, we would do this right after doing family poses.

If a sibling does not want to be near or is nervous about their new baby, this is the shot I set up for. I feel this shot is best for siblings from ages two to five years old.

A lot of times I will use a parent to sit on the side so that it looks like they are in the photo as well. I then crop them out. My assistant is also cropped out of the other side because she is there the entire time keeping baby safe.

I use a couple of different props for this. I typically use the props you will see below or use a baby bed for the shot as well. It is important to me not to “waste” the shot so I always photograph baby only in this prop set up, too. This way, I get two looks with one prop.

Brooklyn was not too sure about being next to her baby brother. I actually did newborn only shots in the prop first to show her that it was ok to sit near this basket and it wouldn’t hurt.

Dad was also sitting right next to her but I actually cropped him out of this photo.

Mom was worried that big sister Paige (4 years old) wouldn’t cooperate on this pose & she REALLY wanted it. Paige actually did and this was one of the cutest (fit her personality) poses at the end of this family newborn and sibling photo shoot.

This is a perfect image of Luke sitting next to his new brother in a sweet little wood baby bed prop. BUT… it did take some bribes. You would never know though and that is the image you are after!

Love his outfit that mom picked out- a neutral henley top and jeans. Classic and easy.

And when a sibling is posed next to newborn during family portraits, I always ask sibling to give baby a kiss on the head. A great newborn and sibling photo pose idea to get more variety!

This was almost the last image we got of them together.

But also beware, a sibling kissing their new baby can also look like they are eating her newest sibling! lol lol. Parents love humor in their family photo poses- so just go with it!

This newborn family pic pose is using a little vintage bamboo baby bed that I love. Perfect for girls!

Amelia didn’t want her photos taken AT ALL. You wouldn’t know it from this photo.

We had fruit snacks on baby’s head and did every trick in the book! Dad did something really silly last minute to get a split second smile. Perfection.

I kept baby in the same prop from the previous setup, so we could easily move Amelia in next to him for a quick sibling and baby pose. Worked perfect!

Sibling and Newborn on Flokati Ideas

Ok so here is a totally different take on a newborn and sibling photos prop pose.

In this pose, I had just photographed baby by themselves on the flokati rug. Baby was sleeping so well, I asked Luke if he wanted to sneak in and give baby a quick kiss- and it worked! Another great pose for mom to love!

This photo of the new brothers connecting and loving each other on the rug is everything. You even see a new sweet smile on baby brother.

Newborn Family Photoshoot With Twins Ideas

Sibling Holding Newborn Twins

This is one of my go to poses when there are twins with a young or shy big sister or brother. The pillows are supporting her arms so that she really doesn’t have to “hold” them & feels comfortable in doing so. This way you also get to see all their sweet faces but having them “sitting” up. For all my twin newborn family photoshoot, this pose is always moms favorite!

Imani was VERY hesitant on holding her siblings during this shoot. By using the pillows, she felt a lot more confident. It’s all mom ever wanted.

Sibling Laying Down with Twins

If the older sibling will lie on their back on the bed, I try to do this next. This allows for a close up photo of all the children. Sometimes younger sibling think you are putting them down for a nap or don’t want to hold or touch their newest family member but we always try this pose to see if we can get it. It is one of Moms’ favorites.

A nice bribe helped us to get big sister Imani to want to hold her sisters. This is one of my favorite shots.

Kissing her baby sisters was easy. I actually had her give each one a kiss to be fair.

Here’s another twin newborn photoshoot where I posed big brother and his new twin brothers right next to him. He is laying own on a blanket with a nice decorative pillow under his head. One at a time, I placed each swaddled twin in each arm. Then I placed his hands gently on each twins’ head.

Four year old new big brother had his hands full….literally. I love the way this shot lets you see the happiness AND little brother’s toes.

Twins in Prop Basket With Sibling

During my twin newborn photo sessions, I always will pose the twins in a prop. I love this bamboo basket- fits twins perfectly! Once I get a shot of just the twins in a prop, I will always take the opportunity to bring siblings in for another pose.

I will have them hold the prop or sit next to the prop- both work great as a newborn photoshoot sibling pose idea.

Here is big sister looking down over the twins.

And here is she looking right at the camera, while posed holding the basket.

Mother and Newborn Family Photoshoot​

When I am shooting family newborn photos, the very first pose I do after full family shots, are my Mom & newborn shots.

Mom and Baby Looking at Camera

Moms will always ask for direction once standing there and on this one I have them look up and at the camera.

I hold camera at a higher angle to flatter mom & that “I just had a baby” look. We want to see a glowing Mom & her new baby.

With the family & sibling poses out of the way, here is Mom looking just beautiful with her newest little baby number four.

This new Mom asked for a photo with baby in a neutral outfit I provide for the shoot. I think it was a great choice for him.

Another pose variation of Mom holding baby. Instead of standing, I had her sit to hold during her mom and baby portraits.

Cheek to Cheek

Cheek to cheek is my second pose for mom. I have her close her eyes & just give a slight smile.

This is another great way to show connection with also giving another flattering angle. The pose can feel awkward at first but the final image is just beautiful.

The softest touch here exudes how much she loves being a new mom.

Here is another angle of a mom with this cheek to cheek pose. Feels like she is just breathing in that beautiful baby of hers.

This mom and baby pose during a recent family newborn photoshoot was not QUITE cheek to cheek but Mom felt this was more flattering for her so we went with it. Turned out beautiful.

Mom Looking Down at Baby Pose

Another variation of this pose is mom looking down and not “touching”. Almost like she is just admiring it all. This pose sometimes fall between cheek to cheek and a simple kiss.

Love the little smile mom is giving to her newest little boy.

Here is mom sitting on the bed for this pose but bringing in the connection by looking down at her newest little bundle.

I always have mom hold baby close to her face when looking down at baby.

Mom Kissing Baby

Mom kissing her baby is a nice classic pose without having to move mom or baby too much. It provides variety but also again, the connection Mom is craving with her newborn.

Notice how I have mom hold her hands the way she is, making sure she doesn’t block baby’s face.

Pro Tip: When I have moms kiss baby’s temple, I make sure I can always see baby’s face, as well. So I’m checking for fingers, nails, hair that might get in the way.

Classic mom and baby newborn pose!

I directed Mom to actually kiss baby’s top of head in this pose because I angled her a bit differently for the shot.

Mom Facing Baby

Having Mom hold baby with a backlit shot always turns out beautiful. This is one of my most requested poses because of the sincere connection and this is how Mom sees her baby daily.

For this mom and baby pose, I always make sure baby is sitting up on Mom’s chest as close as possible to her face to get the closest connection.

I had Mom get nose to nose to make this newborn pose even sweeter. I just love baby in my outfits for this one.

If baby is still sleeping, I will bring Dad in for this pose for more pose and photo variation.

Newborn & Dad Photos | Ideas for Infant Portraits

After I finish mom & baby shots I go to posing baby with dad. I always started with baby swaddled and go through a posing flow.

There are a few poses (which you will see further down) that parents request with dad that require me to unwrap baby a bit. I save these for later in the session so I disturb baby the least amount I can. I just make sure to let dad know that I won’t forget about him and I will have him come back for unwrapped shots after a little break for him.

You will also see that I almost always bring mom in for a few extra shots when Dad is posing with baby. Super easy way to add variety to my newborn photos with parents.

Dad Holding Baby Looking at Camera

Daddy holding baby wrapped will come immediately after my family shots. No break needed for this one. I always get Dad looking at me for the first shot ( I call this Grandma’s shot) because we all know this is the pose she wants the most of her son & grandchild.

This is always one of the easiet poses for Dad’s to nail!

Dad Kissing Baby

Next I have dad look down at baby or give them a gentle kiss. Be prepared, the beards on dads can be a bit ticklish. You can pose them straight on kissing like this one or from the side so you see more of baby’s face.

This sweet newborn did get a bit ticklish and made the cutest face after but I wasn’t fast enough for that shot.

Here is the example of Dad kissing on the side of the face. I usually tell them to aim for the temple.

Dad Holding Baby in Front of Chest Pose

This is my most requested dad pose. AND one of the trickier ones. I do unwrap baby with this pose and place in his arms when baby is partly posed and ready. There are a couple of variations I do as well. One is for dad to put his chin on baby’s head (which also supports baby) and the other is for him to kiss baby’s head. After this pose with dad is finished, I like to bring mom back in the photo to get another family shot.

I ALWAYS have someone standing by to assist & make sure baby stays safe in this shot. NO ONE takes eyes off of them.

Here is Dad giving a sweet kiss on this his new son.

For this pose, baby was sleeping so peacefully, I posed her so her cheek gently rested on her hands. Including dad and baby poses during my newborn family photoshoots is a must!

Dad went in for a sweet kiss on this one too!

I try and make sure baby has diaper on so that Dad doesn’t have a big mess on them when we are finished with this pose.

Here is Dad resting his chin softly on baby- a nice variation to this dad and newborn portrait pose.

Then I bring in mom and go through a variety of subtle pose variations!

First, I do mom and dad both looking at the camera in this family pose. I always tell mom to gently touch dads hands, so we see close connection in every single pose idea.

Next, I have both parents looking at baby.

Here is a different couple where you can see first I photographed dad and baby together. Then, I popped mom in so that we could have more options of connected family newborn pictures.

I had them both look the camera and told mom to rest her head on dad’s shoulder and place her hand on top of dad’s hand under baby.

Dad Holding Baby Over Shoulder

Another dad and newborn photography pose I like to do is baby over Dad’s shoulder.

This pose is very natural in the fact this is the view moms & dads see most often when cuddling their newest little one. I will usually put mom in this shot after I finish with dad as well.

You can tell Dad loved this pose. Sometimes they get nervous when they aren’t sure how to pose but I will always give them direction and help with hands and placement.

Again, I love bringing mom in to add variety to this newborn family posing idea. I always have her lean softly into Dad’s shoulder and place her hand over Dad’s hand.

Dad Facing Newborn Family Pose Ideas

Dads also love this pose.

Looking down at their new little one is very natural and sweet to them. You really don’t even need to ask them to smile. They just automatically do it. I do have them make sure they bring baby up pretty close to them. Sometimes it can feel “too” close but you just make sure the parents know to trust in the process.

Dad smiled immediately when holding his sweet new little boy

This angle helps you see baby’s face a little more. SO sweet.

Newborn Photos with Parents​

Parent posing together during a newborn photoshoot is something that I love! Showing the connection of mom and dad and their new baby is my goal when posing them together.

Here are a few of my favorite newborn photo ideas with parents​.

One Parent Kissing Baby’s Head

A very important part of capturing new parents is the intimacy they show while being photographed.

Having mom or dad kissing baby while the other parent looks at baby expresses all the love they have for both.

Here you see Mom’s love here as she gazes at her new little one being kissed by Dad. A new dad softly kissing baby on the top of their head, is a just sweet, tender pose perfect for studio newborn family photos​.

I asked mom to just lean down and kiss baby’s head. Since Mom is closest, she gets to do the kissing. :)

Mom and Dad With Baby Between Them

For this pose, I have parents stand facing each other and place baby in between them. I love this pose because it really puts baby equally into the middle of both mom and dad. I bring up mom or dads hands and make sure they are touching.

First I will have them both look down at baby. Here we see the new parents admiring what they both did & how awesome it feels.

Looking at Each Other With Baby Pose

Then I will have them looking at each other with baby in between them. And of course, smiles come naturally with this. OR giggles. Sometimes looking at each other makes them just giggle.

This pose can also easily be done with just mom holding baby, too

Dad Kissing Mom Idea

Dad ended up doing this pose on his own- kissing mom on the forehead as she held baby. I loved it, but it happened so quick I missed it. So I had Mom close her eyes and Dad kissed her again. One of my favorite shots!

Parents Looking at Each Other Holding Baby

After I do the traditional poses of looking towards the camera (grandmas always want that one) and looking down at baby I make sure I have the new parents looking at each other in a photo as well to get that connection. Like… “hey, I can’t believe we made this." It is usually the MOST picked or requested shot for parents.

This is such a great photo to show connection between the new parents.

Another example but baby is in an outfit to show you a different look with this but same pose and same great connection.

Here is another family of three that came in to see me for their newborn family photos. Perfect example of parents looking at each other pose.

I love how Dad is leaning close into Mom here. Like he wants to go in for that kiss. I make sure to get the new parents as close as possible to each other.

Furniture, Stools & Decor I Use for Newborn Family Photos

Posing families of all sizes successfully requires the use of some great tools and aides! Over the years I have narrowed down to the best ones and I’m sharing them with you here:

World Market Honey Rattan Daybed Frame

This is the World Market daybed that I use for my sitting family poses and I LOVE it. Super comfy and cozy for families with multiple siblings, too! Plenty of room!

IKEA Neiden Bed frame- full size

This is the IKEA bed frame that I use as the base of my faux bed set up that I have in side my studio.

At Home Emmy Stool

This the Emmy Stool with Wooden Legs in Cream Sherpa that I use for as a sitting stool or lower stool for taller kids.

IKEA Dalfred Bar Stool

This is the IKEA stool that I use for posing families with young siblings

Decorative Target and AtHome Pillows

I usually buy most of my pillows at Target or AtHome. These are some of my favorites! I always look for neutral colors and great texture.

Bedding for Newborn Family Photos on Bed

This is the Target bedding that I use on my full size bed frame for my studio family infant picture poses!

IKEA Teresia Sheer Curtains for Soft Family Infant Pictures

This is the IKEA sheer curtain set that I use during my sessions for that soft light we all love. Comes as 1 pair with rod pockets, so you will need to buy the curtain rod.

So there you have it! Some of my go to newborn family photos pose ideas! I hope this guide is handy for newborn family photo reference poses! Do you need your own family newborn photos in Indianapolis? I would love to take them and meet your beautiful family! My newborn photography studio is located in Fishers, IN, but I photograph families all over the Indy area. Contact me here if you’d like more information!