Photography

How to Pose Newborns Safely with Parents at Home

Ever dreamed of capturing your newborn’s snuggly cuddles with you for your cute baby’s first year album but felt stuck with no time to scratch yourself or felt worried about unsafe poses? I’ve been there—newbie days, fumbling with bub, stressing over awkward shots. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got quick posing hacks (what those workshops missed!) to create a pro clean cut look, no fancy gear needed! These work for mums, dads, beginners, and pros—phone or DSLR, at home or studio. My free 30-min masterclass will have you posing like a pro in less than 30 mins!

Jess's photography masterclass for newborns and toddlers

Why Parent Poses Win Hearts

Safe parent-baby poses create heart-melting photos, light up your frame, and fill albums. These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: 5 minutes to pose—no hours trying.
  • Easy: Just a blanket and your arms—no pro skills!
  • Wow: Stunning shots—mums cherish memories, pros land bookings!

Others might say you need a studio or risky poses—nah, my way’s simple, safe, and nails it. Let’s snap those cozy newborn moments.

1. Cradle Bub Against Your Chest

Struggle: Unsafe poses make you nervous.
Fix: Sit near a window (9–10:30am, soft light) and cradle bub against your chest, their head nestled in your shoulder. Keep one hand under their bottom, one on their chest—super secure. Try my free 30-min masterclass for quick posing tips that make a big impact.
Tip: Wear a neutral top (cream, beige)—keeps it timeless!

newborn baby parent photos baby on parents chest

2. Swaddle for Snuggly Holds

Struggle: Fussy bubs squirm in photos.
Fix: Swaddle bub tightly in an earthy or neutral toned wrap ($5 Kmart scarves work too!) to keep them content. Hold them in your arms, facing you, backlit by a full length window. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course builds confidence to soothe even contact sleepers and/or the fussiest of babies. See my wrap video for setup.
Tip: Hum softly before posing—calms bub fast!

DIY Newborn Photography

3. Lean In for Close-Ups

Struggle: Photos lack emotional pop.
Fix: Sit on a couch or benchsead, bub swaddled in your lap, and lean in close, your forehead or cheak nearly touching their forehead. Use your phone’s 2x zoom to catch your smile and bub’s fluttering lashes. Edit with my $27 Mobile Presets for vibrant pops
Tip: Shoot mid-morning for calm vibes, well before the afternoon witching hour sets in!

4. The Pro Secret – The Parent Pose Lock (Tease!)

Struggle: Posing with bub feels stiff.
Fix: Here’s my trick: cradles, swaddles, and close-ups capture newborn magic in minutes—it doesn’t have to be long or complicated! My free masterclass will have you posing like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap, plus you’ll master styling, lighting, and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley—check our incredible interview with Sheyne here!
Tip: Want more? My masterclass nails posing in 30 mins—click below!

Jess’s free newborn photography masterclass graphic – best-newborn-courses

Level Up with My Free Masterclass!

These hacks are your posing starters, but want pro-level secrets to dazzle family or clients? My free masterclass for at-home or professional shots covers:

  • Posing hacks—cute curls, safe and simple.
  • Lighting hacks—no gear, just glow.
  • Baby-calming moves—peaceful shots every time.

It’s 30 minutes to stunning pics—phone or DSLR—mums save memories, pros get happy customers! Join the free video here —you’ll be so glad you did! Imagine—in 30 minutes, you’ll know what you need to take beautiful baby photos + 12 months and beyond!


My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—get the full course here for more info, but see the Free masterclass first or you’ll pay full price. With styling, posing, lighting, calming, and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara for bub’s first 3 months of life—right when you need those tips the most! Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course for the best calming tricks that actually work!

0 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

    I'M JESS

     

    Mum, coffee ☕ chaser, and total pork crackling fanatic!

     

    Once upon a time, I was a newbie photographer, fumbling through fussy bub shoots 😅 and stressing over every missed shot. But after 10+ years, hundreds of newborns, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve cracked the code to stunning photos that make hearts melt.

     

    My JJP Method is all about simple, real-deal hacks that work for mums, beginners, and pros alike—no fluff, just results!

     

    Want to nail newborn photography? Join my free 30-min masterclass for at-home or professional shots, or dive into my course to master posing, calming, lighting, and more in less time than your little one’s nap.

     

    Let’s capture those tiny moments together!

    Photography
    “Jess was absolutely amazing with our newborn son during the shoot. I felt so comfortable with the way she nurtured his needs and comforted him during the process. Plus the final product was amazing and there is lots of different packages you can choose from that suit your needs."
    ~ Jasmyn Bawden

    Ready to capture your story?

     

    get a reply within minutes!

    My availability is limited with family time being a priority, so booking a few months in advance is highly recommended, especially for newborns.

     

    I know you might feel nervous about getting photos—99% of my clients feel the same! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step, giving you prompts and directions so you can relax and just enjoy the moment. Life is hectic, but your session will be a chance to slow down and have fun!

    EXPLORE WITH ME

    I'm Jessica Van Den Berghe, a small-town

    Camperdown girl with big dreams.
    I'm hooked on Netflix, in-door plants, candles and crispy pork crackling with apple sauce.

    FOLLOW ME

    T.0439 932 229

    E. jessica@jessicajanephotography.com.au