Struggling to pose your newborn for gorgeous photos without stressing about safety? I’ve been there—new mum days, fumbling with my bub, heart racing to get that perfect shot while keeping them snug. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-renowned photographers (where I had to chase down posing tricks they skipped!), I’ve cracked the secrets to safe, stunning newborn poses. These hacks work for newborns, 1-12 month-olds, and even wiggly toddlers. My free 30-min masterclass video will have you posing like a pro in less than 30 mins!
Why Safe Posing Creates Heart-Melters
Safe poses highlight bub’s tiny features—curled toes, sleepy smiles—for pics that fill your first year album with magic. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 2 mins to pose—no endless fussing.
- Easy: Just a blanket—no fancy props needed!
- Wow: Stunning shots—mums save memories, pros get happy customers!
Others might say you need complex setups or risky poses—nah, my way’s safe, simple, and nails it. Let’s pose that bub perfectly and without the worry of them being uncomfortable!
1. Start with a Swaddle
Struggle: Wiggly bubs make posing tricky.
Fix: Swaddle newborns for a snug, safe base (demo here). Lay them on a soft blanket near a window, parent nearby. For 8-week-olds, loosen the swaddle for gentle arm curls. Keep toddlers close, holding a toy, or leaning/standing up against a footrest – parent supervising (like in the pic below!).
Tip: Use a neutral blanket for a timeless look!
Safety Tip: Never leave bub unattended—adult’s hand always ready, super safe!

2. Try Tummy-Down Poses
Struggle: Unsafe poses stress everyone.
Fix: Place newborns tummy-down on a rolled blanket, head resting naturally, parent holding. For 6-month-olds, prop them slightly for a cheeky grin, parent nearby. Avoid forcing head turns—let bub lead.
Tip: Add a small pillow under the blanket for extra support and cuteness!

3. Keep It Natural
Struggle: Stiff poses look forced.
Fix: Let newborns curl naturally—think fetal position. For 12-month-olds with siblings, capture them lying side-by-side, parent close. Shoot post-feed for calm vibes, using white noise if needed.
Tip: Use burst mode to catch candid moments like a yawn or giggle!

4. The Pro Secret – The Safety Lock (Tease!)
Struggle: Safety fears kill the shoot vibe.
Fix: Here’s my trick: a 3-step check—swaddle, soft surface, parent’s hand—ensures safe poses every time. Pair with a calm bub—my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course shares calming magic, inspired by my chat with Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here—and my 10+ years settling every bub I’ve shot! There’s never a baby I couldn’t settle!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you posing like a pro in 30 mins—click here!
Level Up with My Free Masterclass
These hacks are your posing starters, but want pro-level secrets for shooting? My free masterclass for at-home or pro-studio 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!
My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—baby sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara for the first 3mths, pure gold for new parents! Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course—pro calming skills that work!
My Posing Flops to Frame-Worthy Wins
I’m Jess—mum, Netflix binger, pork crackling addict. My first posing attempts? Total bloody mess—wiggly bubs, unsafe setups, and me panicking over why my shots looked so awkward! Now, after years of tweaking and building the JJP Method, I’ve got the hacks I wish I’d had back then. No big words, just real tips for every parent! Let’s pose those perfect newborn photos!