Ever dreamed of capturing your newborn’s cuddles with their big sib for your cute baby’s first year album but felt stuck with no time to scratch yourself or worrying about safety? I’ve been there—newbie days, juggling a toddler and a bub, stressing over photos that didn’t have that pro clean cut look. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got quick posing hacks below (what those workshops missed!) to create safe, heart-melting shots, no fancy gear needed! These work for mums, beginners, and pros—phone or DSLR, at home or studio. There’s also my free 30-min masterclass that will have you shooting baby photos like a pro in less than 30 minutes!
Why Sibling Poses Win Hearts
Safe sibling poses create heart-melting memories, light up your frame, and fill albums with joy. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 5 minutes to pose—no hours trying.
- Easy: Just a blanket and careful hands—no pro skills!
- Wow: Stunning shots—mums cherish memories, pros land bookings!
Others might suggest risky setups or studio gear—nah, my way’s simple, safe, and nails it. Let’s capture those sibling cuddles!
1. Seat Big Sib with Bub in Lap
Struggle: Siblings wiggle, risking bub’s safety.
Fix: Sit big sib (2 years+) on a soft ottoman or couch near a window (9–10:30am for soft light). Swaddle bub tightly in a neutral wrap if needed to keep bubs calm and place them gently in sib’s lap, with a parent’s hands hovering close to support bub’s head and body. Use cream, beige, or earthy tones for a timeless look—mums swoon! My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course builds confidence to soothe fussy bubs for peaceful shots at be-a-baby-whisperer. See my wrap video for setup.
Tip: For younger siblings, keep a parent within arm’s reach—ensures safety!
2. Lie Down Together on a Fluffy Rug
Struggle: Poses feel stiff or unsafe.
Fix: Lay a fluffy neutral rug ($5 op shop find) on the floor, cushioned with folded towels for comfort. Have big sib lie on their back, arms gently cradling swaddled bub on their chest, with a parent very close by to prevent accidental rolls or grabs. Shoot from above with your phone’s 2x zoom to capture their intrigued gazes or tiny hands peeking out. Try my free 30-min masterclass for quick posing tips that make a big impact.
Tip: Use burst mode to catch both kids’ expressions!
3. Prop Big Sib with Pillows
Struggle: Older kids get restless, disrupting shots.
Fix: Prop big sib (3–7 years) on a bed with soft cushions or pillows, creating a cozy nook. Place swaddled bub in their arms if needed for extra comfort for baby, or just have them in a cute knitted onesie for example.
Supported by the pillows, ensuring bub’s head is secure. Stack a few different pillows behind to add texture, complementing the tones or the outfits chonsen. Edit with my $27 Mobile Presets for vibrant pops. A parent should stay nearby to keep everyone calm and safe.
Tip: Offer a toy post-shoot—keeps sib happy!
4. Capture Kisses from Above
Struggle: Sibling shots lack emotional pop.
Fix: Have a parent hold baby (this is a fave as it’s one of the safest to pose!) on a lower level making it easy for older siblings to sit in close to snuggle their baby sibling on a neutral blanket, or stacked up pillows. Ask them to gently kiss bub’s forehead while you shoot from above with your phone, locking focus on their faces. The kiss or gentle hand rubs adds heart-melting charm, and the swaddle keeps bub secure.
Tip: Practice the cuddles and kiss’s first—gets sib comfy!
5. The Pro Secret – The Sibling Pose Lock (Tease!)
Struggle: Posing siblings feels chaotic.
Fix: Here’s my trick: seated laps, cushy rugs, propped pillows, parents holding baby (a great safe option!) and gentle kisses create stunning shots in minutes—it doesn’t have to be long or complicated! My free masterclass will have you mastering styling, posing, and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley The Australian Baby Whisperer—check our incredible interview with Sheyne here!
Tip: Want more? My masterclass nails posing in 30 mins—click below!
Bonus: Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Restless Sibling? Keep sessions short (10–15 mins) and bribe with a small treat (e.g., a sticker) after. Prep them by explaining their “big sib” role—works wonders!
- Blurry Shots? For iPhone tap the screen to lock focus on bub’s face. For Manual mode ensure the shutter is at a minimum of 1/250 f a second to freeze any movement. Mid-morning light (9–10:30am) reduces shadows.
- Fussy Bub? Feed and swaddle bub 10 minutes before, using tips from my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course. A white noise app helps, too!
Why These Hacks Work
These poses prioritize safety with swaddles, parental supervision, and cushy surfaces, ensuring bub and sib are comfy. They’re budget-friendly, using what you already have at home or op shop rugs, and quick, fitting into your hectic day. Whether you’re a mum saving memories or a pro building a portfolio, these tips deliver that pro clean cut look without stress. My years of soothing bubs and guiding siblings shine through, making every shot a keeper!
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 but see the masterclass first for our one-time offer 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!
