How to swaddle a newborn for pictures

Newborn pictures are a class of their own! Just taking them makes the whole labor worth it:)

Here are some tips and instructions on how to swaddle your little prince/princess.

1. Choose a Soft, Stretchy Blanket

Pick a blanket that’s soft, breathable, and stretchy—like cotton or muslin. Avoid anything too thick or too stiff. Neutral colors like white, cream, or light pastel shades work great for a calm and professional look.

2. Lay the Blanket Out in a Diamond Shape

Start by laying the blanket flat on the floor or on a soft surface. Position it in a diamond shape, so it’s pointing up and down (like an X). This way, you have plenty of fabric to wrap around the baby.

3. Fold Down the Top Corner

Take the top corner of the blanket and fold it down a little—just enough to create a straight edge near the baby’s neck. This keeps the swaddle from covering their face or head, which is important for safety and cuteness!

4. Place the Baby on the Blanket

Lay the baby down gently on their back, with their shoulders just below the fold you created. Make sure their head stays above the fold, so their face is visible in the pictures.

5. Tuck the Baby’s Arms

Gently place the baby’s arms at their sides or across their chest. Some babies like to have their arms swaddled in (like a cozy "burrito"), while others may prefer having their arms free.

6. Wrap One Side Around the Baby

Take one side of the blanket and pull it snugly across the baby’s body, over their arm and chest. Tuck it under the baby’s body, making sure it’s snug but not too tight—newborns should still be able to move their hips comfortably.

7. Wrap the Other Side

Now, take the other side of the blanket and wrap it over the baby, tucking it under their body on the opposite side. Make sure the fabric is secure, but again, not too tight—comfort is key!

8. Fold the Bottom of the Blanket

If there’s any extra fabric at the bottom of the blanket, fold it up and tuck it around the baby’s legs. You want the swaddle to look neat and secure, but not so tight that the baby can’t move their legs at all.

9. Adjust for Perfect Look

Make sure the swaddle is snug around the chest, but leave enough room around the baby’s hips to allow for natural movement. The baby should still be able to breathe easily and feel cozy.

10. Position the Baby for the Shot

Once the baby is swaddled, gently adjust their position for the photo shoot. You can have them lying on their back or in a curled position. You might also want to gently lift their arms or legs for a cute pose, but always keep them comfy.

Bonus Tip:

If you’re planning to take close-up shots, you can use a prop like a tiny hat, headband, or soft toy to add some charm, but keep things simple to avoid distracting from the baby.

Swaddling helps newborns feel safe and calm, and it makes them look adorable in photos! Just be sure to keep an eye on their comfort and never leave them unattended while they’re swaddled. Happy shooting!