January 7, 2023

The Absolute Cutest Newborn Poses

newborn photography

You Knew the Poses Were Cute, But Did You Know...


... did you know they each have a special name? How sweet is that? Here's a quick list of my favorite newborn poses. Which one is your favorite?

Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn girl photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer

Head on Hands Pose


There are so many variations on this pose! There's the side view, the slightly floppy version, the front view, and we can even add a little newborn prop, like a tiny fishing pole or teddy bear. This is probably my all-time favorite newborn pose.

The downside: not all babies like to be on their tummies, so if they're not comfortable in this pose, we'll move on.

Newborn girl photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, with an ice fishing theme, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer

Bucket Pose


I'm just now realizing this is basically head on hands pose, only in a bucket instead of a backdrop. But it's one of my favorite newborn poses, and one that mommy and daddy just love. We can include any theme or color scheme you'd like, and there are just so many options with this one pose!

The downside: again, not all babies love this pose, but no worries! There's the second baby-in-a-bucket option: upright potato, like in the Mandrake photo. Also so, so cute!

Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn girl photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer

Bum Up Pose


This newborn pose is one of my favorites because it highlights the chubby cheeks and chunky side rolls! Who can resist? Add a headband or bonnet and it's just perfection. Don't like the nudie-bootie look? We can add little PJs, too.

The downside: some babies don't love this pose, especially if they're a little gassy. But there are so many other options — let's keep going!

Newborn girl photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, with IVF needles, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer

Baby in a Basket Pose


There are so many adorable options with this newborn pose! Almost always shot from above, baby can be wrapped or in cute PJs... either way, it's cuteness overload! And we're not limited to baskets, either. We can use a little heart bowl, wooden crate, or other prop.

The downside: there are no downsides! Even the gassiest baby is comfy and content all wrapped up and comfy in a basket.

Newborn girl photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn girl photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn boy photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer

Huck Finn Pose


This newborn pose can be done wrapped or in a little outfit, and it's just so sweet! It's easy to add in a little stuffed bear or other tiny prop.

The downside: again, most newborns love this pose and will just relax right into it! Sometimes it can even work for wide-awake babies. Swoon!

Newborn family photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn family photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn family photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer
Newborn family photo, taken by Jen Knightstep, Photographer

Parent + Sibling Poses


I know what you're thinking: parent poses and sibling poses aren't newborn poses! But they're such an important part of a newborn photo session, I had to include them. You may not feel like getting your sleep-deprived self and a squirming toddler ready for photos, but the sibling and family portion of a session is so fast, and you'll be so glad you did them once baby is older. Side note: want to include a grandparent or special auntie? We can do that, too! Just ask in advance, so I have the studio ready.

The downside: did I mention getting your sleep-deprived self and a squirming toddler ready for photos? Sometimes keeping a toddler sibling on task for photos can be a challenge, but we have a few tricks up our sleeves and we're not above a little bribery, too.