welcome to the Blog 

Why is it so hard to get your new baby to sleep? Some babies are amazing little sleepers and others need a little help. Here are my top 3 ways to help a newborn sleep.

1. Shushing Machine

Babies spent 9 months listening to the loud whoosh sound of your heart and now they are in this huge QUIET world. Some babies find the silence lonely and unfamiliar. When your baby is crying what do you do? Shh, shh, shh! You naturally make the familiar heartbeat sound that soothes them (nature is amazing!) but doing this for a few hours is exhausting.

Here at the studio in Saint John, we use the Baby Shusher here. This little machine can sit in their crib or dresser, uses double A batteries, can be turned up or down and lasts about 30 minutes. I love the fact the batteries are screwed in for extra childproofing and safety. 

Babies will listen to the familiar whoosh sound and fall asleep.

2. Swaddling

Swaddling is an art. We swaddle your babies everyday and can say some babies love to wiggle out. Those swaddle wraps that are on the market are awesome! If your baby is struggling to sleep, swaddling may be the answer. As they get older they love to stretch out but when they are fresh and newborn, swaddling may make them feel all squished and comforted like the womb again. 

That mild pressure of feeling like they are being held can help them drift off to sleep and stay asleep a little longer. For safety reasons follow the manufacturers instructions and next swaddle around the neck.

3. Warmth

The third way to help babies sleep is about about the temperature. Babies have immature little systems and do not regulate body heat as well as we do. They like it WARM. If their hands or feet are cold, they are often too cold. Turn the heat up, dress them in more layers. Use sleep sacks for crib sleeping to keep them warm and safe. 

Often parents complain their babies wake up the moment they lay them down and often it is because of that cool bed feeling. We might love to lay down and feel the cool side of a pillow but babies do not. Rub the mattress with your hand and warm it up before lying your baby down. Do not use a heating pad (there are cases of babies being accidentally burned) but rubbing and making friction can do the job. 

We Use these Tips

I hope these 3 ways to help a newborn sleep will help! As professional baby handlers we are using these tips for every session to help a newborn to sleep because we know how critical each one is for a good nap! They may not seem like the simple answer but all three can help little ones drift off to sleep easier.

Why is it so hard to get your new baby to sleep? Some babies are amazing little sleepers and others need a little help. Here are my top 3 ways to help a newborn sleep.

1. Shushing Machine

Babies spent 9 months listening to the loud whoosh sound of your heart and now they are in this huge QUIET world. Some babies find the silence lonely and unfamiliar. When your baby is crying what do you do? Shh, shh, shh! You naturally make the familiar heartbeat sound that soothes them (nature is amazing!) but doing this for a few hours is exhausting.

Here at the studio in Saint John, we use the Baby Shusher here. This little machine can sit in their crib or dresser, uses double A batteries, can be turned up or down and lasts about 30 minutes. I love the fact the batteries are screwed in for extra childproofing and safety. 

Babies will listen to the familiar whoosh sound and fall asleep.

2. Swaddling

Swaddling is an art. We swaddle your babies everyday and can say some babies love to wiggle out. Those swaddle wraps that are on the market are awesome! If your baby is struggling to sleep, swaddling may be the answer. As they get older they love to stretch out but when they are fresh and newborn, swaddling may make them feel all squished and comforted like the womb again. 

That mild pressure of feeling like they are being held can help them drift off to sleep and stay asleep a little longer. For safety reasons follow the manufacturers instructions and next swaddle around the neck.

3. Warmth

The third way to help babies sleep is about about the temperature. Babies have immature little systems and do not regulate body heat as well as we do. They like it WARM. If their hands or feet are cold, they are often too cold. Turn the heat up, dress them in more layers. Use sleep sacks for crib sleeping to keep them warm and safe. 

Often parents complain their babies wake up the moment they lay them down and often it is because of that cool bed feeling. We might love to lay down and feel the cool side of a pillow but babies do not. Rub the mattress with your hand and warm it up before lying your baby down. Do not use a heating pad (there are cases of babies being accidentally burned) but rubbing and making friction can do the job. 

We Use these Tips

I hope these 3 ways to help a newborn sleep will help! As professional baby handlers we are using these tips for every session to help a newborn to sleep because we know how critical each one is for a good nap! They may not seem like the simple answer but all three can help little ones drift off to sleep easier.

A couple of weeks ago I had a great conversation with a doctor about the normal things your baby does. This doctor was also client and second time mom. We were able to chat over the next hour about what we see as professionals who see and handle babies. The best part was her confirming our knowledge of what was completely normal newborn behaviour.

They Never Stop Moving

Newborn are always wiggling and twitching in their sleep. Remember being pregnant and the constant feeling of them against you? Yup, it continues! The difference now is their reflexes are kicking in and that are not squished in a ball. How much they move varies baby to baby, some will never stop they little horizontal baby wiggles and others will have quieter moments.

Spitting Up

Amazing how much they can spit up and so quickly! It can feel like they have spit up their entire meal (and yes, sometimes they do!). Some babies will spit up frequently and they remain happy. Some will have a little overflow, burb and bring a little up. It can feel a little scary and worrisome when they do this and frustrating when other mothers nod their heads and do not have the same level of concern as you.

I know I am in this club, my oldest spit up constantly and we kept receiving blankets on hand to catch the mess. He was happy and calm but every meal meant a spitting up until he was about 6 months old.

If you baby is showing discomfort, curdled milk, discoloured milk or loosing weight seek medical help.

Never Wanting to Be Put Down

Newborns have spent 9 months in the womb and this big world can feel a little lonely and scary. Being in your arms means feeling safe and it is comforting to them.

It can make our lives as parents difficult because all we want is a little sleep! It is completely normal that your baby wants to be held 24/7.

Options are to swaddle your baby. There are swaddles on the market that will keep baby safe, give that gentle pressure that will feel like your arms.

You can trade time with your partner, while one cuddles and one sleeps. Call a friend or take up the offers from others who have told you to call them anytime. This is your village reaching out.

Wearing your baby in a carrier can give your arms back to you as well. There are so many carriers out there and even groups on social media for families who do ‘baby wearing’.

It’s Normal to not know what a normal baby does

It is completely normal to not know if what your baby is doing is normal! They are little strangers who did not arrive with an instruction manual. The best resources are to ask any friends and family, your family doctor, and nurses. Always go with your instincts and if some thing feels off to seek medical attention.

A new baby can feel overwhelming and second guessing yourself and this is all part of being a parent.

A couple of weeks ago I had a great conversation with a doctor about the normal things your baby does. This doctor was also client and second time mom. We were able to chat over the next hour about what we see as professionals who see and handle babies. The best part was her confirming our knowledge of what was completely normal newborn behaviour.

They Never Stop Moving

Newborn are always wiggling and twitching in their sleep. Remember being pregnant and the constant feeling of them against you? Yup, it continues! The difference now is their reflexes are kicking in and that are not squished in a ball. How much they move varies baby to baby, some will never stop they little horizontal baby wiggles and others will have quieter moments.

Spitting Up

Amazing how much they can spit up and so quickly! It can feel like they have spit up their entire meal (and yes, sometimes they do!). Some babies will spit up frequently and they remain happy. Some will have a little overflow, burb and bring a little up. It can feel a little scary and worrisome when they do this and frustrating when other mothers nod their heads and do not have the same level of concern as you.

I know I am in this club, my oldest spit up constantly and we kept receiving blankets on hand to catch the mess. He was happy and calm but every meal meant a spitting up until he was about 6 months old.

If you baby is showing discomfort, curdled milk, discoloured milk or loosing weight seek medical help.

Never Wanting to Be Put Down

Newborns have spent 9 months in the womb and this big world can feel a little lonely and scary. Being in your arms means feeling safe and it is comforting to them.

It can make our lives as parents difficult because all we want is a little sleep! It is completely normal that your baby wants to be held 24/7.

Options are to swaddle your baby. There are swaddles on the market that will keep baby safe, give that gentle pressure that will feel like your arms.

You can trade time with your partner, while one cuddles and one sleeps. Call a friend or take up the offers from others who have told you to call them anytime. This is your village reaching out.

Wearing your baby in a carrier can give your arms back to you as well. There are so many carriers out there and even groups on social media for families who do ‘baby wearing’.

It’s Normal to not know what a normal baby does

It is completely normal to not know if what your baby is doing is normal! They are little strangers who did not arrive with an instruction manual. The best resources are to ask any friends and family, your family doctor, and nurses. Always go with your instincts and if some thing feels off to seek medical attention.

A new baby can feel overwhelming and second guessing yourself and this is all part of being a parent.

This week gave me a nice little surprise, Enchanted Hill Photography was included in the Top 70 Newborn Photography websites. Considering there are thousands and thousands of newborn photographers it was nice to be included within this list.

Privately I was geeking out a little because some of the names are ‘big’ names. They are the educators and the artists that are leading the industry in artistry and technique. I have taken online courses from a few of them and to be in a list alongside of them? That is pretty exciting to me!

I know that anyone can make one of these lists and I have no idea what the criteria was but I am still a little humbled to have been noticed. I don’t post as much as I should on social media to market my work but my website I try to keep up to date.

This website has been live for 10 years and has had some drastic changes! It looks so different from 2011 and I keep changing it every few months to make it a better experience for anyone who comes opens it up in their browser.

If you want to scroll down you will find my website at #60!

There are so many amazing photographers and websites out there and I am sure if this was a large panel making this decisions the results would be completely different. Whatever the reason I am still thankful that someone took notice and included me in their list of the top 70 Newborn Photography Websites for 2021.

This week gave me a nice little surprise, Enchanted Hill Photography was included in the Top 70 Newborn Photography websites. Considering there are thousands and thousands of newborn photographers it was nice to be included within this list.

Privately I was geeking out a little because some of the names are ‘big’ names. They are the educators and the artists that are leading the industry in artistry and technique. I have taken online courses from a few of them and to be in a list alongside of them? That is pretty exciting to me!

I know that anyone can make one of these lists and I have no idea what the criteria was but I am still a little humbled to have been noticed. I don’t post as much as I should on social media to market my work but my website I try to keep up to date.

This website has been live for 10 years and has had some drastic changes! It looks so different from 2011 and I keep changing it every few months to make it a better experience for anyone who comes opens it up in their browser.

If you want to scroll down you will find my website at #60!

There are so many amazing photographers and websites out there and I am sure if this was a large panel making this decisions the results would be completely different. Whatever the reason I am still thankful that someone took notice and included me in their list of the top 70 Newborn Photography Websites for 2021.

I love posing newborns, it is difficult and never guaranteed but really showcases every little detail your baby’s face. Lately I have been pushing my skills to include relaxed newborn posing.

What is Relaxed Newborn Posing?

What exactly is “relaxed newborn posing”? It looks simple, as if your baby was stretching and then places themselves in a position on their own. Focusing on your baby and not the props. Black and white look equally as stunning as it does in colour.

Dreamy, simple, so natural and a bit like lifestyle photography. The perfect blend for families who are trying to decide what style of newborn photography they want showcased in their homes.

It is Easy?

It is also the hardest posing to do with a new baby. The first time I saw this style I was immediately drawn it and my clients love it as well. The downside? Incredibly hard to do well. Babies need to be in a deep sleep, any small movement meant starting all over. Every tiny detail has to be perfect.

Why is it so hard? We will blame it on the Moro Reflex. When babies feel like they are not being held, and lack of pressure on their arms and legs they instinctually flail their limbs. Startling themselves and waking up (it is the same feeling we get when we miss a step and your heart jumps to your throat). Often in newborn photography we wrap the babies because it is soothing, they feel secure and safe. Remove those wraps and they feel vulnerable.

The effort is completely worth the end result. I like to add this relaxed posing into each session if the baby is sleepy enough and will allow us to pose them just right. It takes some serious baby whispering to achieve this relaxed and natural pose (which is anything but).

What about Siblings?

I love that this can allow brothers and sisters to join in as well (it is often easier with older siblings but sometimes we get lucky and they are as awesome as this big sister! ) Once we have a few pictures taken we can ask if the sibling would like to come over and hold their baby’s tiny little hand. Maybe a little kiss on the forehead? If the older sibling is a bit too young and not overly interest (which happens quite often!) we will stick a little treat of in the baby’s blanket and get their attention that way.

I love posing newborns, it is difficult and never guaranteed but really showcases every little detail your baby’s face. Lately I have been pushing my skills to include relaxed newborn posing.

What is Relaxed Newborn Posing?

What exactly is “relaxed newborn posing”? It looks simple, as if your baby was stretching and then places themselves in a position on their own. Focusing on your baby and not the props. Black and white look equally as stunning as it does in colour.

Dreamy, simple, so natural and a bit like lifestyle photography. The perfect blend for families who are trying to decide what style of newborn photography they want showcased in their homes.

It is Easy?

It is also the hardest posing to do with a new baby. The first time I saw this style I was immediately drawn it and my clients love it as well. The downside? Incredibly hard to do well. Babies need to be in a deep sleep, any small movement meant starting all over. Every tiny detail has to be perfect.

Why is it so hard? We will blame it on the Moro Reflex. When babies feel like they are not being held, and lack of pressure on their arms and legs they instinctually flail their limbs. Startling themselves and waking up (it is the same feeling we get when we miss a step and your heart jumps to your throat). Often in newborn photography we wrap the babies because it is soothing, they feel secure and safe. Remove those wraps and they feel vulnerable.

The effort is completely worth the end result. I like to add this relaxed posing into each session if the baby is sleepy enough and will allow us to pose them just right. It takes some serious baby whispering to achieve this relaxed and natural pose (which is anything but).

What about Siblings?

I love that this can allow brothers and sisters to join in as well (it is often easier with older siblings but sometimes we get lucky and they are as awesome as this big sister! ) Once we have a few pictures taken we can ask if the sibling would like to come over and hold their baby’s tiny little hand. Maybe a little kiss on the forehead? If the older sibling is a bit too young and not overly interest (which happens quite often!) we will stick a little treat of in the baby’s blanket and get their attention that way.

This is the #1 question most people ask when they inquire. I completely understand too! I have 5 children of my own and babies are expensive! You need to research and purchase a carseat, a crib, diapers, clothes, a bed, bedding and the list goes on and on!

They Grow Up and Out

Here is the thing no one really warns you about, all those big purchases? Someday they will be gone. Your baby will grow up and the crib will be packed away, shuttled to the basement or sold. Eventually you will not need those strollers because those chubby little legs will be thinned out and running ahead of you.

The only thing you will have left is a big kid and the memories. This is why pictures really are so valuable, they will take you back to the moment your life changed forever.

Quality and Service

The how much a newborn shoot can cost will wildly vary! This depends on the quality of the service and what is offered. A higher quality photographer will have pictures that are very consistent. You know exactly what you pictures will look like because of this high quality!

There are some photographers who have a studio, here at Enchanted Hill we have a commercial studio (outside of the home in a commercial building). Some photographers do not offer props and outfits and others like us will have a client closet and studio full of every props and every colour you would ever desire.

Time

The time commitment to the session will also affect the price. How long will the session be? Posed is often more time consuming than lifestyle and the amount of editing that will happen as well. Some photographers will capture the images as is whereas others like us will edit away scratches and blemishes.

How much is a newborn photo shoot? Here at Enchanted Hill, at the current time, newborn pictures begin at $375+tax. Some people invest more and spent $600-1200, it depends on your budget and wants. This price is subject to change.

This is the #1 question most people ask when they inquire. I completely understand too! I have 5 children of my own and babies are expensive! You need to research and purchase a carseat, a crib, diapers, clothes, a bed, bedding and the list goes on and on!

They Grow Up and Out

Here is the thing no one really warns you about, all those big purchases? Someday they will be gone. Your baby will grow up and the crib will be packed away, shuttled to the basement or sold. Eventually you will not need those strollers because those chubby little legs will be thinned out and running ahead of you.

The only thing you will have left is a big kid and the memories. This is why pictures really are so valuable, they will take you back to the moment your life changed forever.

Quality and Service

The how much a newborn shoot can cost will wildly vary! This depends on the quality of the service and what is offered. A higher quality photographer will have pictures that are very consistent. You know exactly what you pictures will look like because of this high quality!

There are some photographers who have a studio, here at Enchanted Hill we have a commercial studio (outside of the home in a commercial building). Some photographers do not offer props and outfits and others like us will have a client closet and studio full of every props and every colour you would ever desire.

Time

The time commitment to the session will also affect the price. How long will the session be? Posed is often more time consuming than lifestyle and the amount of editing that will happen as well. Some photographers will capture the images as is whereas others like us will edit away scratches and blemishes.

How much is a newborn photo shoot? Here at Enchanted Hill, at the current time, newborn pictures begin at $375+tax. Some people invest more and spent $600-1200, it depends on your budget and wants. This price is subject to change.

Choosing a photographer can feel daunting, there are over 100 in the Saint John and Quispamsis area! So many are extremely talented but I wanted to give some idea on how to choose a newborn photographer.

Of course, I want you to hire me! But my style may not be what you are looking for and there may be other photographers who better suit your needs. The window is so small for newborns, this is the shortest stage of human life. It is also the moment that everything changes in your life (even if baby number 4 or 5!).

Check Out Their Style

Every photographer has their own unique style. From big styling differences like Lifestyle or Posed. Lifestyle is typically held in your home. Lifestyle focuses more on the family environment, unposed, and how you interact as a family.

Posed newborn photography (which is our specialty) is carefully posed, to showcase the baby’s face and features. Props can be added and sessions color coordinated.

Look at the Editing

Every photographer has their own secret recipe for editing. We all have our own unique style in editing but it also depends on skill level. Over the past decade I know my own personal style has evolved but also my skills have highly advanced.

Some photographers only enhance the image a tiny bit leaving everything as they saw it through their lens and others will do extensive editing to give a prettier version of reality and some will fall in the middle.

Editing style can also vary in making the pictures look like they were processed with film and others are very sharp and the colors nice and crisp. What may be popular and trendy now may look out of date in 5-10 years.

Realize that every photographer has their own particular style, look at their website, and make sure everything is consistent, so there are no surprises when you receive your pictures. Also, realize that photographers will be unlikely to want to change their style of editing as well.

Experience and Safety

This is a big one. Brand new babies mean you have researched safety, from sleeping methods to cribs and learn how to safely buckle them into a car seat. Choosing a newborn photographer should also require research to make sure that they have safe practices.

I am also going to say I would not discount a brand new photographer as well, we all began our career somewhere. Feel free to ask about their safety practices. They have researched them as well.

Have they taken newborn courses? Safety courses? Do they work with a spotter or assistant for more difficult poses? Do they have limitations (there are certain poses I personally refuse to even do without a spotter due to safety reasons)? Do they have a Covid safety plan (all registered businesses are required to have one and photographers were given plans from WorkSafe NB and Public Health).

Ask how many newborns they have photographed. Some photographers have more experience and some only photograph a handful.

Digitals or Products?

How do you want to see your pictures in 10-20 years from now? Do you want them on your walls or in an album? How do you want to show them to your children when they become adults? Will Facebook still be a thing? Or will it go like the VCR and cassette tapes?

Back to finding a photographer, almost all will provide digitals but ask yourself the honest question, do you ever print? Or are you like the majority of families today; very busy and never get around to printing.

If you print yourself then digitals may be the way to go but if you are busy and time is valuable it would be beneficial to ask if your photographer offers prints, canvases, or wall art. Photographers have access to professional print labs that are superior to big box store labs.

Do Not Miss This Time

The newborn stage is such a short one and it is a time your can never get back. It is also a huge regret many people have looking back. They wish they had those first pictures, pictures of themselves and their new baby. (I know I do!!). Personally, I feel newborn pictures are more important than wedding pictures. We celebrate our love and commitment with. wedding party and pictures and a baby is bigger. They are the start of a new life, they are an entirely new journey and story in your life.

The baby crib, the stroller, the fancy swing and carriers…all will be packed away someday forever or sold on the local Buy and Sell. Your newborn pictures will be the only thing left from the beginning.

Whoever you hire, hire someone, do your research and enjoy the memories.

Choosing a photographer can feel daunting, there are over 100 in the Saint John and Quispamsis area! So many are extremely talented but I wanted to give some idea on how to choose a newborn photographer.

Of course, I want you to hire me! But my style may not be what you are looking for and there may be other photographers who better suit your needs. The window is so small for newborns, this is the shortest stage of human life. It is also the moment that everything changes in your life (even if baby number 4 or 5!).

Check Out Their Style

Every photographer has their own unique style. From big styling differences like Lifestyle or Posed. Lifestyle is typically held in your home. Lifestyle focuses more on the family environment, unposed, and how you interact as a family.

Posed newborn photography (which is our specialty) is carefully posed, to showcase the baby’s face and features. Props can be added and sessions color coordinated.

Look at the Editing

Every photographer has their own secret recipe for editing. We all have our own unique style in editing but it also depends on skill level. Over the past decade I know my own personal style has evolved but also my skills have highly advanced.

Some photographers only enhance the image a tiny bit leaving everything as they saw it through their lens and others will do extensive editing to give a prettier version of reality and some will fall in the middle.

Editing style can also vary in making the pictures look like they were processed with film and others are very sharp and the colors nice and crisp. What may be popular and trendy now may look out of date in 5-10 years.

Realize that every photographer has their own particular style, look at their website, and make sure everything is consistent, so there are no surprises when you receive your pictures. Also, realize that photographers will be unlikely to want to change their style of editing as well.

Experience and Safety

This is a big one. Brand new babies mean you have researched safety, from sleeping methods to cribs and learn how to safely buckle them into a car seat. Choosing a newborn photographer should also require research to make sure that they have safe practices.

I am also going to say I would not discount a brand new photographer as well, we all began our career somewhere. Feel free to ask about their safety practices. They have researched them as well.

Have they taken newborn courses? Safety courses? Do they work with a spotter or assistant for more difficult poses? Do they have limitations (there are certain poses I personally refuse to even do without a spotter due to safety reasons)? Do they have a Covid safety plan (all registered businesses are required to have one and photographers were given plans from WorkSafe NB and Public Health).

Ask how many newborns they have photographed. Some photographers have more experience and some only photograph a handful.

Digitals or Products?

How do you want to see your pictures in 10-20 years from now? Do you want them on your walls or in an album? How do you want to show them to your children when they become adults? Will Facebook still be a thing? Or will it go like the VCR and cassette tapes?

Back to finding a photographer, almost all will provide digitals but ask yourself the honest question, do you ever print? Or are you like the majority of families today; very busy and never get around to printing.

If you print yourself then digitals may be the way to go but if you are busy and time is valuable it would be beneficial to ask if your photographer offers prints, canvases, or wall art. Photographers have access to professional print labs that are superior to big box store labs.

Do Not Miss This Time

The newborn stage is such a short one and it is a time your can never get back. It is also a huge regret many people have looking back. They wish they had those first pictures, pictures of themselves and their new baby. (I know I do!!). Personally, I feel newborn pictures are more important than wedding pictures. We celebrate our love and commitment with. wedding party and pictures and a baby is bigger. They are the start of a new life, they are an entirely new journey and story in your life.

The baby crib, the stroller, the fancy swing and carriers…all will be packed away someday forever or sold on the local Buy and Sell. Your newborn pictures will be the only thing left from the beginning.

Whoever you hire, hire someone, do your research and enjoy the memories.