How to Prep Your Kids for a Stress-Free Christmas Photo Session (Baby Tips Included!) 🎄✨

Christmas Photography Sessions are here, and I couldn’t be more excited to help families capture magical holiday memories! One of the biggest questions parents ask is:

“How do I get my kids ready so the photos turn out amazing?”

Great news—you don’t need perfection! You just need preparation. Here are my top baby, toddler, and kid-friendly tips to ensure your session is smooth, joyful, and full of genuine smiles.

✨ Prepping Babies & Toddlers for Christmas Photos

1. Plan around nap time

If your session lines up with a time your baby is usually sleepy, try adjusting the day a bit so they’re well-rested. A happy, awake baby = beautiful photos!

2. Feed them before arriving

A full belly keeps everyone cheerful. Think simple snacks before the session, and avoid messy foods like chocolate, fruit pouches, or anything saucy right before photos. For babies, keep their bib on until the camera comes out!

3. Bring a favorite comfort item

A small stuffed animal, blanket, or rattle can help babies and toddlers warm up to the studio environment. It works wonders for their mood and adds a personal touch to the photos!

✨ Christmas Photo Session Tips for Older Kids

Even the most outgoing kiddos can get shy or distracted during sessions, so a little prep goes a long way.

1. Make it a fun “Christmas adventure”

Tell them they’re going to a "special holiday museum" or that Santa personally requested photos of the world's nicest, cutest kid(s) to put above his fireplace this year! Adventures like these help build excitement and lowers nerves.

2. Encourage natural smiles and interactions

Skip the “Say cheese!” Instead, practice silly faces or soft smiles at home. What's a song that they always sing-a-long to? Does "hop little bunnies, hop, hop, hop" get them moving? A little playfulness helps get those genuine expressions we all love!

3. Choose a small after-session reward

It doesn’t have to be big—a candy cane, a sticker, or choosing the family’s dessert for the night. It gives kids something cheerful to look forward to without distracting them during the shoot.

✨ What to Bring With You

A tiny bit of preparation = a smooth, stress-free session. Pack:

• A clean, dry snack

• A sippy cup or bottle

• Hairbrush + wipes

• A backup bow, onesie, or small outfit piece

• Diaper change essentials

• Comfort item or toy (optional but helpful!)

✨ What to Expect When You Arrive

When you walk into the studio, I’ll guide your family through everything—no need to worry about posing, getting kids to smile, or managing wiggles. I use simple prompts, games, and tricks to make it feel fun and natural for everyone.

Your job? Just enjoy the moment and soak up all the cuteness! I’ll handle the rest.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my best Christmas session tip for families with kids is not to focus on perfection! Kids don’t have to behave perfectly to get beautiful photos. All they need is some gentle preparation, a bit of comfort, and a whole lot of love. Besides, some of the best captured moments are the moments that occur naturally and candidly. I can’t wait to capture that magic for your family this year! 🎁✨

If you’re prepping for your upcoming session and have questions, feel free to reach out anytime. I’m here to help make this your most stress-free Christmas photo experience ever!