Newborn Photography Safety Guide | Safe Newborn Photos in Tamworth & Birmingham

Posed newborn photography has become increasingly popular, offering families the chance to capture beautiful memories of their baby’s first few weeks. However, as more photographers offer newborn sessions, it’s vital for parents to choose someone who not only creates stunning images but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of their precious newborn.

At Deborah Longmore Photography, newborn safety is my top priority. In this guide, I’ll explain why newborn photography requires special skills, what you should look for when choosing a photographer, and how I ensure every session is safe, comfortable, and stress-free for your baby.

Posed newborn photography has become increasingly popular, offering families the chance to capture beautiful memories of their baby’s first few weeks. However, as more photographers offer newborn sessions, it’s vital for parents to choose someone who not only creates stunning images but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of their precious newborn.

At Deborah Longmore Photography, newborn safety is my top priority. In this guide, I’ll explain why newborn photography requires special skills, what you should look for when choosing a photographer, and how I ensure every session is safe, comfortable, and stress-free for your baby.

Why Newborn Photography Safety Matters

Newborn photography isn’t just about capturing adorable poses—it demands patience, gentle handling, and an in-depth understanding of newborn behaviour. A trained newborn photographer knows how to soothe babies, recognize their needs and signals (like hunger or discomfort), and pose them safely without causing distress.

Unlike other types of photography, newborn sessions involve delicate, tiny clients who need calm, experienced care throughout the shoot. Unfortunately, newborn photography is not a regulated industry, and some photographers may not have received proper safety training. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to do their homework and select a photographer who is skilled, insured, and committed to safe practices.

How I Prioritise Newborn Safety

As a proud member of the Guild of Photographers, I am fully trained and insured in newborn photography safety. I hold a Craftsman in Newborn and Baby Photographer and have been Top 10 International Newborn and Baby Photographer since 2016. I continuously educate myself on best practices and keep up-to-date with industry standards, including guidance from the Baby and Newborn Photography Association (BANPAS) here in the UK.

Every session I conduct is tailored to your baby’s individual needs. I take the time necessary—often 2 to 3 hours—to ensure your baby is comfortable, calm, and safely posed throughout.

What Parents Should Look For in a Newborn Photographer

1. Safe and Comfortable Poses:
Look through the photographer’s portfolio. Are the babies relaxed, comfortable, and showing natural skin tones? Babies’ fingers and toes should never appear blue, purple, or red in photos—this indicates restricted circulation and is a serious safety concern.

2. Professional Handling:
Does the photographer explain their process and prioritize your baby’s comfort? Babies should always be fully supported, with props safely padded and stable.

3. Use of Spotters:
A responsible photographer will always have a ‘spotter’—usually a parent—to support baby during any pose that involves a risk of movement or falling.

Common Safe Poses Explained

Head on Hands: Baby’s hands are fully relaxed, with no discoloration.

The picture below shows a baby posed with their head on their hands, known as Head on Hands Post. Their hands should be completely relaxed as shown. Their hands are not red or puple and neither are their feet! The hands being perfectly flat are a good indicator that baby is fully relaxed or their fingeres would be clenched up into little fists.

The below pose is known as “Tushie Up”. You will see from the image below that again their fingers are completely flat on the little pillow used to support their head. No part of the baby is blue or purple which shows that their fingers and feet are perfectly posed. The fingers and feet are the colour they should be.  Baby has been posed so no circulation has been restricted.  His head and feet are supported by pillows and his neck is not restricted by his hands making a clear airway.

Tushie Up: Baby’s neck and limbs are supported, with a clear airway.

The below pose is known as “Tushie Up”. You will see from the image below that again their fingers are completely flat on the little pillow used to support their head. No part of the baby is blue or purple which shows that their fingers and feet are perfectly posed. The fingers and feet are the colour they should be.  Baby has been posed so no circulation has been restricted.  His head and feet are supported by pillows and his neck is not restricted by his hands making a clear airway.

Side Pose: Baby’s face is gently lifted away from the chest, and their body is relaxed, not scrunched.

The post below is known as the Side on Pose. The below below was actually 4 weeks at the time of her shoot. Again, you can tell the baby is settled in this pose as her little hand is hand is fully relaxed around her face. If she was not relaxed or posed correctly her hand by her face would be a little first, she would bring her fingers in and would be bent over. Her little hand then supports her chin to bring her face up away from her body. Her face should not be pulled in so it is tight against her chest. To be fully relaxed in this pose, her face should be ahead of her body with her feet off in the distance. If a baby is scrunched up, it shows they are not comfortable or posed correctly.

Froggy Pose: Baby is fully supported at all times.

The pose below is known as “Froggy”. Baby should be fully supported at all times. This baby was actually awake during her Froggy pose but as you can see she was fully comfortable. So how do you know this has been done well? The biggest indicator is the wrists. If baby has not been posed well the writs will come apart, even when their head is supported. The fact that this little one was awake did make this pose harder, as she was not in a deep sleep, but as you can tell her was not bothered at all as she felt comfortable and allowed me to support her with no issues.

If you ever see any signs of circulation problems, such as purple fingers or toes, stop the session immediately and inform the photographer.

Creating a Safe Environment

Room Temperature: Babies can’t regulate their body temperature well. I keep my studio warm (around 27°C) to keep your baby cozy without overheating.

Cleanliness: Babies have delicate immune systems. I follow strict hygiene protocols, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing props.

Props: All props are carefully inspected for safety, padded for comfort, and securely weighted to prevent tipping.

Managing Expectations

Every baby is unique, and some poses may not be suitable for your little one. I always communicate openly with parents, explaining why certain poses might not be achievable and ensuring your baby’s comfort comes first.

Final Thoughts

Newborn photography is a rewarding and magical experience that captures your baby’s earliest moments—moments that pass all too quickly. But no photo is worth risking your baby’s safety. I hope this guide helps you understand what to look for and expect from a professional newborn photographer.

If you’d like to learn more or book a session with Deborah Longmore Photography, please get in touch. Together, we can create beautiful memories while keeping your baby safe and happy.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Photography Session in Tamworth or Birmingham?

I’d love to capture these precious moments for your family.

Book your newborn session in Tamworth or Birmingham today to enjoy these benefits firsthand

👉 Contact Deborah Longmore Photography or book via the online calender today to check availability and reserve your due date.