Safely Posing Newborns with Their Family Pet

Can We Include Our Family Pet in Our Newborn's Photographs?

Wrapped newborn with her well behaved family dogs — This was taken as it was - the little newborn girl smiled at the perfect moment - and those doggies were amazingly well behaved!

One of the most common questions I receive from parents is: "Can we include our pet in our newborn photos?" The answer is almost always yes!

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of photographing numerous beautiful family pets alongside their newborn siblings – from several gorgeous doggies and the odd curious cats to an inquisitive hedgehog and even a rescue chicken! Posing your newborn safely with your pet in their newborn portraits is a wonderful way to celebrate your growing family, and with the right approach, it can be done safely and without stress.

Prioritising Safety and Comfort of both your Pet and Newborn

Your baby's safety is my number one priority, and I will always ensure that both your newborn and your pet feel comfortable throughout the session. Here's how I do that:

1. Keeping Photographs Of Your Pet and Newborn as Natural and Safe as Possible

Wrapped sleeping newborn girl posed safely with her white pet chihuahua who has his head on his paws. — This shot was taken as it happend- cuteness personified!

Whenever possible, I try to capture pets and their new siblings naturally, in a calm and relaxed setting. I allow pets to approach the baby at their own pace and encourage natural interactions, whether that's a gentle sniff, a curious gaze, or simply lying nearby. Some high value treats are a must for this.

Gently settling a newborn with his kitten sister.

2. Composite Editing for Safety

Not all pets feel at ease around newborns straightaway, and that's perfectly fine! If your pet is nervous, or unsure of themselves, I will composite 2 images to create the perfect image. So I will take separate photographs of your baby and pet, then seamlessly merge them together afterwards. This way, your pet can remain in their comfort zone whilst we still create a stunning final portrait.

As an example - this lovely family had a very well behaved German Shepherd - he was the sweetest boy. However, he was so good that he was trying to give his paw for the treats on offer which might have led to the newborn being scratched. As you can see from the composite shots we worked around this.

(I also came home covered in fur from all the dog cuddles!)

newborn boy asleep in a bamboo crib — Gorgeous newborn in lovely crib

Pet German Shepherd being posed safely by the empty bamboo crib with some treats from his owner. — Daddy and his lovely doggie - and some treats of course

The final image of the newborn safely posed with his newborn brother in his crib! — A little magic!

And with a very gorgeous cat...

Wrapped newborn girl in a moon prop - mum ensuring that she is safe. — Take a sleepy newborn with Mummy close by

Very lovely grey pet cat being safely posed by the owner — Add a sweet pussy cat being held by Mum

And there you have the final composite image!

3. You Will Always Be Close By Whilst I Pose Your Newborn and Pet

For added safety, I always have a parent or trusted family member on hand to keep a gentle hold on your pet if needed. This ensures that your baby remains safe whilst we capture those all important moment.

Smiling newborns wrapped in white next to their pet hedgehog who is also wrapped. — Yes this did happen! A pet hedgehog posed with his gorgous twin siblings!

Preparing for Your Session

To help things go smoothly, here are a few simple tips:

Bring pet treats– High value pet treats are a must! A little reward goes a long way in keeping pets happy and cooperative.
Bring milk or a dummy for baby – Keeping your newborn calm and content makes for the best photos.
Exercise your pet before the session – A little playtime beforehand can help pets feel more relaxed.
Have a familiar blanket or toy nearby – Something that smells like home can help your pet feel more at ease.

Our Pets are Part of Our Family!

Your pets are part of the family, and I love helping you create timeless memories that include your furry (or feathered!) friends. Whether we capture a natural moment or create a stunning composite image, you'll have beautiful, safely captured portraits to cherish forever.

Ready to book your newborn and pet session? Get in touch, and let's make it happen!