10 Tips for Getting Ready for Christmas Photos with a Baby and Toddler
Photo credit - Leeanne Rose Photography
Christmas is a magical time of year, and there’s no better way to capture the joy of the season than through festive photos of your little ones. However, taking family photos with a baby and a toddler can be a challenge. The excitement of the holidays, combined with the unpredictability of young children, can make for some hilarious and memorable moments.
Recently, my family had photos done. To help make your Christmas photo session a success, here are my 10 tips for getting ready for Christmas photos with a baby and a toddler.
Photo credit - Leeanne Rose Photography
1. Plan Ahead and Set Realistic Expectations
While it’s tempting to dream of a perfectly posed Christmas photo, it’s important to remember that babies and toddlers have their own schedules and moods. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on capturing genuine moments. A photo with a little blur, a silly smile, or a candid giggle can end up being just as special as a perfectly staged portrait.
Tip: Set a realistic time frame for the shoot. Babies and toddlers may only last a short time before they get tired or fussy. Plan your session during their happiest time of day, ideally after a nap and meal.
2. Choose Comfortable Clothing
One of the keys to a successful photo session with babies and toddlers is making sure they’re comfortable in what they’re wearing. Avoid outfits that are too tight, itchy, or complicated to put on. When selecting Christmas outfits, opt for soft fabrics and breathable materials, especially for babies with sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for inspiration for festive outfits, websites like The Children’s Place or Carter's have a wide range of adorable Christmas-themed clothing for babies and toddlers. Try selecting matching family outfits or coordinating colours for a cohesive look that still feels relaxed and natural.
3. Capture the Moment Naturally
Some of the best Christmas photos come from moments that happen naturally—whether that’s a baby giggling in the arms of a parent or a toddler playing with an ornament. Instead of focusing solely on traditional posed photos, try to capture the candid, everyday moments that highlight the joy of the season.
Consider setting up a scene, like a cozy Christmas tree or a blanket fort, and let your kids interact with it. The more relaxed the setting, the more likely you are to capture authentic, heartwarming moments.
4. Pick a Relaxed Location
The location of your photoshoot can make all the difference. We opted for a professional studio; however, doing a session in your own home or outdoors can provide a more relaxed atmosphere for your children. Familiar surroundings are less likely to overwhelm them, which will help them stay calm and happy during the shoot.
If you’re planning a photoshoot at home, choose a well-lit room with a simple, clutter-free background. Christmas trees, twinkling lights, or cozy blankets can serve as beautiful backdrops. If you prefer outdoor photos, winter landscapes can provide a magical setting for holiday photos with your little ones.
5. Consider Timing Around Baby’s Nap and Toddler’s Energy Levels
Timing is crucial when it comes to baby and toddler photography. Both babies and toddlers tend to be their happiest after they’ve had a good nap and a full tummy. Plan your photoshoot after their nap times and make sure they’ve eaten beforehand to minimize crankiness.
For toddlers, try to time the shoot during their peak energy levels. If your child tends to be fussy or tired by the afternoon, aim for an early morning shoot when they’re more rested.
6. Use Fun Props to Keep Their Attention
Props can be an excellent way to capture your children’s attention and encourage them to interact with the camera. Christmas props, like Santa hats, stuffed animals, or little gift boxes, can help make the shoot feel more festive and fun.
For babies, soft plush toys or baby-safe ornaments can keep them engaged. For toddlers, interactive props like toy drums or bells can be a great way to get them excited and involved in the process. Just be sure to choose props that are safe for little ones and appropriate for their age.
If you’re looking for some fun and safe Christmas props, Amazon has a wide variety of festive items that are perfect for family photos, including mini Santa hats, snowflakes, and reindeer ears.
7. Engage with Your Kids to Create Joyful Photos
Children, especially toddlers, can be unpredictable, but they’re also incredibly expressive. One of the best ways to capture genuine smiles and laughter is by engaging with your little ones during the shoot. Make silly faces, tell jokes, or play peekaboo to make them giggle. The more fun you have together, the more likely you are to get photos that show their true personalities.
Having another adult (or even a sibling) in the room can help keep your baby or toddler engaged. Let your partner or older children help by being playful and making silly sounds to catch their attention.
Photo credit - Leeanne Rose Photography
8. Keep the Mood Light and Fun
Stress can translate into your photos, so it’s important to keep the mood light and fun. If your baby or toddler isn’t cooperating, don’t fret! A little laughter, a few hugs, and some patience will help you get through the session. Remember, it’s about capturing memories, not forcing a specific shot.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional photographer who specializes in family portraits. Many photographers have experience working with young children and can help guide the session in a way that’s fun for everyone.
9. Keep the Baby happy
Babies can be unpredictable, so having a few tricks to keep them calm can make a world of difference. Bring along their favourite toy, pacifier, or a soft blanket to provide comfort during the shoot. If you're doing a Christmas-themed setup, a cute Santa hat or reindeer ears can be a fun way to get them involved.
10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
The most important tip when taking Christmas photos with a baby and a toddler is to enjoy the moment! The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, and your photos should reflect that spirit. Don’t get too hung up on making everything perfect—just focus on having fun as a family.
Remember that your baby and toddler are still learning to pose for photos, and sometimes the best moments come from unplanned, spontaneous interactions. Let your kids’ personalities shine through, and you’ll end up with memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Taking Christmas photos with a baby and toddler doesn’t have to be stressful or overly complicated. With some careful planning, patience, and a little creativity, you can capture the magic of the season in a way that reflects your family’s personality. Whether you’re taking photos at home or in a studio, focusing on comfort, simplicity, and fun will help you create lasting memories.
If you need more inspiration for holiday photos, be sure to check out sites like Pinterest for creative ideas, or browse Shutterfly for custom holiday photo cards that can turn your beautiful images into keepsakes.
Happy holidays, and happy snapping!
All photos in this post were taken by Leeanne Rose Photography