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Linley Diane

Mom Help for a Happy (ish) Home

Categories: Mom-ing, Photography

Toddler Pictures : The Ultimate Guide To Get Them To Cooperate

This Post Is All About Toddler Pictures: The Ultimate Guide To Get Them To Cooperate


Taking toddler pictures suck! I’m a mom of three and a professional baby photographer and I can confidently say that the ages of 1 to 3 are by far the hardest to photograph.

Kids are so unpredictable at this age! But they are also the absolute cutest and most hilarious little people! So, we have to make a solid effort to capture this stage forever.

It’s not easy but you will be glad you did it! Or paid someone else to do it, haha.

In my ten years of experience, I have researched and also stumbled upon what works best when trying to get a toddler to happily cooperate for pictures!

Read below for exactly what to do!

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you).



USE PROPS


I have used all of these items in multiple shoots over the years! You often need something to keep a young child in one place, whether it’s an actual container or a cute toy to play with.

toddler photoshoot how to

Wooden Blocks


Toddler photoshoot Christmas


Trike

Even fussy kids usually perk right up when you give them a little bike to climb on!


toddler photoshoot ideas


Wagon

Kids love being in a wagon and it’s a good way to incorporate older siblings (who can pull and push it!) It can become a fun game to play during the shoot!



Old Crate or Stool

This one is soooo versatile and can be used for nearly every shoot you do, not just toddlers!

  • You can stand on it to get above your subject when needed
  • Put a todder IN a crate when they won’t sit still
  • Use it for a “just-starting-to-stand” toddler to lean on (make sure to put something weighted inside so it doesn’t tip over)
  • Sit toddlers and older kids on top for both single and group shots
  • Shorter kids can stand on it when you need height in the pic


Ladder

(buy new and distress yourself or buy an authentic old one from Etsy)



Cradle/ Tiny Bed

(I actually cannot believe how inexpensive this one is!)



Wooden Highchair

Perfect for keeping a runner in place! And good for cake smashes if you do them!



Wooden Cars

Kids forget you are taking their pic and just start to play!



Vintage or wooden rattle

This is great because you can shake it to get their attention and then let them have it (because they WILL want it) and it’s cute for a pic!



Antique stroller

Isn’t this sooo cute?! I scored this one for $10 at a local flea market!



WHERE TO GET CUTE THINGS


One of a kind, unique, and antique are best! Here are the best places to find props:


Etsy – this one is the best!
Ebay
Amazon
Facebook Marketplace
Flea Markets
Garage Sales
Estate Sales
Antique Stores
Thrift Shops



USE NOISE



If a child is sitting still but not happy or looking at you, try making some noise or giving them something to look at with these items:

  • Bells
  • Music
  • Bubbles
  • Scarf


PLAY GAMES AND GIVE PROMPTS


If the kids you are working with are a bit older, try some games and prompts to get them to act more natural as opposed to standing there and rigidly smiling.

  • Peek a boo
  • Head, shoulders, knees, and toes
  • Red light green light
  • Simon Says
  • Ring around the rosie
  • Squish Daddy
  • Sneak up on Daddy
  • Tell a secret
  • Twirl around
  • Dance and freeze
  • Scary, mad, surprised faces
  • Tell them a joke
  • Sing a song


OTHER ADVICE


  • Bring snacks that aren’t sloppy. (Cheerios, smarties, fruit snacks)
  • Do pics at a time of day when the child is usually the happiest.
  • Show them their picture and let them take one of you
  • Bribe them
  • Take a break
  • Prep everything ahead of time
  • BE FLEXIBLE!!!

There is no one more full of false hope than a first time mom at a 2 year old’s photoshoot!


Seriously, do not go into a shoot with a concrete idea of how it’s going to go. Toddlers don’t listen and can’t be reasoned with! It’s like they can sense that you really want something to happen and then make it their job to do the exact opposite.


This Post Was All About Toddler Pictures: The Ultimate Guide To Get Them To Cooperate


You May Also Be Interested In:

HOW TO TAKE YOUR OWN BABY PHOTOS AT HOME


HOW TO GET FAMILY PHOTOS YOU WILL LOVE

BE PREPARED! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BRING TO YOUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

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Categories: Mom-ing

17 Genius Ways to Soothe A Fussy Newborn

This Post Is All About 17 Genius Ways to Soothe A Fussy Newborn!


Do you have a fussy newborn baby that you would do anything to soothe? A newborn that is fussy for no apparent reason is one of the worst things to experience as a sleep-deprived new parent.

When this happened to me as a first time parent, I would have given my right leg to have someone take the baby from me and calm him. Or at least show me how!

Luckily for you, I now have 3 kids and 10 years of experience as a newborn photographer so I have soothed 1,000+ fussy newborns so they fall asleep peacefully!

In this post, I will tell you my top tips to try the next time your baby is fussy!

PS: Use your common sense! If your baby is beyond “just fussy,” call your pediatrician! Do what you feel is safe and best for your baby!

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you).



Fussy Newborn? Try The Obvious First


Pick them up. This is simple. Sometimes all a baby needs is to be held, especially by mom. They know you instinctively. They may just need your warmth, your touch, and your comfort. (It is amazing to me how many sleepy newborn smiles I catch on camera when their mom is holding them!)

This may seem impossible when you have stuff to get done at home. In my first month post-partum, I liked to use a wrap carrier to keep baby from being fussy while still being able to use my arms.

Order a Wrap Carrier on Amazon


Feed the baby more. One of the main reasons a baby cries is because they are hungry. You may have *just* fed them. But remember, newborn babies have growth spurt days and sometimes want to cluster feed. They also like to suck for comfort (which is when a pacifier comes in handy.)

If you are exclusively breast feeding, you may not be producing as much milk as the baby wants or the baby may be allergic or sensitive to something you have eaten. Do not feel bad about giving the baby formula! It may be what’s best to keep the baby fed and nourished and to keep you sane!

I prefer these ready-to-feed bottles for the first month that are easy to grab in a mad rush to soothe baby. (Doesn’t have to be this brand).
Order here on Amazon.




Burp the baby. If baby is fussy just after a feed, he/she probably needs to get a burp out. Try some different burping techniques if what you’ve been trying isn’t working. (Have a burp-cloth on your hand/shoulder to catch any spit up that may come up.)


Change their diaper. Newborns can poop a lot. While some babies don’t seem to mind a dirty diaper, most don’t like it and more importantly, sitting in their own poo can cause a painful diaper rash for them. So when in doubt, check their diaper.

Pictured, below, I’ve linked the brands that I use in my studio.


Ok, if those didn’t work, now try these!


Check to see if baby is hot or cold. Remember, newborns have basically no body fat on them. So they may get colder than you would be when you have the AC on or are outside on a not-so-hot day. Especially their little toes and fingers- so bring socks or booties!
Alternately, they may be overheated if they are under a blanket and it’s hot out or are in their stroller/carseat on a sunny day. If they seem to be turning red and feel warm to the touch, remove some layers and add a clip on fan.

(These are the best booties for actually staying on a teeny tiny foot! Way better than socks!!)
Order them on Amazon


Check for hairs, fuzz, bugs, etc. There may be something on your newborn that is causing them to be fussy. Check to make sure nothing is itching or tickling them and make sure to check that nothing is wrapped around their fingers and toes, like a hair, which could actually be very dangerous and cut off circulation.
Related, if their whole body rashy and irritated, it may be that they are allergic to what their clothes are washed in. First call the doctor. And also switch to a free and gentle detergents and soaps.


Move their legs. I find that one of the 2 main reasons that babies keep fussing is because they have reflux and/or gas. If this is the case, a baby may fall asleep or stop fussing and then suddenly start again for no apparent reason. If you are holding baby, you may even be able to feel or hear the reflux/gas, even if there is no spit up.

In this case, try moving the baby’s legs in a little bicycle motion to help with the gas. If it’s reflux, that’s going to be more complicated and may require a change in diet (if breastfeeding), switching to formula, trying a Gentlease or other kind, or even medication from the pediatrician.) *Your pediatrician may have formula samples for you to try.

Order Gentlease Formula on Amazon


Next Try My Tips (I use these when photographing fussy newborn babies in my studio)


Shushing loudly in their ear. It seems to simple and too good to be true, but it surprises me how often this works. I will make the “shhhh” sound pretty loudly (get close to their ear if you are the parent) and I usually pat their bum as I do so.

They actually make a little machine for this if you want to keep up with the noise but be able to walk away. I use it in my studio.

Order the Baby Shusher on Amazon


Give them a pacifier. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH- babies like to suck for comfort. Your nipples will be soooo sore if your child is using you to pacify when they aren’t actually hungry. Pacifier are called pacifiers because, guess what- they pacify babies! Imagine that!!!

I highly recommend having a few different kinds (types of nipples) to try. Some babies really like one over another. However, I do find that most like the circle ones that I’ve linked first, below.


Change the position you are holding them in. If you are doing everything else and baby is still fussy, change their position. Some babies really prefer to face out, away from your body *Just be sure that you are still giving them the proper neck and head support.* Bounce a little and walk around like this. If they have reflux, this position will be more comfortable for them.

Scrunch their legs and bounce and rock. You can also try scrunching their legs in close to their belly to see if that helps with gas or a belly ache. Bounce with this (and make the shuushing sound) to help get any gas out.

Swaddle them. A newborn baby is used to being all scrunched up in your belly. Sometimes, they startle themselves (or even scratch themselves) with their own arms and fingers. Try a swaddle to give baby that safe womb-like feel.)

Buy Swaddles Here On Amazon


If All Else Fails


Try Gripewater. I believe gripe water helped my own babies but I have not used it on a baby in my studio since I think it’s something you should just double check with your pediatrician about. If you get the go ahead from them, I definitely thing it’s worth trying and could really help with a belly ache.

Order Gripe Water on Amazon

Make a doctors appointment. If none of the above tips helped, you need to call the pediatrician asap. She/he will help you figure out what may be causing baby to fuss. It could be that they are actually sick and need medication, maybe they are collicky or allergic to something etc. But, do not hesitate to call them for any reason, especially when your baby is so fresh, new, and delicate!

Change your diet. If you are breastfeeding and want to continue breastfeeding, the baby may be sensitive to something you are eating or drinking, like dairy, for example. A doctor or lactation consultant can help you with a process of elimination type system to see if it helps baby.

Change formulas. If you are using formula, baby can also be sensitive or allergic to something there. Try a gentle-ease or even a soy based kind if the doctor advises.

Order Soy Formula Here

Ask for help! If baby is fussing and it leads to all out screaming/crying non-stop, not only should you call the pediatrician, you need to take a breather for yourself. That may mean laying baby down safely in their crib for a few minutes or handing baby off to another trusted adult, like your partner, mom, friend, etc. You have to take care of your own sanity too… and nothing will drive you crazy like a crying baby!


PS: Newborns like gentle motion and soft noise, basically what they are used to from being in the womb. Here are some other tools that may help.


This Post Was All About 17 Genius Ways to Soothe A Fussy Newborn!


You May Also Be Interested In:

HOW TO TAKE YOUR OWN BABY PHOTOS AT HOME

CUTE BABY TOYS THAT PROMOTE LEARNING

21 INSANELY GOOD GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR MOM FRIENDS


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Categories: Mom-ing, Photography

How To Take Your Own Baby Photos At Home


This post is all about How To Take Your Own Baby Photos At Home!


As a professional newborn photographer of over 10 years now, I have loads of experience photographing babies in my studio. I’ve worked with around 1,000 newborns over the years!

(You can see more of my work over on www.annewilmusphotography.com, which is also where I originally posted this article.)


Now, I love what I do, and there is no replacement for posed newborn photos in a studio. For safety reasons, you need an experienced professional for that!

But sometimes, that’s just not in the cards. Whether it be for budget reasons, health concerns, or even personal preference.

This quick guide will help you with the basics of how to take your own baby photos at home!

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you).


1. Pick a well lit area for your photos. Lucky for us, babies are super portable! So, when possible, pick your little one up and move them over next to a window before you take that photo! A grainy photo in a dark area just isn’t going to do your little one justice!

Pro Tip: An inexpensive reflector like this one, will really help to add some light on baby’s face. You’ll find yourself using it a lot as you take more and more pics!

THIS IS THE EXACT ONE I HAVE:

Tips for taking your own baby photos

2. Make sure the exposure and focus are spot on. I-phones make this incredibly easy by just touching the screen. You can adjust these things in a second with the slide of your finger, so you should be pretty well set if you just take that moment to check the focus square. (Filters are great to enhance and fix minor things, but it’s always best to have a good photo from the start. Remember, you want to capture the natural beauty of your new baby, you don’t want to have to use a retro filter that will unnecessarily date the photo.)

Pro Tip: An I-phone is great, but if you are ready to up your game, try a starter DSLR or mirrorless camera for way more control over how your photos will look!

For starters, I recommend one of the following basic models (the mirrorless is weighs less and seems to be where the major development of professional cameras are headed). These models are basic and you can always trade them in and upgrade later if you find that you really love using a certain type of camera and want to invest in your future family moments.:

pics at home with new baby

3. Related to the first point, position the baby so the light from the window (or whatever your light source may be) is NOT pointing up their nose. You know how when telling a ghost story, a kid will shine their flashlight up their face and it looks super bad and creepy? Ya. Don’t do that to your baby! And while you’re at it, don’t point the camera angle up their nose either.

lifestyle photos taking your own baby pics

4. Get in a photo with your kids! You won’t regret it, I promise.

tips for iphone photos at home with new baby

Pro Tip: You can use a timer and tripod to accomplish this!


5. In this season of life, with your baby changing so quickly, any photo is better than no photo! So while all of the above are great tips, don’t let anything stop you from taking a photo anyway. If you can’t find the perfect spot of light or simply don’t want to move from the comfy spot on the couch, go ahead and snap that photo anyway. Not every photo has to be worthy of posting and sharing online. You can keep some just for you and your own memories. You really can never have too many photos of your baby!

tips for baby photos yourself

Related: The top (Inexpensive!) products I use in my newborn studio for happy, sleepy babies!


This post was all about How To Take Your Own Baby Photos At Home!


You May Also Be Interested In:

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS


WHAT TO WEAR FOR FAMILY PHOTOS IN THE FALL


WHAT TO WEAR FOR CHRISTMAS PHOTOS


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Categories: Mom-ing, Photography, Shopping and Sales

Kids Christmas Outfits for Photos

This post is all about Kids Christmas Outfits For Photos!


It’s that time of year again! Whether you are a a card sender or just like to do an annual image for yourself, it can actually be fun to style your kids outfits.

Since Christmas colors are pretty standard and seemingly every brand comes out with something this time of year, there are a plethora of options that all coordinate well together, no matter that ages your kids are!

For this season, it’s ok to spend a little more than you normally would since your kids can get some extra wear out of these clothes…for picture day, for church or the school Christmas program, for actual Christmas day, or any other Christmas event that they need to dress up for.

Since the colors are always so standard, this year, try adding in something new! Shades of blue mixed in with the traditional red, white, and green look amazing!

Tip: If you are having your photos taken at a Christmas tree farm, blue looks especially good in that setting!

Below, I have put together some truly gorgeous pieces that will photograph beautifully for your kids Christmas outfits for photos!

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you).


Kids Christmas outfits with blue

PS: Check out some holiday outfits for yourself too!


This post was all about Kids Christmas Outfits For Photos!


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WINTER DECORATING IDEAS: WHAT TO DO AFTER CHRISTMAS

BABY AND KIDS TOY GIFTS THAT WON’T DRIVE YOU CRAZY


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Categories: Home, Mom-ing

Hotel Safety | Travel Safely With These Self Protection Tools


This post is all about Hotel Safety!
Travel Safely With These Self Protection Tools


Are you planning to travel again soon? It’s always a little hard to leave home but it’s especially nerve-wracking after the year we’ve had!

Or maybe you just like to be prepared in general? (I know I do!)

Plus, I am the biggest germ freak ever, even before Covid!

I’ve rounded up the best products to keep us safe from both nefarious people and nasty germs when we stay in a hotel or rented property!



(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you).


Hotel Safety: Safety From Intruders


Portable Door Lock

As their ad says, think about who else has a key to your room. If you’re in a hotel, it’s the staff and management. If you’re in an Air B and B, it’s the owners. Take away the “extra key” worry with your own portable lock.


Portable Door Jam

It’s adjustable and heavy duty and you just pop it under your door handle. It works for sliding doors too! Sleep a little easier knowing you have this extra level of protection from intruders or drunkies trying to get into the wrong room.


Mace

Carrying mace is a good idea, especially if you use a parking garage or have to walk alone anywhere. This one can spray from up to 12 feet away, has a safety cap over the trigger, and leaves a dye on the attacker. Hopefully you never ever have to use it but it’s a nice to have it on your key ring just in case.

Just be sure you don’t leave it lying around if you have kids who may try to trigger it.


Hotel Safety: Safety From Germs


Portable Bed Sheets

I’m a HUGE germaphobe. I hate staying anywhere because of it. And we have all seen the news reports of bedding not being cleaned between guests. That’s not even to mention the possibility of undetected bed bugs or scabies on the sheets. Ugh.

I’ll always be grossed out, no matter what, but at these sheets help immensely with my level of comfort! And these ones that I linked are silk so they will even feel luxurious!


Disposable Masks

Bring throw away masks with you since you won’t have a washing machine available.


Lysol

I spray everything in my hotel rooms before I touch it or let my kids in the room. Light switches, door handles, bathroom knobs, etc.

I also use disinfecting wipes on the hard surfaces and put the remote in a Ziplock bag. Don’t forget the headboard!

HOT TIP: If you forget a bag for the remote, use the clear shower cap that most hotels have!

*I’m linking these for you but you can likely get Lysol cheaper in your local store if they have it in stock. Covid seems to have highly inflated the online prices!


UV Sanitizing Cell Phone Case

Our cell phones are always gross. But especially gross after laying them down somewhere public, like a hotel room used by different people everyday. Travel with this to disinfect it on the reg.

The one I linked fits large cell phones too, including the I-Phone Pro Max 11.


Bathroom Germs – Yuck!!!


Shower Shoes

You know how many people pee in the shower? A lot. Enough said. Don’t forget to bring a plastic bag to put them in when you are ready to re-pack so they don’t touch your other luggage.

I also recommend slippers to put on immediately after your feet dry so your socks aren’t touching nasty hotel carpet and then getting in bed with those germs.


Toothbrush Clip

I don’t like to put my toothbrush down on the bathroom counter, even after wiping it off. So, either pack your own disposable cup to put it in (and then throw that cup away when you check-out) or get some type of clipping and cover device, like this.


This post was all about Hotel Safety!
Travel Safely With These Self Protection Tools


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EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL AMAZING


HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR LAUNDRY

THE BEST CLEANING PRODUCTS EVER


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