If you ask if you can include grandparents in your newborn session, I will always say an emphatic yes! This multigenerational newborn session was made even more special by the fact that these grandparents were visiting from overseas.
When this mom reached out about her newborn session, she asked three questions that were central to knowing how best to serve her and her family, 1) Can we include our dog? 2) Grandparents will be visiting, can we include them in some photos? and 3)Is having the nursery ready necessary for our newborn session?
My answer to the first two questions, was “Of course, yes!” and the third answer, “only if it is important to you.” Sometimes newborn sessions take place in a beautifully appointed nursery, but if you are still setting up a nursery, don’t have the space for one, or it’s nothing special, that’s ok!!! You can read more about how I help families choose the rooms we should do our session here. Ultimately, a newborn session is all about your new baby, and the place in your home that we photograph is not nearly as important as your love and connection. That’s what made this session so special, the love and connection between all the members of this multigenerational family.
Why to Include Grandparents in Your Newborn Session
- Wisdom, Stories, and Joy: Grandparents bring with them a treasure trove of life experiences and stories that can light up a room. In our session, I watched as this grandmother shared her parenting wisdom, and her soothing shushing helped to calm this little baby right back to sleep.
- A Tapestry of Love: Having grandparents in the frame created a tapestry of love. The way they held the newborn, the adoration in their eyes, and the cozy, intimate moments that unfolded were simply magical.
- A Glimpse into the Past: With grandparents present, we captured the beautiful dynamic of watching the first-time parents turn into a new generation of caregivers. This interplay between old and new was a sight to behold.
Grandparents in Cultural Sweatshirts
One of the most delightful aspects of this session was the grandparents donning sweatshirts adorned with the traditional names for grandma and grandpa in their culture. The sight of “Dadu” and “Dadimaa” proudly emblazoned on their clothing added a touch of playful authenticity to the session, reflecting the intergenerational connection that was so evident throughout.
As the grandparents held the newborn in their loving arms, the sweatshirts served as a visual reminder of the roles they had embraced with joy, making the photographs feel all the more heartwarming.
“Baby Security” – The Family Dog
But the story doesn’t end there. This multigenerational family also had their loyal family dog, their “Baby Security,” as they affectionately referred to him, wearing a bandana around his neck. With his warm, watchful eyes and the bandana symbolizing his role in guarding the new addition to the family, he was an integral part of the session.
The dog’s presence added a touch of whimsy to the atmosphere, emphasizing the family’s unity and their inclusive approach to celebrating this precious moment in their lives. As the dog wagged his tail and stayed close to the baby, it was as if he knew he had a new and important responsibility in the family.
This session was truly a celebration of cultural identity, intergenerational love, and the seamless inclusion of all family members, even the furry ones. The images we captured that day will be cherished for a lifetime, not only for the family’s traditions but for the warmth and love that filled the room. As you prepare to welcome your new baby into the world, think about these reasons why to include grandparents in your newborn session!
