I've been a professional New Jersey newborn photographer for almost 10 years.  I've picked up so many things along the way from personal experience, mentors, Youtube, classes, blogs, etc.  When it comes to actually scheduling for your newborn session, most photographers say the same thing.  The best time to schedule is the first 7-14 days of life.

I'm here to tell you.. no.  No, it doesn't have to be that early.

It's 100% okay, fine, amazing and beautiful to schedule that soon after birth.  Most of my sessions are done that soon and the day and photos are gorgeous.  BUT!  I just had my own baby girl.  And the thought of our photographer coming a WEEK after I had her I wouldn't have been able to handle it or get myself together.  I was still crying all the time (thanks, hormones), barely finding time to do my hair or straighten up the house.

We scheduled ours over three weeks in.  And it was perfect.  My husband and I were more comfortable, feeling more like ourselves.  Our Baby Girl no longer had that two week baby acne and we were able to straighten up the house.  Deep clean?  No.  I never expect a client to do that for me after giving birth and I didn't do that, either.

It felt good to take a shower, do my hair, put on makeup and put on a dress rather than leggings and a nursing bra.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't fully prepared... I didn't have time to vacuum, and I certainly didn't have time to run out and get a pedicure.

But, what we were able to do (aside from the physical things mentioned above) was proof enough that it was okay to wait a little longer for our session.  We were so calm and in the moment, loving on our Baby Girl and each other.  Taking it all in and enjoying the time spent with our photographer rather than feeling stressed out and super hormonal.  Well, I know the hormones never go away but it was much easier that day!

Anyway... If you want to schedule your newborn session a week after your baby is born, awesome.. I'll be there!  But, if you want to wait a month after they make their debut.. I support that, too!