Maternity Shoot Idea For Second Pregnancy: Let Your Toddler Do It!

Maternity shoots are a special way to celebrate the upcoming addition to your family, capturing the beauty and excitement of pregnancy.

While professional photographers can create stunning portraits, there’s something uniquely heartfelt about letting your toddler take the reins behind the camera. Sure it’ll be full of chaos and everything crazy, but it’ll be loads of fun and laughter because kids’ hearts are so innocent and pure—their words and gestures will melt our hearts at the very core.

Also Read: Expecting? 4 Maternity Shoot Ideas Inspired By Celebrity Moms You Can Try At Home

Why involve your toddler?

Last year, a post by Skye Hitchcock went viral on TikTok—she was being photographed and directed by her own son, Bridger, who was five years old at the time. He can be heard giving suggestions to his mom, as she poses in front of the camera with her background filled with yellow and purple-hued flowers.

“Rub the baby, aaand cheese,” Bridger can be heard saying in the background and following it up with, “that looks good.” He added, “sit down..on your bum, look up in the sun...you look so beautiful.” And if that isn’t adorable and sweet, I don’t know what is.

@skyehitchcock how much should I pay him? #photographer #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #momandson ? Cena Engraçada e Inusitada - HarmonicoHCO

Including your toddler in your maternity shoot is not only a fun bonding experience but also a great way to make them feel involved in the journey of welcoming a new sibling. It helps reinforce their role as a big brother or sister while sparking their creativity. Their perspective, filled with curiosity and innocence, can bring unexpected charm and authenticity to the photos.

According to a photographer teacher in Edinburgh, Rebecca Holmes, “Photography is so integral to kids' lives that learning how to do it has almost become a bit of a life skill.” She adds, “Photography encourages kids to think of new ideas and new perspectives to create beautiful images.”

According to Holmes, when we photograph, we are literally framing the world or subject as we see it. Aren’t you curious enough how your little one sees you?

Also Read: 5 Tips for Taking Better Milestone Baby Photos From Parent Pros

5 tips how to make it work

1. Choose the camera.

You don’t need professional equipment for this idea to work. A small digital camera, a smartphone, or even a child-friendly camera designed for beginners will do the trick.

According to a blog by Kidamento, makers of high-quality, kid-friendly cameras, "It is recommended to get a child interested in cameras and taking pictures before the age of five... getting children into photography at a young age helps them develop a new skill and gives them another reason to appreciate the world around them... children before the age of five can actually increase the stimuli in their brain and promote better brain development through the use of photography and other creative endeavors."

2. Pick a setting.

Pick a well-lit, safe location where your toddler can move around comfortably. This could be your backyard, a park, or a cozy spot at home. Outdoors are always a fun idea because of the natural light.

'Your toddler’s photos may not be perfectly framed or focused, but that’s what makes them so special. Each picture will be a unique reminder of this time in your life, filled with love and the excitement of your growing family.'

A portrait photographer from Sussex, Alex Rickard, says, "Being outside in nature connects children to all of their senses and can be very grounding and calming. In order for them to experience the health benefits of photography I encourage children to get outside in nature and get creative."

3. Guide and try not to overwhelm your kid.

Teach your toddler some basic camera handling tips, like how to hold the camera steady and press the shutter button. Encourage them to explore angles but avoid making it too complicated.

Also Read: Stay-At-Home Dad’s Photos Remind Him, ‘I Wasn’t That Bad’

4. Keep it playful.

Have your child direct your poses and let him take the lead. His playful approach might result in creative and candid photos you’ll probably treasure forever. Your toddler may not remember this moment, but you will—so just go with the flow and be spontaneous.

5. Have someone capture BTS.

Consider having someone else take behind-the-scenes photos or videos of your toddler “working” as the photographer, perhaps a partner or a friend. These moments can be just as priceless as the photos they take. So even if your toddler-taken photos aren’t as promising as they ought to be, you can still have a few snaps worth framing! You may also set up another phone to take a time-lapse video of the entire experience.

An endearing keepsake

Your toddler’s photos may not be perfectly framed or focused, but that’s what makes them so special. Each picture will be a unique reminder of this time in your life, filled with love and the excitement of your growing family.

Also Read: Celebrate That Milestone! 10 Studios That Offer Home Service Photo Sessions

Now, once the shoot is over, compile the photos into a scrapbook or create a digital album to keep as a cherished memory. You could even include some of the photos in your baby announcement or family album, showcasing the big sibling’s special contribution. Keeping the older sibling involved with the next pregnancy helps the anticipation of the arrival of the new member of the family.

Letting your toddler take your maternity photos isn’t just about the pictures; it’s about celebrating the joy, creativity, and love of family. It also fosters a sense of reassurance and family-belonging.

Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester, says it best: “We cannot underestimate the power of photographs to keep us feeling linked to others and belonging. They cement us into our networks. For children in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socializing process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them.”

He adds, "Until recently, people often thought of photographs as almost trivial, but actually they are an incredibly important way of connecting with our sense of self, with each other and with times gone by."

Also Read: 9 Christmas-Themed Baby Bump Photo Ideas

Truly, it’s a unique way to honor this chapter in your life while making your toddler feel like an essential part of your pregnancy journey.

P.S. If the older sibling is no longer a toddler, that's perfectly fine, too! Why not let him take the lead for your number 2 (3 or 4!) Have a safe delivery!

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