“What’s the best age for baby photos?”
If I’m honest? The best time is when you think of it. Now is the perfect time. But if you’re still in the wondering and research stage, then this article shares what I’ve learned about different ages.
It’s one of the most common questions parents ask – and for good reason. Your baby changes so quickly in the first year, and every stage feels special.
The reassuring truth? There isn’t one single ‘perfect’ age. There are, however, a few beautiful milestones that tend to photograph especially well – and knowing what to expect at each stage helps you plan with confidence and calm.
Having photographed babies and families in Harlow, Essex since 2004, this guide walks you through the most popular ages for baby photography, what typically works well at each stage, and how to choose the right time for your baby.
The Short Answer: Best Ages for Baby Photos
If you’re scanning for a quick overview, here are the most commonly loved milestones:
- Newborn: around 7–10 days old
- Tummy time stage: 3–4 months old
- Sitting confidently: 6–8 months old
- Standing or early steps: 10–12 months old
If you can only choose one age, many parents find 6–8 months offers the best balance of personality, interaction, and ease.
Below, I’ll explain why each stage works so well – and how expectations are gently managed so the experience stays relaxed for everyone.
Newborn Baby Photos (Under 2 Weeks Old)
The earliest milestone is the newborn stage, usually within the first 7–10 days.
At this age, babies tend to sleep more deeply and curl naturally, which allows for classic newborn portraits. Many photographers will only work within this early window – and may decline older babies due to the unpredictability of sleep.
My approach is slightly different.
If your newborn sleeps, we work with that. If they’re wide awake and curious, we work with that instead. There’s no forcing, no stress, and no rigid expectations.
Awake newborns can create incredibly meaningful portraits – tiny expressions, alert eyes, and a sense of personality right from the start.
The key thing to know:
- Newborns are on their own timetable
- Beautiful portraits are possible whether they sleep or not
- Flexibility always leads to better results
Baby Photos at 3–4 Months Old
This stage is often overlooked – and it really shouldn’t be.
Around three to four months, babies start lifting their heads, pushing up during tummy time, and occasionally offering their first smiles. I only need a few seconds of movement to create something special.
Every baby develops differently. Some smile early, some later. Some are strong on their tummy, others take their time – and that’s all completely normal.
During this phase, I often include parents’ hands and arms to show scale, connection, and closeness. The resulting portraits feel intimate, honest, and beautifully real.
It’s a stage some photographers avoid simply because it’s less predictable. With experience, though, it becomes a lovely age to photograph – especially for families who missed the newborn window.
Baby Photos at 6–8 Months Old (A Favourite for Many Parents)
If I had to choose one age that consistently delights parents, this would be it.
At six to eight months, most babies are:
- Sitting independently (or nearly there)
- Full of expression and curiosity
- Confident, alert, and very pleased with themselves
Even babies who are still a little wobbly photograph beautifully at this stage – hands out front, legs wide, learning balance.
It’s also a wonderful age to include siblings, as everyone has settled into their new roles and interactions feel more natural.
For many families, this is the sweet spot: character is shining through, movement is manageable, and smiles come easily.
Baby Photos at 10–12 Months Old
By this stage, your baby may be standing, cruising, or taking early steps.
As a photographer, I love them standing – not necessarily running (though that happens too!). This stage is energetic, lively, and often feels busy for parents.
What surprises most families is how much can be created in those brief still moments.
I use gentle direction and simple techniques, resetting as needed and keeping everything light. If parents stay relaxed, babies usually do too.
The result? Portraits that feel joyful, expressive, and full of life.
If You Can Only Choose One Age for Baby Photos
If timing or budget means choosing just one milestone, my recommendation is usually:
👉 6-8 months old
At this age, babies are confident, interactive, and expressive – even if they’ve started crawling. Movement often adds to the magic rather than detracting from it.
A Gentle Reminder About Expectations
There’s no such thing as a baby doing things ‘on demand’.
Children don’t truly follow direction until around four years old – and that’s completely okay. My role is to adapt, observe, and respond to your baby, not the other way around.
Secretly? They’re always in charge.
Planning Ahead Makes Everything Easier
Most photographers book several weeks in advance – and with newborns, timing matters.
That’s why I encourage parents to:
- Explore styles they genuinely love
- Plan ahead where possible
- Understand that guidelines are just that – guidelines
I’m always happy to talk things through and help you choose a time that feels right for your family.
Summary: Best Ages for Baby Photos
- Around 7–10 days: Newborn portraits
- 3 – 4 months: Tummy time and early expressions
- 6 – 8 months: Sitting, personality, and interaction
- 10 – 12 months: Standing, movement, and joy
Thinking About Your Baby’s First Year as a Whole?
Some parents want to mark more than one moment as their baby grows.
Babies change fast. If you’d like to capture several stages rather than choosing just one, we can talk through what feels right for you – with no programme to join and no second booking fee when you return.
A first-year approach often begins when you are ready, and might gently cover:
- Pushing up
- Sitting
- First birthday with a cake smash celebration
There’s also the option to include a maternity experience at the beginning – a meaningful way to honour what your body is doing and start your baby’s story before they arrive.
FAQ’s
Answers to more frequently asked questions about my baby portrait experience can be found on my website.
Ready to chat about what timing might work for your baby? Get in touch.
Live Life. Take Pictures. Relive Memories. Repeat
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About the photographer: Sue works with parents who want to feel proud of the childhood they’re creating. Her child-led, connection-focused approach reveals the little expressions and moments that matter most.
If you’d like to explore what this could look like for your family, you can start the conversation here →
