Milestone Sessions: Baby's First Year in Pictures
Do you know all the developmental and milestone stages for children?
No?
Don’t worry!
A lot of parents will have a basic level of knowledge of them from their birth and childhood classes and resources (like the CDC Milestones), but we are going to cover them again today with help from the CDC, and talk about why documenting your baby’s experience in each of these stages is so important.
These are some of the major milestones that you and your baby will experience over the next year… you ready?!
Oh… and as a special bonus for you, I’m going to share some great ways to capture each of these stages with a photographer because they deserve to be documented.
Newborn Baby Stage:
You’re likely experiencing so many new emotions, and so is your little one! Baby is adjusting to the world, experiencing new things, getting used to routines, and in the beginning will sleep quite a bit so they don’t have a hard-fast schedule. Over the weeks and months they will have more “awake” hours as they develop and grow.
Documenting this stage:
There is a big difference between photographing a brand new baby (under 6 weeks) versus a baby over that 6 week mark. Depending on how old they are at the time of your session will often determine if you’re getting the “sleeping baby in a basket” posed or swaddled style, or if they’ll be wide awake and a bit more active so we can capture those gorgeous baby blue eyes. Sometimes this means they may be fussy or not as cooperative during their awake hours as well. See the resources at the end of this blog for some more tips about when to schedule your newborn session.
3 Months Old:
Your baby will be able to smile at you, maybe even begin to laugh a little (like a chuckle), and they will make eye contact with you and move around to get your attention. They are probably starting to make all sorts of sounds, like cooing. They may be able to hold toys or props in their hand if you give it to them, and can start to hold their head up. They are beginning to interact with you, your family and pets, and their surroundings.
Documenting this stage:
You will have the opportunity to capture more positions, and baby will likely be awake and interactive. You’ll be able to see the bond between you and baby growing as well. This is a great stage to document you holding baby, and laying with them on the floor of your nursery and playing, or in their crib.
6 Months Old:
Half a year old?! Woah!! It definitely goes faster than you think! Baby will often be able to recognize familiar faces (that’s you!), and loves to see themselves in the mirror, because it’s fun to see themselves too. They are likely fascinated with making fun noises and squealing too. You’ll probably see them roll from their tummy to their back now as well! They may be able to mimic sounds you make too.
Documenting this stage:
I usually recommend bringing a few of baby’s favorite toys because they will light up playing with them, and if you have a favorite baby blanket they will love to lay on this or snuggle with you and their blanket or stuffy. This is also a great milestone to capture interactions and bonding with your little one (hugs, snuggles).
9 Months Old:
Guess who can express more emotions and may even be a bit shy all of the sudden? Your 9 month old little one! They can even reach for you and cry for you to pick them up. They often can sit completely on their own without support. It’s very likely they’ll be babbling lots too. They may even be experienced playing peek-a-boo and will have a blast playing with you, and alone too. They will recognize their name may even turn towards you (or the photographer) when they hear their name called.
Documenting this stage:
This stage with your 9 month old is what I call the “sitter stage”. This is the session where we will photograph them sitting and playing. They are going to be very aware of everything around them and fascinated by the backdrops, props, clothing, and your photographer and camera. Encourage them to play and explore because we want to capture those genuine smiles, curiosity, and expressions!
1 Year Old:
Standing, walking, and talking?! Oh my! This is a huge milestone for your little one. They have now reached 365 days of life! They are even more interactive and will wave bye, or go on the search for missing or “hidden” toys or objects. They will likely still need to hang onto something as they walk (like a table or a walker). But man, they grow quick!
Documenting this stage:
This is the PERFECT opportunity to celebrate their birthday and the milestones they have passed. This is such a monumental stage because you’ve officially documented your baby’s first year. This is a great time for the birthday studio session with balloons, and a smash cake if that’s your vibe! Or if you prefer more relaxed, take them to a special park or museum for this milestone and we can document their enjoyment (and a party hat or two!) I also document Doljabi and or Doljanchi sessions and celebrations (and have a some dol items, props, and decorations for the party too). I know how special their birthday is and I’m ready to celebrate with you!
Each of these stages your little one will be rapidly developing, learning, and experiencing new firsts. Documenting them at every stage allows you to capture the beauty of their growth, and their emerging and changing personalities. Because yes.. Wildly enough… even their personality will develop more and more at each stage.
I actually put together a package for families just like yours. It covers milestones for your first year so you can effortlessly capture these special moments of your little one and not have to stress about missing those stages. We can schedule ahead so you have a stress free first year with your new baby. This is such a creative gift idea as well if you have family and friends asking what to get your family for the holidays, birthday, mothers day, baby shower gift, etc. The list goes on! See more about this amazing package at minianna.com/book
Learn more:
Check out more about these milestones from our friends at the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Pros and cons of scheduling your newborn session between the ages of 4-6 weeks and 6 weeks to 4 months by a dear friend of mine, Amy Nghe Photography:
https://amynghephotography.com/2022/03/28/how-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-newborn-photographer/
I’m Anna Munandar with Mini Anna Photography - and I’m based in Marin County and San Francisco Bay Area. I am a studio, indoor, and outdoor photographer who captures families, maternity, birthdays, milestones, events, baptisms, pets and newborn photos. Check out my website for more information about booking, or to see my work and published features. Or give me a follow on Pinterest (@MiniAnnaPhoto) to see some creative inspo for photography and inspiring motherhood content as well.
