When you think of newborn photography, you probably picture a tiny, sleeping baby—just days or weeks old—curled up sweetly in a cozy wrap. Traditionally, newborn sessions happen within the first 7–14 days of life. But not every family follows that timeline, and for very good reasons.


In fact, many parents are choosing to schedule "newborn" photo sessions when their babies are 6 or even 7 months old. While it’s technically not "newborn" anymore, it’s still a beautiful stage worth capturing—and sometimes, it’s the perfect choice for both baby and parents.


Here’s why some families wait:

A happy family sits together on a bench in a sunny outdoor park setting with trees in the background for Charlotte family photos.

1. Health and Recovery Come First


The early days after birth are intense. Between healing, adjusting to new routines, and simply surviving on little sleep, many families feel overwhelmed. The priority for everyone is health—not photos. Waiting until 6-7 months gives everyone time to settle into a rhythm.

Green baby bottles and feeding supplies arranged on a white counter with paper towels and cleaning items.
Family preparing food together in modern kitchen with black cabinets during a Charlotte family photo session.
A father in an apron, cooking with his son while preparing ingredients with eggs in the kitchen during a Charlotte newborn photo session

2. More Expressions and Personality


At 6 or 7 months, babies are full of life! They’re smiling, laughing, pushing up on their hands, or sitting independently. Their eyes are bright and alert, and their personalities really begin to shine. Parents who want photos that capture more than just the sleepy newborn stage often prefer waiting for these joyful, interactive moments.

A baby in a white tshirt smiles while sitting on a concrete surface outdoors in a park setting with trees in background in Charlotte, NC
A baby swings joyfully at a Charlotte playground with wood chips on the ground and cars in the background.

3. Parents Feel More Comfortable


It’s not just the babies who change—parents do too. By the 6-month mark, many parents feel more confident and ready to get in front of the camera themselves. They’ve had time to heal physically and emotionally, and they can truly enjoy the experience without the fog of early postpartum life.

Parent and children laughing together while swinging at a Charlotte playground on a sunny day during a family photo session.
A loving family sits together on a bench in a sunny park on a warm afternoon for Charlotte family photos.
Family with twins enjoying a sunny day at a Charlotte playground with swings, surrounded by trees and mulch ground cover

4. Timing May Just Work Out Better


Sometimes, life just happens. Scheduling conflicts, seasonal changes, or simply not realizing how quickly time passes can mean a traditional newborn session gets delayed. Instead of missing out completely, parents wisely opt for a milestone session at 6-7 months, still capturing their baby while they're small (and irresistibly squishy!).

A Charlotte family plays together with toys on a striped area rug in a cozy living room with natural light.
Baby wearing white plays with colorful transparent blocks while laying on a striped rug.
Young child sitting at a table engaged in educational activities with colorful learning materials.

5. A Different but Beautiful Style


While those sleepy newborn images are beautiful, 6–7-month-old photo sessions offer a different kind of magic. Think big gummy smiles, curious wide eyes, playful toes, and soft baby rolls.

A father and baby sit together at a piano, looking at sheet music in a room with dark green walls.
A shared meal scene at a dining table with a high chair, orange mug, and plates of food in natural lighting.

There’s no one “right” time for professional photos. Whether you capture your baby's first days or their first wobbly sits, every stage is precious and worth remembering. A 6-7 month session isn't a missed opportunity—it's simply a different (and often even more vibrant) celebration of your growing baby.


At the end of the day, the most important thing is to document the love, connection, and joy of this incredible season—whether that’s at 7 days old or 7 months.

Family enjoying picnic together on checkered blue blanket in green grass on summer day.
Two people share a playful and joyful moment together while sitting on grass in a backyard setting.
A bright red t-shirt stands out against lush green grass on a sunny day.
A parent in blue shirt holds a small baby wearing a sun hat in a backyard garden setting.
A happy couple in casual summer attire embraces and laughs together outside their Charlotte home.