If you’ve ever looked at newborn photography and wondered why so many babies are wrapped up like tiny burritos, you’re not alone.
As a newborn photographer in Durban, one of the questions I get asked most often by new parents is, “Why do photographers swaddle babies for their newborn photos?”
The simple answer is that swaddling helps babies feel safe, secure, and comfortable. It can also be incredibly helpful for babies who are struggling to settle, allowing us to create a beautiful gallery while keeping your little one calm and content.
What Is Swaddling?
Swaddling is the practice of gently wrapping a baby in a soft stretch wrap or blanket. It mimics the snug feeling of being inside the womb, which can help newborns feel calm and settled.
For many babies, the world outside the womb can be a big adjustment. Bright lights, unfamiliar sounds in a new environment, and lots of movement can sometimes make them feel unsettled. A snug wrap often helps them relax and drift off to sleep.
Why Do Photographers Swaddle Newborns?
It Helps Baby Feel Secure
Newborns are used to being curled up in a small space before birth. Being wrapped can help recreate that familiar feeling and often makes babies feel safe and content.
A settled baby is usually a happier baby, which makes for a more relaxed photography session and allows the photographer to safely and smoothly move baby between different setups and props.
It Helps Reduce Startle Reflexes
Newborn babies naturally have a startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex. You may notice your baby suddenly throwing out their arms and legs while sleeping.
When babies are swaddled, this reflex is less likely to wake them, helping them stay asleep for longer periods during their session.
It Allows Us To Create Beautiful Poses Safely
Many of the classic newborn poses you see online start with baby being wrapped.
Wrapping helps support baby’s natural position and allows us to gently pose them while keeping them comfortable. Every pose is done with baby’s safety and wellbeing as the top priority.
Some Babies Simply Prefer It
Just like adults, every baby is different.
Some newborns happily sleep unwrapped and allow for a variety of poses. Others strongly prefer being wrapped for most of the session. As a newborn photographer, I always work around what your baby is comfortable with rather than forcing a particular pose.
Interestingly, one of the most common things parents tell me at the start of a newborn session is, “My baby doesn’t like being swaddled” or “She likes having her hands free.”
In reality, I find that very few babies truly dislike being wrapped. Most simply haven’t experienced a snug, secure swaddle that mimics the feeling of being in the womb. With over 10 years of experience photographing newborns, I have spent countless hours perfecting wrapping techniques that are both safe and comfortable. More often than not, babies who arrive wide awake and wriggling settle beautifully once they are gently wrapped.
Of course, there are always a few little ones who prefer more freedom, and that’s absolutely fine. Every session is baby-led, and I will always follow your baby’s cues. But I am continually amazed at how many babies who supposedly “hate being swaddled” quickly relax and drift off to sleep once they are snug and secure.
Will My Baby Be Wrapped For The Entire Session?
Not necessarily.
Most newborn sessions begin with wrapped poses because they help babies settle into the environment. Once baby is comfortable and sleepy, we may move on to outfit photos, natural poses, family photographs, or unwrapped setups if baby is happy to do so.
Another reason photographers often swaddle babies is for sibling photographs. Toddlers are often much more comfortable holding or sitting next to a securely wrapped baby than one who is actively waving their arms and legs around.
Some babies remain wrapped for most of the session, while others happily transition between different looks.
Every newborn session is baby-led.
Is Swaddling Safe?
When done correctly, yes.
During a professional newborn photoshoot, babies are never left unattended, and all wrapping is done carefully and gently. The wraps used are soft, stretchy, and specifically chosen for newborn photography.
A professional newborn photographer should always prioritise safety over getting a particular image.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Like Being Swaddled?
That’s completely okay.
While many newborns love being wrapped, some babies prefer more freedom to move. In those cases, we’ll adapt the session to suit your baby’s personality and comfort level.
The goal is never to force a baby into something they dislike. The goal is to create beautiful memories while keeping your little one comfortable and safe.
Do All Newborn Photographers Swaddle Babies?
Most professional newborn photographers use swaddling as part of their workflow, although every photographer has their own style and approach.
At Janine Z Photography, swaddling is often used at the beginning of a session to help babies settle, but every session is tailored to the individual baby and their comfort level. Some babies remain wrapped for most of their session, while others happily move between wrapped and unwrapped setups.
When Should You Book Your Newborn Photoshoot?
The best time to book your newborn photography session is during your pregnancy, ideally in your second or third trimester.
This allows your photographer to reserve space around your due date and ensures your baby’s session can take place during those early newborn weeks.
At Janine Z Photography in Cowies Hill, Pinetown, newborn sessions are typically photographed between 5 and 14 days after birth, although older newborns are always welcome too.
Older newborns, in particular, often benefit from being swaddled. As babies become more alert and aware of their surroundings, they are more likely to wake during transitions between poses and setups. A snug wrap can help keep them comfortable and settled throughout the session.
Capturing These Precious First Days
Those tiny fingers, curled-up toes, sleepy stretches, and brand-new expressions change so quickly.
Swaddling is just one of the ways we help create calm, comfortable newborn portraits while keeping your baby’s safety and wellbeing at the heart of every session.
If you’re expecting and would like to learn more about newborn photography in Durban, I’d love to chat and answer any questions you may have.
Ready to reserve your newborn session?