Newborn

Mechanicsburg PA newborn photographer Karissa Zimmer specializes in newborn photography and baby pictures in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Carlisle, Hershey and surrounding Central PA. Karissa Zimmer Photography offers a custom, full-service newborn photography experience. View Karissa’s Newborn Gallery Here.

STUDIO REOPENING AND CLEANING POLICIES | CAMP HILL NEWBORN BABY & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

How I’m Keeping Your Family Safe For Your Studio Portrait Session

I AM SO EXCITED TO BE BACK! Yes! This means that I am able schedule studio and outdoor portrait sessions again! With a few added studio reopening and cleaning policies, I am ready to be doing what I love again! As a Camp Hill Newborn Baby & Family Photographer, it has always been a priority to take extraordinary safety precautions to protect my clients during their portrait sessions. From safely posing your newborn to extensive cleaning practices for my studio. I pride myself in maintaining the highest level of safety in my industry.

Newborn and family photographer in camp hill pa is scehduling photography sessions with new studio reopening and cleaning policies in 17011, 17050, 17050

Health and safety has certainly been a concern over these past few months due to COVID-19. Because I am a newborn photographer, studio hygiene and cleaning policies have ALWAYS been a top priority at Karissa Zimmer Photography. I know we are in a time where clients and families want to know a little bit more about what that entails. Especially because I interact and work with the tinyest members of your family, here are some ways that I work to protect them and your entire family.

Safety and Cleaning Policies I have always used

  1. I thoroughly clean before and after each client that comes into the studio. Each consultation, portrait session and ordering appointment. This includes cleaning floors, sanitizing all hard surfaces, cleaning the restroom, wiping door knobs, switches and appliances.
  2. All fabrics and props are washed after each newborn session. Beyond washing fabrics that just baby comes in contact with. I frequently wash/clean other surfaces such as pillows and cushions.
  3. HAND WASHING. I very frequently wash my hands during a newborn session. Not only does it help warm up my cold hands before I touch baby, but soap and water is the most effective way to kill germs on skin. I’ve always looked at my tiny clients as these perfect, new creatures that I want to protect from any possible germs and illness.
  4. It has always been a priority to me to give my clients my undivided attention. Rest assured that when you are working with me, I will be the only person in the studio with your family.
  5. Again, because being fully present with each client is important to me, I have only ever booked one client in the studio per day. This also gives me time to do a full cleaning before I welcome my next client in.
  6. Sick Policy: I will absolutely never work or meet with a client while I am sick. Even if just a case of the sniffles. I ask that you do the same. If your baby or someone in your family is sick or has a fever, I ask that you reschedule. I ask that clients please contact me if any member of the family is exhibiting cold or flu symptoms within 72 hours of your appointment.

Enhanced safety and cleaning procedures implemented in Studio Reopening and Cleaning Policies

In acknowledgment of the current health crisis, I am going above and beyond to assure the utmost in saftey for my clients. In addition to all of the standard safety and cleaning procedures listed above, I will now also implement the following enhanced procedures and policies for all portrait sessions:

  1. Clients will be asked to wash hands upon entering.
  2. Photographer will wear a face mask during all newborn sessions.
  3. I will kindly ask that you remove shoes upon entering.
  4. All props will be provided by me in the studio. No outside props, please.
  5. Only immediate family members and persons being photographed are permitted to attend.
  6. Camera and lighting gear will be disinfected prior to the session.
  7. An ozone generator will be safely run in studio between each client to eliminate any airborne (microorganisms) bugs!

Thank you to all my wonderful clients for your support!

I want to thank all my clients for all of your support over the years and especially through the past few months. Your loyalty and encouragement mean the world to me. Karissa Zimmer Photography is a professional photography studio dedicated to photographing newborn babies, families and high school seniors since 2010. Karissa Zimmer Photography studio is located in Camp Hill Pa and serves all of Central PA including Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Hershey and Carlisle. My plan is to continue to provide the highest level of service possible while keeping your newborn baby, children and family safe. As always, my promise is to provide you with the most beautiful keepsake images of the people you love most.

If there is anything we’ve learned throughout the past few months, it’s that life as we know it can change in an instant! Let’s work together to capture some visual memories of the ones you love most. Get in touch HERE to start planning a special portrait session for your newborn baby, family or high school senior. I can’t wait to work with you!

STUDIO REOPENING AND CLEANING POLICIES | CAMP HILL NEWBORN BABY & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY Read More »

How To Support Your Photographer During COVID-19 | Camp Hill PA Photographer

If you have a favorite photographer or photographer friend in your life…check on us. We are not ok! It is a very scary time for all of us small business owners. But, there are ways you can help support us in this time of crisis. If you’re not able to shop and spend with us, keep us in your thoughts and prayers! In addition, please, please share our social media posts, leave a glowing Google review, or tag us in your favorite photo that we took. These little things all help so much more than you can imagine!

Like many photographers, my slow season is usually ending as soon as the first blooms start to break the dead of winter. It’s the time for fresh new life and outdoor maternity photos, family portrait sessions, pictures of children happily playing outside. I am usually on bloom “look out” and casing out my favorite locations for those beautiful tree blossoms that make for the perfect maternity, senior or family photography session. This is a time I look forward to every year as do many of my clients. This year is so very different. And so very scary too.

Small Businesses Need Your Support

I am blessed in so many ways. I thank God everyday that I am able to do what I love as my job! However, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for this COVID crisis. Many of you know that I am a solo mom of an awesome 12 year old daughter and that my photography business is my (typically-MORE than) full time job. It’s my livelihood – my bread and butter. Not being able to make a living for (at this point) over a month is tough. And to kick, most little businesses like mine have not yet seen a penny of our government’s promised help. I know there are many, many people walking in my shoes right now. Certainly, I am not alone! I want to be here to see you again when dust settles. And I want to connect and capture the moments that mean the most to you. Not only do I miss my clients and doing what I love so much, I miss being able to make a living to provide for my daughter and I. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can help support the photographer in your life! Some of them costing $0!

How You Can Support Your Photographer during this crisis:

1. Buy Products

Remember that extra piece of wall art or album that you loved so much and wanted to add later? This is a perfect time to invest in an additional product/s from your previous session! It’s also a fantastic way for you show your support monetarily…and to purchase something beautiful that you and your children will have forever. Need to see your album layouts or images on your walls again? No problem. Let me know and I will create new wall mock-ups for you or provide you with the ones you saw during your ordering session. I would be happy to Skype screen share and walk you through the ordering process again to help you make the perfect selections!

2. Purchase a gift certificate to use at a future session

Do you already have a session booked with me or know that have your memories captured every year by “yours truly”? You can purchase a gift certificate in any amount to use toward portrait products at your future ordering session! It never expires and gets you a jump start on your order…and helps support your favorite photographer during these crazy times!

3. Leave a Great Review

Google reviews are literally worth their weight in gold! For every positive review I receive, not only does it help attract potential amazing clients (like you!), but Google thinks I’m the bees knees and puts me higher up in search results. Lets be real, when is the last time you ventured past the first page of search results?!

4. Engage on/share social media posts

Let’s be honest, no one has a lot on their daily calendar right now anyways, and there is a pretty good chance you’re on your phone scrolling through Instagram and Facebook. Likes, comments and shares are are all super helpful and show that you care about your photographer! Commenting and spreading the love helps our posts stay relevant and could introduce us to potential clients that you’re connected with on social media.

5. Refer me to your friends

A referral of friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give your photographer! If you’re not in the position to spend on a portrait product from a previous session or towards your future session, maybe you know someone who is looking to update their family pictures or add some art to their walls. Referring your friend or loved one to hire me as their photographer is showing me that you trust me and my work so much that you want someone you care about to experience working with me. That means the world.

Thank you to all of my amazing clients for your love and continued support. Not only now, but all the times you’ve trusted me to capture your memories and supported my little business in the past.

Love,

Karissa

Camp Hill Pa photographer asks for small business support during COVID crisis

To contact me about purchasing a product or gift certificate to use toward future products you can reach out to me via phone or text at 717-991-7414 or send me a message HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on HERE on Instagram!

Karissa Zimmer Photography is a Camp Hill PA photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity, Family and High school senior portraits. She services all of Central PA including Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Hershey, Carlisle, and surrounding areas.

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PENN | Newborn Photography Camp Hill

Shooting newborn photography in Camp Hill, Pa is my passion. It probably comes as no surprise that i’m really missing my little clients during this quarantine time we’re living in now! I was lucky enough to photograph this amazing little guy right before this major health crisis began to get serious locally. My little newborn clients mean everything to me. I always take all safety measures to keep them safe all the time, no matter what. I can only imagine how scary it must be to be delivering and brining a brand new baby into the world during a global health crisis. THESE TINY HUMANS ARE REASON ENOUGH TO LISTEN AND STAY HOME. A newborn’s immune system is undeveloped and very vulnerable. They depend on us to be responsible and protect them. Please, please stay home! Enough with that, here are some adorable newborn images to make you smile!

newborn boy photographed by karissa zimmer photography in camp hill pa

Sibling & Newborn Photography Camp Hill

This big sister is absolutely, positively the best and most kind big sister. She loves her little brother to pieces! And her and I may or may not have bonded over our love for donuts! She has a sweet tooth just like me. A girl with my own heart!

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I love seeing older siblings embrace their new role and love on their tiny baby brother or sister. The bond they have is incredible and makes my heart burst!

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Don’t they look adorable as a family of four? I think it fits them well! Little Penn sure is very loved!

newborn baby boy photographed in camp hill pa

I can’t wait to get back to doing what I love most. Blogging these newborn photos makes me miss it even more. I have faith that we’ll find a way to conquer this nasty virus that’s causing so much worry and that the world will resume some sort of normalcy soon! Hug all your loved ones tight and stay home to enjoy this extra time with them. I also have faith in all of you that will be keeping me a very busy photographer right around Christmas time! I’m expecting a baby boom and I will be more than happy to snuggle your babes and capture some wonderful memories that came from this darker time in our lives. Newborn photographers everywhere will consider the coronavirus baby boom as our silver lining! Hey! If you can’t find reasons to laugh life just wouldn’t be as great!

Scheduling a newborn session

All those times I said “It’s best to plan ahead, it’s best to plan ahead, IT’S BEST TO PLAN AHEAD” really just came back to bite me! Ha! But really, planning for a newborn session is definitely best when done way ahead. However, that’s just not possible right now. But, as soon as we are given the “OK” that it’s safe to carry on…I WILL BE BACK and more ready than ever! I will so excited that I will show up to your consultations with bells on! Haha! No, really, I am probably the world’s most excited person when it comes to their job and loving what they do. So, believe me when I say I can’t wait to be back to work. It’s not too early to get on my call back list though! As soon as i’m able to start scheduling consultations again, booking sessions and photographing them I will begin doing so. If you are on my call back list- you will be first to be scheduled when the time comes! To learn more about my newborn sessions please shoot me a quick message HERE. I will give you a call to chat about setting up a consultation when they time comes! Hey- a little human interaction would be nice right now, eh?!

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Newborn Photographer near York Pa

Newborn Photographer near York Pa | Knox’s newborn photography session

Newborn Photographer near York Pa. Knox was the man! In other words, he was everything a newborn photographer dreams of! His whole session was perfect. It was only to be expected that he would be a super cool dude because he’s got a pretty cool mom and dad! And I could tell just how loved this little Knox man was when I first met them for their newborn and maternity photography consultation. They were so excited to capture everything about this special time in their lives. I am completely honored that they picked me for the job. I am certain that there is a serious level of trust in picking a newborn photographer. New parents don’t put their most precious little person in just anyone’s hands. And to trust a photographer to capture this new and greatest love is something really special. But first, look at this new adorable bond…

  • new parents are photographed with their baby boy by karissa zimmer photography
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Can you sense this overwhelming, heart bursting, love they have for this little dude? Our babies only fit in our arms like this for the such a short, fleeting moment. I know they are going to look back at these photos and cherish this moment in time forever. And I am so glad I was able to capture this for all 3 them! But, Knox- you’re just so cute on your own too…

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I could write about this adorable session forever. They’re just the cutest little family. Knox made a mark on my heart-that’s for sure!

Are you expecting a baby? Let’s capture these perfect tiny moments for you to remember forever.

Having a newborn baby will be one of the most special times of your whole, entire life. I would love to help you capture and preserve this moment to look back on forever. Any parent will tell you just how quickly this phase passes. Which one reason why newborns are photographed so early on – in the first 10 days of their little lives! So, the best time to set up a newborn photography session is as early as possible! You definitely want to start planning and have your newborn session reserved before your baby arrives. Most clients book before their 3rd trimester. But, if you’ve waited – don’t hesitate to call me! I will always try to get a newborn babe squeezed in my schedule! I never want to turn down a chance to cuddle a babe if I don’t have to!

So, send me a quick message HERE to get in touch and start planning! I can’t wait to work with you!

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Newborn and Baby Photographer near Camp Hill Pa

Newborn and Baby Photographer near Camp Hill, Pa – Aitha

Newborn and Baby Photographer near Camp Hill Pa. Just LOOK at this little guy’s gorgeous head of dark hair! I mean, it would make most of us girls jealous! I really, really have a thing for babies with a full head of hair. Especially dark hair! If you follow my work, you are probably already aware of that! Maybe it’s because my own girl had super dark hair as a newborn. Maybe because I am a dark haired girl? I am not sure, but there is just something about a whole lot of dark hair on a newborn that I love so much! When I first laid eyes on this guy I knew he was going to make the most perfect newborn baby art ever! I WAS RIGHT! You have got to agree!?

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    Newborn Baby Boy photographed with parents near Camp Hill, Pa
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    Snuggly newborn boy photographed with his mama near Camp Hill Pa
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If you ask me what my ONE favorite part of my job is I don’t think I’d be able to give you an answer. That’s the honest truth. I truly love so many things about what I do. From snuggling these tiny, perfect and new creatures to building lasting relationships with my clients to watching their families grow and their children grow up. But, one thing that means so much to me is to see everything come together in the form of tangible, heirloom portrait art. To see my clients expressions when their portraits are hanging on their walls – IN PRINT! Where it is meant to be! So you can see and enjoy your memories every single day. It is truly rewarding – to you and to me!

Send me a quick

Send me a quick message HERE to start planning your newborn’s custom portrait session! I can’t wait to work with you!

Follow me on INSTAGRAM to catch more sneak peeks of my images and all that’s new at Karissa Zimmer Photography!

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Newborn-Maternity-Family and High School Senior Photographer in Mechanicsburg PA

Newborn-Maternity-Family and High School Senior Photographer in Mechanicsburg PA | 2019 year in review!

As a Newborn-Maternity-Family and High School Senior Photographer in Mechanicsburg PA 2019 was awesome! I’ve captured some of my most favorite images this year. I’ve snuggled, loved and photographed some of the most adorable babies in all of Central PA! I am totally sure of it! I’ve giggled with kiddos, ran around like a nut with toddlers, channeled my youthful soul while capturing high school senior pictures and watched my repeat client families grow up a little more this year. I mean, it will be hard for me to write this post without a few tears. Guys – this is not just my job. This is a genuine labor of love here. Some will say “you shouldn’t be emotionally connected to your job,” but I disagree. I do this with my whole heart. I look back on a year and feel so blessed to have crossed paths with each and every one of my clients. Some it was for the very first time and others who feel like they’ve become old friends. You guys are all gold to me. Every one of you holds a special place in this photographer’s heart of memories.

Now, for a moment of transparency…because, let’s be real-2019 wasn’t all sunshine, unicorns and glitter. It included some unexpected hurdles to jump at times- I guess you could say. This 2019 year required some serious faith to get through the things that are out of my control and the drive to conquer all that is within it. With those two things, the most amazing family, a few very close friends and a whole handful of the greatest clients any photographer could have – Here I am! Happy, healthy, and ready to take on 2020 and all it’s new adventures!

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All of these moments that we turned into tangible, keepsake memories mean everything.

Not only to you, but to me. I have a genuine value for family and the people we love most. I know how much it will mean to you forever to have these memories of the babies,children, spouses and EVEN PUPPIES you love. Time will change us all. We’ll grow older as will our children. These moments you allowed me to capture for you are frozen forever. That is priceless. Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you this year. Thank you for allowing me to guide you through this process and allow me to help you choose tangible, heirloom artwork for your home so that your children’s children will have these special family memories. They’ll be just as important to you decades from now as they are today!

Let’s talk about 2020!

As we say goodbye to 2019 it’s important to plan for the future! Silly resolution time, I know! But, I’m excited! I’ve got big plans for the new year and I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you who will be a part of it! I will, however, be scheduling limited sessions each month. This keeps me on my A game so that I can give each of you a personal and custom portrait experience. Most important, I’m a mom myself, so being present for my daughter is my biggest priority. I’m all about “being the best version of ourselves” and a good start for me is by not overfilling my plate. I want to give everyone I care about the best version of me! So, with that being said…plan, plan, plan ahead! Yep, I know…lots of us a procrastinators, but it’s best to book your session several months in advance! If you’re expecting a baby this year – it is best to schedule your newborn session before your 3rd trimester. That way, all is set when baby arrives! Newborn session openings fill FAST! If you’re thinking ahead to spring and summer – now is a great time to get the planning started! It is MY MOST FAVORITE time of the year for family photography! Absolutely, positively the most beautiful time of the year! And Fall…welll….i’m still recovering from the past few months. We’ll revisit the idea of fall again soon! Hahaha!

Let’s chat about your family!

I’d love to chat about what makes your family special and how we can capture that for you. I’ll sit down with you and carefully plan all the details to how we will photograph your special people. I’ll walk you through my entire portrait process. Send me a quick message HERE to get in touch with me!

Do you follow me on INSTAGRAM? Catch all the sneak peeks and fun updates there!

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Mechanicsburg Newborn and Baby Photographer

Mechanicsburg Newborn and Baby Photographer – Colton

Mechanicsburg Newborn and Baby Photographer. Colton, you certainly could not have possibly been more of a photographer’s dream baby. You slept so soundly, were so snuggly, and I could have held you all day. When you started to wake I would simply say “Shhhhh, Colton. We’re going back to sleep now.” And like no newborn baby I have every photographed before, YOU WENT RIGHT BACK TO SLEEP! Not only once or twice, but a few times! It was amazing and I will always remember you for exactly this.

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It’s no secret that newborn photos are my favorite! It’s the greatest feeling in the world to become a parent of a new baby. That moment when you first hold your precious baby in your arms is like nothing else. This tiny creature is all yours! It’s also no secret just how fast these little ones grow. These tiny feature will grow by the day and soon you’ll have a toddler, child, and teen. This phase is so important to capture. These memories of your baby as such a tiny newborn will be invaluable. They’ll mean everything to you as your baby grows and all throughout life.

I would love to help you capture and preserve this extra special time in yours and your baby’s life. It is best to plan ahead, so that a session can be reserved and customized especially for you. Sessions are limited and newborns are photographed within the first 10 days of life. However, if your baby has already arrived- do not hesitate to call! I will always squeeze a newborn client in when possible!

Let’s chat about planning a special session to capture the new, tiny love of your life! Please send me a quick message HERE and I will be in touch to set up a consultation with you! I can’t wait to meet you and create something beautiful and timeless for you!

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7 Things Your Newborn Photographer Wants You to Know

harrisburg newborn photographer captures mom with newborn daughter on white background

You’ve chosen a newborn photographer and can’t wait to get photos of the precious new addition to your family! But if you’ve never had a newborn session before, you may not be sure what to expect from the experience. That’s why I want to let you know a few things that newborn photographers wish all their clients knew.

  • Every newborn is unique.

    Just as every family is different, no two babies are exactly alike. One newborn might be perfectly comfortable posed laying on her belly, while another might absolutely hate it. Your photographer will work with you and your newborn to find the positions they’re most comfortable in and will definitely not force your baby into any poses they aren’t willing to do.

  • Pinterest images can be challenging.

    You may have a Pinterest board full of adorable newborn photos, but they might not all work well for your little one or your nursery setup. You may need a specific prop, or your photographer may need a certain kind of lighting equipment to make the image turn out the way you’d like. But, if you have some favorite images you want to recreate, talk to your photographer well in advance so they can do their best to make it happen!

  • We’ve seen it all.

    If your baby pees on the photographer’s set, throws a fit, or just wants to nurse the whole session, don’t be embarrassed. Chances are your photographer has experienced everything from poop all over their props to being peed on. As a newborn photographer, this is their everyday life, and they’re totally understanding. After all, your baby’s needs come before your photos. So, don’t feel like you have to apologize for every little thing that goes wrong. Your photographer is there to support you and work with you.

  • We have a lot of tricks up our sleeves.

    It can be tempting to swoop in and pick up your newborn as soon as they start crying, but most photographers know a variety of ways to sooth little ones. It’s important for parents to use their newborn session as a time to relax and to trust the photographer. If your baby is truly upset and can’t be calmed down, we’ll be sure to pass them on to you for feeding, diapering, or comfort.

  • You should feel free to take a break.

    As the parent of a newborn, you probably haven’t had a moment to yourself in a while. Well, your photo session is the perfect chance to just sit back and relax. Most of the images will be of your baby, so you get to sit on the sidelines, have a cup of coffee, and maybe finally check your email or return some phone calls. And no judgment if you doze off during the session! I’ll wake you when I need you.

  • We want you to share our photos.

    Photographers take images for you to cherish and enjoy, and we want you to share them! Post those photos of your newborn all over social media and send to family and friends. We want our images to be seen! Just be sure to credit your photographer when you share their images on Facebook or Instagram and feel free to recommend them to other expecting parents!

  • Our work doesn’t end with your session.

    Since everyone has a camera on their phone these days, photographers hear a lot about how anyone can take a photo. But a professional does so much more than simply click a button. We set up backdrops and lighting, and we know all the tricks of the trade to make your photos turn out amazing. And once the session is over, we spend hours editing your photos to make them the absolute best they can be, providing you with images you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

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Baby’s Developmental Milestones

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Every child is different, but it helps many new parents to know what milestones to look for throughout their baby’s development. Here’s a simple list of some milestones you can look for as your baby grows.

  • Birth to 3 Months

    • Pushes up on arms while lying on tummy
    • Opens and closes fists
    • Brings hands up to mouth
    • Lifts and holds up head while lying on tummy
    • Tracks a moving object with eyes while lying on back
    • Smiles at voices or sounds
    • Demonstrates interest in faces
    • Makes eye contact
    • Uses different cries for different needs (a hungry cry vs. a tired cry)
    • Turns head toward voices or sounds
    • Makes cooing noises

  • 4 to 6 Months

    • Sits up using hands for support
    • Rolls over from back to tummy and vice versa
    • Reaches for toys while on tummy
    • Uses both hands to feel toys
    • Brings objects up to mouth
    • More easygoing, not upset at everyday sounds
    • Listens and responds when spoken to
    • Shows reaction to sudden noises
    • Demonstrates interest in food
    • Opens mouth for spoon

  • 7 to 9 Months

    • Sits up without support
    • Transitions from tummy or back to a sitting position
    • Picks up small objects with fingers and thumb
    • Attempts to crawl
    • Focuses on objects that are nearby and far away
    • Recognizes sound of name
    • Imitates sounds
    • Shows recognition of some words/sounds

  • 10 to 12 Months

    • Pulls up to stand and uses furniture for support
    • Claps hands
    • Enjoys listening to music
    • Crawls toward objects
    • Speaks one or two words
    • Able to feed self with finger foods
    • Uses gestures and hand movements to communicate wants and needs

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Top Tips for New Parents

dad poses with newborn baby girl during newborn photography session

You’ve brought your bundle of joy home. Now what?

We’ve collected some simple tips for new parents trying to manage this exciting—and exhausting—change in their lives.

  • Give yourself a break.

    You may have Pinterest boards and books full of great ideas, but adapting to having a newborn in the home can be overwhelming. Don’t sweat the small stuff. So what if you’re not keeping up with your meal prep or doing laundry every day like you planned? You don’t have to be Supermom. Cut yourself a little slack and focus on taking care of this new life you’ve brought into the world.

  • Sleep when you can.

    You may have heard the suggestion to “nap when the baby does.” That’s definitely true. Your nights won’t go uninterrupted for a while, so take advantage of rest whenever you can get it. Consider taking turns with your partner—one of you can sleep in while the other gets up with the baby.

  • Ask for help.

    Don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own. If you have family or friends nearby who can offer assistance, ask them. Chances are, they’d love to help.  

  • Talk to other first-time parents.

    You may feel like you’re the only new parents struggling, but there are plenty of other people going through the same thing. Reach out to other new parents, whether through friends or even a local support group. You can find sympathy and understanding, plus talking to people outside the house can be helpful.

  • Don’t be afraid to say no to visitors.

    Your life has changed drastically, and it’s a lot to get used to. If you need some time alone, it’s okay to limit visiting, even from well-meaning close friends and family. Hosting company can be exhausting even without a newborn, so if you’re not feeling up to it, just be honest and tell someone who asks to visit that now isn’t a good time.

  • Capture the moments

    As a parent, you don’t want to miss a thing, which is why taking photos is so important. A newborn session allows you to capture your child’s first days in the world and gives you something to look back on as they grow and change. 

  • Get out of the house.

    You may not be able to stray far, but even a daily walk around the block can ease stress and give you a much-needed boost. Plus, exposure to natural light has been thought to help infants develop regular sleep patterns, so it definitely can’t hurt!

  • Stop keeping score.

    It’s great to take turns and try to divide the work evenly, but grumbling, “It’s your turn” at your partner at 3 a.m. definitely won’t make either of you happy. Try to be understanding of each other’s needs and limits and help out when you can.

  • Go with your gut.

    At the end of the day, every baby and every parent are different, and you have to trust your instincts when it comes to caring for your child. The more you learn and get right, the better you’ll feel—maybe you’ll even want to do all this again someday!

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