If you're wondering how old your baby should be for newborn photos, you're asking one of the most important questions.

Timing plays a big role in the look and feel of your newborn portraits, and most parents across Seattle and Snohomish County want to make sure they don’t miss the ideal window.

As an Everett newborn photographer who has worked with growing families for more than 25 years, I guide parents to the timing that gives us the most flexibility while still capturing those sleepy, curled newborn moments.

The sweet spot for most babies is between 10 and 21 days old.

Why 10–21 Days Is the Ideal Window

During the first two to three weeks of life, most newborns are naturally:

• sleepier

• curlier

• easier to settle

• more flexible for gentle posing

This stage allows us to create the soft, peaceful images many parents are hoping for when they begin searching for a Seattle newborn photographer.

The slightly extended 10–21 day window also gives families helpful flexibility if baby arrives early, late, or if recovery takes a little longer than expected.

If you'd like to see how sessions flow in my studio, you can explore my Everett newborn photography experience.

What Changes After Three Weeks?

Beautiful images are still absolutely possible after the newborn stage, but babies do begin to change quickly.

After about three weeks, many babies:

• become more alert

• stretch out more

• sleep more lightly

• become more sensitive to movement

This doesn’t mean we can’t create meaningful portraits — it simply means the session may look a bit different from the classic curled newborn style.

As an experienced Everett newborn photographer, I always adjust sessions based on your baby’s comfort and developmental stage.

What If My Baby Is Younger Than 10 Days?

Sometimes parents wonder if earlier is better.

While newborn photos can technically be taken sooner, many Seattle and Everett families find the 10–21 day window works best because:

• Feeding is often more established

• Babies have settled slightly into routines

• Parents are usually feeling a bit more recovered

• Sessions tend to feel calmer overall

My goal is always to balance beautiful results with a comfortable experience for both baby and parents.

What If My Baby Is Older Than 21 Days?

If your baby is already past the ideal window, don’t panic — reach out anyway.

I regularly photograph older newborns and young babies in my Everett studio. While posing may be slightly different, we can still capture:

• sweet awake moments

• natural stretches

• parent connection images

• beautiful wrapped portraits

Many Seattle-area families are surprised by how lovely these sessions can still be.

The key is simply reaching out as soon as you can, so we have the most options available.

How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss the Window

Because newborn timing can feel unpredictable, the best approach is to book your photographer during pregnancy.

Most Everett and Seattle parents reserve their newborn session during the second trimester. I suggest booking for a date that is 10 days after your due date, then if your baby arrives early/late, there is room to reschedule. 

This approach:

• protects your spot on the calendar

• keeps scheduling flexible

• reduces last-minute stress

• ensures we can aim for that 10–21 day window

Many families also choose the Bump-to-Baby bundle so that both maternity and newborn sessions are planned in a single step.

A Calm Studio Experience for Seattle & Everett Families

My Everett newborn photography studio is designed specifically for new parents who want a smooth, fully guided experience.

Located just minutes off I-5, the studio is convenient for families coming from:

• Seattle

• Bothell

• Lynnwood

• Mill Creek

• Marysville

• throughout Snohomish County

From the moment you arrive, everything is prepared so you can simply relax and focus on your baby.

If you're looking for an Everett newborn photographer who serves Seattle area families and helps you plan the best timing, you can contact me, and I’ll guide you through the next steps.

Final Thoughts

The newborn stage is brief and beautiful, and timing your session well helps us capture those fleeting early details.

For most families, scheduling your newborn photos between 10 and 21 days old offers the best balance of sleepy posing, flexibility, and a comfortable experience.

If you’re unsure about timing, I’m always happy to help you create a simple plan that works for your baby and your recovery.