“How do you get a newborn to smile?”
It’s one of the questions I get asked most often by new photographers.
The truth? You don’t get a newborn to smile. You wait for it.
Catching a smile is one of those magical moments parents adore, and it’s often the shot they’ll talk about for years. There’s definitely a bit of luck involved, but there’s also science behind it. Once you know what to look for, your chances of catching that perfect newborn grin go way up.
The secret is in the cues
Newborn smiles typically happen when a baby is entering a REM (rapid eye movement) cycle. During REM, the baby’s brain and body are active, and certain reflexes kick in — including smiling. It’s not a social smile yet, but it looks just as sweet.
At this stage, baby isn’t in a super deep sleep yet, so they’ll show little signs that a smile might be coming.
Watch closely for these cues:
- Slightly faster breathing
- Tiny twitches or jerky arm and leg movements
- Fluttering eyelids or rolling eyes under the lids
- Small, exaggerated facial expressions that shift quickly
When you see these signs, don’t move the baby. They’re in a light sleep, and shifting them might wake them up or break the moment.
Be ready before it happens
Here’s where patience and preparation come in.
- Have your camera ready — focus on the baby’s face and be in position.
- Use burst mode so you can capture multiple frames quickly. Smiles happen in an instant and can vanish just as fast.
- Stay quiet and still. Let the baby do their thing.
You can sometimes encourage a reflex smile by gently brushing their cheek or lip, but I prefer to simply observe and wait. That way, the moment feels natural and unforced — and baby stays relaxed.
Catching a newborn smile takes patience, timing, and a lot of observation. When it happens, it feels like magic, but it’s really just the result of watching the cues and being ready at the right moment.
So next time you’re photographing a newborn, slow down, stay present, and wait for it. That little reflex grin will make all the waiting worth it — and your clients will absolutely melt when they see it.
Pin this for easier finding later 🙂
