This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Before I had Sophie, I knew that I wanted to take a monthly flower photo of her. There’s just something about having a girl- all of a sudden everything needed to be floral and pink and pretty! Is it just me? I don’t know. So now that she is 5 months (5 months?!?! See her monthly post here!), I have a few of these monthly photos under my belt. I know they are going to get more difficult the more mobile she gets, but I have an inkling they will still be just as adorable as always. :)
Today I’ve teamed up with Carter’s to share a few tips on getting that perfect milestone photo, because it definitely isn’t the easiest thing to do! And I always end them sweating a little, if we’re being totally honest. But it is so worth it!
STEP ONE. Make sure your baby is happy!
This is a no-brainer, right? Don’t try to take her photo when she’s tired/hungry/upset. Really prime her for the photo, and pick a time when her belly is full and she’s awake and happy! For Sophie, this means right after a nap and eating. She’s the most alert and you’re guaranteed lots of smiles and coos- the best for photos! :)
STEP TWO. Choose your medium.
I love using different flowers and positioning them into the number month that corresponds with her age, but another way to do it is to use these cute little milestone cards from Carter’s! Much easier and way less work for you. ;) Whatever you choose, make sure to get everything ready and how you want it before putting your baby in the situation. It’ll make it much less stressful!
STEP THREE. Good lighting.
Good lighting is key! I always do the photos in the daytime, when natural light is best, and I also bring in the big guns, aka our studio lighting. They really help brighten everything up!
STEP FOUR. Get up high.
To capture your baby in the photo and frame her perfectly, put her on a soft rug or blanket on the floor and place yourself up high- I have this little step stool that we got from Ikea (it’s what we use for Sam in the bathroom to wash his hands/brush his teeth!) and it works perfectly. Position yourself close and right above the baby.
STEP FIVE. Be silly!
I get a favorite toy of the moment, or something that makes noise like her little teether that squeaks, and shake it around to get her to look at me. This also usually gets smiles from her. If that doesn’t work, I’ll get reinforcements (aka my hubby) to blow some bubbles! Another surefire way to make her smile? Lots of high-pitched baby talk! Those giggles will come in no time.
STEP SIX. Click click click!
Go crazy! Get that camera ready and just start clicking away! I promise, you’ll end up with more adorable photos than you’ll know what to do with, and the problem will be choosing only one. ;)
Clearly, an important part of these photos is what she wears. We absolutely love Carter’s and regularly purchase their clothing for both Sam and Sophie. She is actually wearing a floral bodysuit from the new Little Baby Basics line, and how cute is it, right? The pieces are all so soft and adorable. Love them!
ANNNND AND AND, a GIVEAWAY!
We’ve teamed up with Carter’s to give away a $100 gift card!
To enter, just leave a comment answering this question: What’s your favorite baby milestone?
xo
p.s. Use code LBB2016 for 20% off $40+ through 7/4 or print below! Find a store here.
I just love how adorable these photos are. She is so cute and getting so big! I’m currently pregnant, so my favorite baby milestone thus far has been feeling my little one kicking and wiggling around more and more!
So I started looking at your blog when I was pregnant with my little boy, my first babe. That was over 9 months ago now and I just rediscovered it and have been binge reading when I can! I’m really enjoying it :). I think my favorite milestone has been when baby started sitting up! It just felt like a whole new world (for both of us!)
I think I might be in my favorite stage right now! Just yesterday one of my twin boys stood up on his own and is totally ready to take his first steps and I’m so excited!
Your milestone photos are so beautiful. I have a give month old baby boy. My favorite milestone moment was during month two when he let his first smile shine through.
Five month old! Silly typo! ????
We are currently on month 10 and it’s been my favorite so far!! :)
These are the exact type pictures I want to do if we ever have a girl! Currently pregnant with boy #2! :)
My favorite milestone always seems to be my 2 year olds latest of the moment. Right now it is talking up a storm! I absolutely love hearing him talk and be able to express himself, he’s constantly surprising us with new words that we haven’t taught him, he’s just picked up from hearing them. So fun! You must be going through the same with Sam. :)
ADORABLE!!! My son Asher is just a few week older than Sophie , I am loving the belly laughs and huge smiles!!!!!
Their first laugh is my favorite milestone. My baby girl just turned 9 months old yesterday and I’m enjoying how she’s sitting up by herself and scooting around to get to things.
These are just as precious as always!! I always look forward to seeing her monthly pictures! My son was one month old yesterday so we haven’t hit that many milestones but I would have to say the first night he slept in a six hour stretch (going on three days in a row right now! Woo!) has been my favorite so far ;)
That is the hardest question! They are all so much fun but I think that first true smile/giggle! It’s such a pure and sweet sound, and also so reassuring that we are doing everything ok and baby is happy and thriving!
When you posted your 5 month update on Sophie, I was like no way is she already 5 months!! crazy!
My favorite milestone (other than when they start sleeping through the night!) is when they can sit up on their own. I feel like both of my kids just loved being able to sit up on their own, hold their toys, and take in everything going on around them!
I wish we would have done this with Lilly, but we didn’t have a decent camera at the time! :( Oh well, we have photos on my husband’s iPhone. Such a great idea! Where did you get your studio lights if you don’t mind me asking?
My little one is only 5 months, but him rolling over has been my favorite so far. He seems so much more confident, and happy to know that he can move himself to where he wants to be. We love Carter’s too! I always go crazy on clothes for him there.
I LOVE the milestone photos and would be doing the same with the flowers if I had a little girl! Picking a favorite milestone seems so hard! I have a 2 week old and a 20 month old! Seems like I find new milestones every day with our toddler.. Watching him run faster, talk more, but my favorite would have to be watching him love making others laugh.. It’s the cutest thing ever!! I can’t wait for little brother to get a little older so he can see how silly his big brother is!
My little man is only three months old, but my favorite milestone so far has been his cooing and gurgling. We have conversations all day long! I love the flowers, though! I can’t wait to have a girl so I can do the same!
I love your milestone photos and tips, Katie! My favorite milestone is when they discover their feet for the first time. They are the best toy – we never leave them behind! Lol!
My favorite milestone is just having her! I am due July 5th with my first little first after years of trying to get pregnant and we could not be more excited!
She’s just adorable! I have one son a little younger than Sam and I’m pregnant with a little girl right now, due in September! My favorite baby milestone is when they look at you and smile because they actually know you! It just made me fall in love all over again.
Ah these photos are so cute – and the information is amazing! Thank you so much! I’m currently pregnant with twin girls, so my favorite milestone so far has been feeling their kicks get stronger and stronger – because it means they are getting bigger, and that makes me so happy to know that my babies are growing! Love your blog – it’s one of my faves!
Love your blog and hearing about your cute little ones! I think my favorite milestone has been siting up! My youngest is 5 months and is starting to get close to sitting on her own. It’s so fun to see her watching the world around her and laughing at her older sisters dance moves!
I love the communication stage…my little guy is just starting to get lots of words and it’s so fun to hear his little voice. Preggo with baby #2 (a girl) and am so excited to see him as a big brother.
Btw..5 months??!! So fast! Rejoicing with you that she’s as healthy as can be. God is good!
oh my gosh! every milestone is so great! we have a four 1/2 month old (just behind Sophie) and it makes my heart explode every time we get one of this infectious giggles – that has to be my favorite!!!
I’m currently waiting for my second to cover my favorite milestone of similing!! I just love the first signs that they’re interacting with the world!
I did monthly pictures with my little ones. It’s such a great way to mark how they grow.
My favorite milestone is around 6 months when they start sitting up, but aren’t yet mobile. They’re fun to interact with at that phase, but you can still plop them somewhere when you need to and know they’re not going to go anywhere if you have to fold laundry or run to the bathroom or surf the net for a little bit.
Beautiful pictures! My favorite milestone is definitely the first laugh. Those baby giggles and belly laughs are contagious ????
My favorite milestone is that my daughter rolled over at 3 months and three days AND her instant smile every morning as I say good morning. It wins me over every time.
I love your photos and posts! You and your family seem so sweet.
My little girl is only 4 months old and my favorite milestone so far has been her first real smile. I love every other milestone too but her smile is just the best!
So fun! Flowers + babies = cute! My favorite baby milestone so far was the first laugh/giggle. It’s so sweet to begin interacting together as mother and baby.
Currently 21 weeks pregnant with a GIRL, so I’m for sure going to need to get my hands in some of those floral body suits!! Since we also have a boy (22 months) I have been going through the same thing that everything needs to be pink and girly!! I think my favorite milestone is that first smile! Just melts your heart!!
My son just hit six months and I’ve got to say, this 5-6 months has been my favorite thus far! He is babbling, developing so rapidly in his physical milestones and a joy to be around!
We have a giant bear that we take our son’s monthly photos with. It’s so fun to see how he’s grown! There’s so many favourite milestones it’s hard to choose one. I think when they start laughing or when they start walking is my favourite!
My favorite milestone is the belly laughs I can’t get enough!!
It’s always the best when kids start to talk. The way they pronounce everything is so cute and often pretty funny.
Love your monthly pictures. My favorite milestone is for sure baby smiles! That gummy grin that takes over their whole face! It’s seriously the best!
It’s so hard to pick just one favorite. Each one is so special in It’s very own way. I must say, when she first laughed out loud my heart melted. I wish I would have taken better monthly photos, these are perfect!
xx
Faith
My favorite milestone so far has been the first smile amd cooing that happens at 6weeks or so. The cooing just makes my heart melt <3
I love your monthly photos! I have been using blocks for my little one’s monthly pictures. My son is 2 months. So far my favorite milestone is the smiles!! Something about those gummy, toothless smiles!
My favorite milestone is when they start to smile. It’s the sweetest thing ever!
My baby is 3 weeks old. He is my first child. So far I am loving everything. First time smile. First time sucking his thumb. So many to choose from.
Think i love when they can sit up by themselves! You can sit them down with some toys and step back for two seconds and they are still content to explore things within reach. Gives mommy a 2 second break :)