Some parents ask me this question during pregnancy:

“Maternity vs newborn photos, which one should we choose if we can only do one?”

It’s a fair question. You’re preparing for a baby, watching your budget, and trying to figure out what actually matters.

Both sessions are special. That’s true.

But if you have to pick just one, I’ll always point you toward the newborn session. Every single time.

Here’s why.

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The Newborn Stage Is Gone Before You Know It

Pregnancy lasts months. You feel it every day.

The newborn stage? It’s a blur.

Those first couple of weeks are a tiny window. Babies are still curled up and super sleepy. They settle into those cozy poses naturally.

Then it changes fast.

They stretch out. They wake up more. They stop looking like brand new babies.

I’ve had parents sit in my studio and say, “I can’t believe how fast this went.”

They’re right. It does.

That’s why newborn sessions happen between 5 and 21 days old. That stage doesn’t wait around.

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The Details You Don’t Realize You’ll Miss

After photographing hundreds of babies, I’ve noticed something.

Parents remember the big moments. The birth. The first night home. The milestones.

But the tiny details? Those fade faster than you’d expect.

• How small their fingers looked wrapped around yours
• The soft little wisps of hair
• The little rolls on their back
• The way they tucked their legs in naturally

These are the things you don’t know you’ll miss until they’re gone.

Photos freeze those details in a way your memory just can’t hold onto.

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You Still Get Family Photos

A lot of moms think this:

“If I skip maternity photos, I won’t have photos of me with my baby.”

That’s not true, if you book the Precious or Preferred newborn package.

Those packages include family photos at the start of the session. So you still get:

• You holding your baby
• Mom and baby portraits
• Both parents with baby
• Siblings with baby

And honestly, those images often hit harder than maternity photos.

Your baby is here. You can see them. Hold them. Love on them.

That shows up in the photos.

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Maternity Photos Are Beautiful, But More Flexible

Maternity sessions are meaningful. They capture a season that’s unique and powerful.

But here’s the difference: they’re flexible.

If you skip maternity this time, you can still:

• Do a family session when baby is a few months old
• Document a future pregnancy
• Capture your family at another point

You have options.

Newborn photos don’t work that way.

Once that stage passes, it’s gone. You can’t recreate a 10-day-old baby at 2 months old.

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A Real Moment I See All the Time

During sessions, I’ll often watch a mom holding her baby and just staring at them.

Not posing. Not thinking about the camera. Just soaking it in.

Those end up being the photos they love most.

Not because of the outfit or the setup. Because that moment was real.

That’s what newborn photos capture. Not just what your baby looked like, but how it felt in those first days.

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If You Can Do Both, Go For It

If your budget allows for both maternity and newborn sessions, I’m fully on board.

They each tell a different part of your story:

Session	What It Captures
Maternity	Anticipation, waiting, the bump
Newborn	Arrival, connection, those tiny details

Both matter. But if you’re choosing one, newborn is the one I’d pick.

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Tips From Someone Who Does This Every Week

1. Book before baby arrives. Most clients book during the second or early third trimester. That way your due date is held, and we adjust once baby is here.

2. Don’t stress about timing. You don’t need to know the exact day. We schedule the session after baby’s arrival to stay within that 5 to 21 day window. Baby’s rarely arrive on their due date so its much easier to wait.

3. Keep outfits simple. Soft neutrals photograph best. Creams, whites, and light pastels keep the focus on your baby and the connection.

4. Trust the process. Babies run the show. We pause for feeding, cuddles, and soothing. That’s totally normal and part of the experience.

5. You don’t need to feel ready. You just had a baby. Of course you’re not 100%. I’ll guide you through everything, and those images will mean more than you expect.

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About Little Hauflings Photography

I’m a newborn photographer based in the Quad Cities, serving families in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island.

My style is clean, simple, and focused on connection. No big overwhelming setups. No trendy props that go out of style. Just your baby, your family, and the moments that matter.

These photos aren’t just for right now. They’re for years from now.

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Common Questions

Is it okay to skip maternity photos? Yes. Many families do. Newborn sessions are often the bigger priority, especially on a budget.

What if my baby is already older than 3 weeks? I still photograph older babies. The session looks a little different since babies are more awake, but we focus on connection and adjust from there.

Do I have to be in the photos? You don’t have to, but I do encourage it. Even a few simple images with your baby can become your favorites later on.

What should I wear? Neutral, soft colors work best. Creams, whites, light browns, and soft pastels photograph beautifully.

Can I book maternity without a newborn session? My studio focuses on newborn and baby photography. We reserve maternity sessions for clients who are also booking a newborn session.

When should I book? The earlier, the better. Most clients book during pregnancy to make sure their due date is reserved.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re choosing between maternity and newborn photos, you really can’t go wrong either way.

But if you want my honest take, choose the newborn session.

This stage is short. It’s meaningful. And once it’s gone, it’s gone.

If you’re expecting, and you need a newborn photographer in the Quad Cities, I’d love to help. Let’s plan a session that feels simple and true to your family.