Don't all Moms want a sleeping baby? Well I know I do when I am taking pictures. I think the most important thing to do is not stress. Babies can sense when you are stressed. So please, try your best to stay calm and relaxed. I usually start my newborn shoots around 10 AM. This time has just really worked well with babies. I have found great success when my clients follow my instructions.
I tell my parents to try their best to keep their little one awake for at least two hours before the shoot begins. Take their clothes off and on. Change their diapers. Gently tickle their sides. The best one yet is give them a bath. Taking a bath usually wakes a baby right up. Also, try not to feed them during those two hours. Put them in something that will be easy to take off and on. It is best to put on an outfit that does not pull over their heads. We want them to be as relaxed as possible.
If my clients live close, I will have them feed their little one right before coming to my studio. The car ride usually helps get them to sleep. But if my clients live far, I have parents sit by their babies and try to talk to them, tickle their feet while driving. Do what ever you can to keep them awake, then feed them at my studio before we start the shoot.
I also tell parents to please don't put mitts with elastic on their infant because taking those off can startle your little one. Plus, that elastic will leave a mark around their wrists.
All these tips and tricks will help to get the newborn baby ready for their photo shoot.