Photography Safety

• If you use a Boppy Pillow, always place it on a stable surface. Never place it on top of another pillow, near the edge of the bed, or on the cart without proper supervision.

• Place baby's head on one side of the Boppy. You can spread apart the opening at the bottom of the pillow to allow for baby's lower torso and legs to rest securely and snugly inside the pillow.

• Always place your layers on top of the Boppy, and avoid stuffing the inside of the Boppy to allow a place for baby to settle into. 

• Do not place anything under the Boppy to elevate the Boppy

Basket placement may vary in each hospital due to the room and also the type of basket being used. Please check with your RM for exact procedures in your hospital. However, best practice guidelines are:

• Avoid placing basket directly on floor due to hospital infection control rules. Use a clean blanket, sheet or vinyl instead.

• Baby’s head and shoulders can be at, or slightly higher than, the sides of the basket. The lower portion of the baby's body needs to be securely placed inside the basket.

• When adding pillows and blankets to stuff the basket, do not overstuff. Leave plenty of room inside so baby’s lower torso and legs are lower than the rest of the body. Do not place the Boppy inside of the basket. 

• If you use the basket on the cart, you must have another adult with a hand on the baby's feet or near the baby in a “ready position” in case baby moves.

• When posing baby in a basket (on the cart, couch, or floor), DO NOT lift the basket with the baby inside. Do not place basket on top of a boppy. 

A responsible adult must remain within arm’s reach of the baby at all times. This adult—referred to as the “helper”—is typically a parent or guardian and is responsible for the baby’s physical safety throughout the photo session. The helper lifts and carries the baby, supports the baby during posing adjustments, and stays positioned 12–18 inches from the baby at all times.

When the baby is on the PhotoCart, the helper should stand right beside the cart with a hand ready to support the baby. A baby must never be left unattended—even for a moment. If you need to turn away, the helper must have full, secure contact with the baby.

Your role is to photograph. Handling the baby should be limited to simple, brief positioning only; the helper maintains all primary physical support to ensure safety.

• Position the cart to avoid it being bumped; lock the wheels.

• You need enough room to step back 4 ft from the cart.

• The cart should be empty when entering the room and wiped with Sani-Wipes.

• Place your background on only after setting up in the room.

• Make sure backgrounds are wrinkle-free and fuzz-free.

• Use clips securely on the outside edges of the posing board.

• Use clean linens for each baby; dispose of used hospital linens in each room 

• Add enough underpadding to support baby. Either the Boppy or rolled towels works well for this; do not lay baby on a flat surface. 

• Position baby as far back against the posing board as possible.

Whenever possible, a parent should pick up and place the baby on the cart.

If you must do it, ask permission first.

Steps for lifting baby from bassinet to PhotoCart:

1. Slide one hand under baby's head and neck.

2. Slide the other under hips and bottom; spread fingers to support the body.

3. Lift baby to your chest while leaning over.

4. Hold baby close as you stand up straight.

5. Reverse steps to put baby down.

Avoid carrying baby around the room; roll the bassinet to the cart to transfer, or to the parents for handoff. 

• Give clear instructions and demonstrate the pose first.

• Do not release baby until you confirm the parent is comfortable.

• Have parent use their other hand on baby’s body to prevent rolling.

• Always defer to parents.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

• If mom is alone, politely guide her:

“Mom, when you're ready, I'll need you to stand here and place your hand on baby while I photograph.”

• Defer to nurses for any non-photography questions.

• Do not give medical or breastfeeding advice.

• You may help change baby into an outfit if needed.

• You may use a pacifier only if mom has already introduced it and approves.

• You must let the parents complete any diaper changes.

• Anything touching baby must be sanitized or laundered.

• Bed rails must be upright and locked when using the bed.

• Lay a clean sheet under the backdrop.

• Never raise the bed for your shooting angle.

• Fabrics touching baby can only be used once.

• Replace background after accidents.

• Never place anything above/around baby that could fall (e.g., clips, lights, or signs) .

• Props must be safe, smooth-edged, and easy to sanitize.

• Tie back long hair.

• No perfume or powders.

• Avoid jewelry that could scratch baby.

• If using a standard neck strap on the camera, please remove and safety stow away before posing baby to avoid the camera swinging around. If using a full body camera strap, please keep on but ensure the camera is positioned safely away from baby and cannot move or swing around to avoid accidents.