Why the Six Month Sitter Session is a Must-Have for Your Baby’s First Year Album

The first year of your baby’s life is an incredible whirlwind—one minute, you’re cradling a tiny newborn, and the next, they’re sitting up all on their own, beaming at you with the biggest, toothless grin. The six-month milestone, often called the “sitter stage,” is a magical time, and if you’re building a first-year album, this session is an absolute must.

The Sweet Spot Between Newborn and One Year

While newborn photography captures the tiny, delicate beginning of your baby’s journey, and the one-year session often showcases standing, first steps, and cake-smashing fun, the six-month session is a beautiful in-between moment. At this stage, your baby’s personality is blossoming, they’re interacting more with the world around them, and—bonus—they can’t run away from the camera just yet! (Seriously, enjoy this moment before the toddler sprinting phase begins.)

Why the Sitter Stage is So Special

At around six months, babies are mastering new skills that make for the most heart-melting imagery. Truly, it’s the favorite milestone of every photographer on our team. I may or may not be known for overusing my quota of the word “delicious” looking at those six monthy baby rolls!

Sitting Up Unassisted: This is the milestone that gives the session its name! Babies at this stage have gained enough core strength to sit upright, allowing for a variety of adorable poses without needing to be held. And if your babe isn’t sitting up by six months, no worries! My overachieving firstborn daughter (enough said, right? Fellow firstborn daughter, so I get it!) was sitting unassisted just before six months. My sweet, cuddlebug of a little man? He decided he didn’t need to until about seven months. We have two solutions to this! We can do a little bit of editing magic and remove any helping hands, or we can schedule it closer to seven or eight months! We have families who make both choices, and there’s no wrong answer.
Bright, Engaging Expressions: Six-month-olds are full of giggles, gummy smiles, and wide-eyed wonder. They react to silly noises, peek-a-boo games, and mom and dad’s funny faces, making for an engaging, joy-filled session.
Chubby Cheeks and Tiny Toes: If you’re obsessed with your baby’s little rolls and sweet dimpled hands, now is the time to document them! The sitter stage is often when babies have that irresistible roundness that we all want to bottle up forever.
Curious Hands and Playful Interaction: Babies at this stage are reaching, grabbing, and exploring everything around them. Whether it’s their own toes, a soft stuffed animal, or your nose, their curiosity shines through in every image. (Pro tip: If they grab your hair, that means they love you.)

How the Six Month Session Complements Your First Year Album

Your baby’s first-year album tells the story of their journey from newborn to toddlerhood, and skipping the sitter stage would mean missing one of the most visually delightful and personality-packed chapters! Including this session in your album:

Shows the progression of your baby’s development in a natural, beautiful way.
Adds variety beyond the curled-up newborn poses and the action-packed first birthday imagery.
Captures their personality in a way that’s often missed when only doing newborn and one-year sessions.

Curious about the best way to build baby’s first year album? The NBP First Year Collective! The First Year Collective is designed to seamlessly document your baby’s biggest milestones, offering your choice of three or four sessions over an 18-month span. With priority booking, personalized styling, and access to our curated client wardrobe, we make every session stress-free and beautiful. Plus, you’ll receive complimentary birth announcements, an in-studio cake smash session, and album credits at each session—because your baby’s first year deserves to be more than a blur, it deserves to be artfully preserved.

Making the Most of Your Baby’s Six Month Session

To ensure a session that is as enjoyable as it is beautiful, here are a few quick tips:

Timing is Everything: We recommend scheduling your session when your baby is well-rested and fed, ensuring the happiest little model possible. (A hangry baby is a no-go, trust me.)
Outfit Choices Matter: Soft neutrals, cozy textures, and outfits that highlight those squishy baby features are perfect.
Keep it Simple: Simple backdrops, minimal props, and focusing on your baby’s natural charm make for timeless imagery that will always feel classic.

Ready to Document This Sweet Milestone?

The six-month sitter session is a fleeting but incredibly meaningful stage in your baby’s first year. If you’re planning your little one’s first-year album, don’t miss this chance to document their giggles, rolls, and blossoming personality! Not convinced yet? Just look at these perfect studio pictures by our lead photographer in Memphis, Adriana (styled with a dress you can find in our client wardrobe!)!

Let’s make sure this beautiful moment is one you’ll treasure forever. Reach out today to schedule your baby’s six-month session, and let’s create imagery that will make your heart melt for years to come!