If you’re bringing your toddler to your Maui maternity photos, you might be wondering how it’s going to go.
Will they cooperate?
Will it feel chaotic?
Or will they actually enjoy and it becomes something special?
What I’ve seen, after 14 years photographing families, is that most kids want to be part of it. They just need a role.
I remember that’s how it was with my older daughter before she became a big sister!
They’re:
- completely fascinated
- asking questions constantly
- a little unsure what this all means
- and very aware that something big is coming
They’re often over the moon, but also trying to make sense of something that still feels abstract and far away.
They want to be involved, but don’t know how.
If you’re already planning your babymoon and want maternity photos that feel natural, connected, and beautifully styled, you can explore my work as a Maui maternity photographer here.
How to Prepare Your Toddler For Your Maui Maternity Photos
So we give them a job. Something real, something they can do.
When a child feels like they have a purpose, they are much more likely to cooperate and enjoy themselves once we’re on the beach.
Let them choose their outfit (within your color palette): This gives them ownership and helps them feel ready for their role.
Have them bring something for the baby: A small onesie or stuffed animal they picked out. Just keep it tucked away until later so it stays special and isn’t in every photo.
Talk about their role ahead of time: “You get to help take care of mama and the baby during our photos.”
Let them feel like the star too: On Maui, a head lei or floral piece makes them feel special and important, too. I recently photographed a soon-to-be big sister in a darling white head lei (Haku lei). It helped her stand out beautifully alongside the photos we were taking of the baby belly.
During the Session: Prompts and Games That Include Older Siblings in Your Maui Maternity Photos
My daughter was an only child for so long before she finally got the sibling she had hoped for, and there is something really special about tapping into that bond and showing it. It’s so important to me during maternity sessions with siblings to connect with them and show their side of your family story.
To draw them out and engage, I have a series of fun prompts and games that turn “posing” into “purpose”:
- Looking for a special flower or shell to “give” to the baby.
- Whispering a secret or saying “hello” to the baby through the belly.
- Drawing a heart in the sand for their new sibling.
- Yelling out all the silly and funny things they can’t wait to do with the baby.
- Telling Mommy how strong she is for carrying the baby all the time and giving her a big hug.
- Having them press their ear to the belly to see if they can hear the baby.
- Whispering their favorite names for the baby into Daddy’s ear.
Why this works: When a child feels included, they aren’t being pulled into a “photo shoot.” They’re just part of a family moment. You’ll notice they relax faster, stop resisting the camera, and start creating those sweet, unscripted moments you end up loving most.
This is exactly how I guide maternity sessions with kids, so it feels easy for you and meaningful for them. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, you can see more of my Maui maternity sessions here.
Lei: A Meaningful Maui Way to Involve Kids In Maternity Photos
In Hawaii, we often celebrate with a Hapai lei (a special open-ended traditional maternity lei). Instead of Mom just putting it on herself, I love to have Daddy-to-be or the child place the lei on mommy. It’s a very special, quiet moment of honoring the mother and the new life she’s carrying.
The Sibling Gender Reveal: Another option is to have the sibling be in charge of the reveal! You can order a lei in pink or blue tones and have your toddler place it on you while you and your partner keep your eyes closed. When you open them, the surprise is revealed—and they were the “surprise bringer!”
Managing Sibling Energy: My Strategy for Stress-Free Maui Maternity Photography
If you’re wondering, “My child is really energetic, what if it feels chaotic?”
That’s completely normal. I’ve photographed hundreds of families with the same worries, and I promise you, we work with your child’s rhythm, not against it. This is how I do it:
Start with family moments: We capture those connected shots early while their attention is fresh.
Let them come in and out: They don’t need to be in every frame. We move between full family, just the couple, and just you. This keeps the experience relaxed for them and gives you space for beautiful solo portraits.
Plan around an activity: this is my favorite, secret way to do family sessions in general. Experience-driven sessions are the best! A beautiful, well-thought out activity gives you guys something to do and looks great in photos.
For this maternity session we had a beach picnic with drinking coconuts and this little guy just loved sitting on the blanket sipping, while we took some more photos of mommy and her baby belly in the sunset.
Capturing the Moment They Become a Sibling
This is a very specific moment in your child’s life.
They’re still your only—or your baby as they know it—but something is changing.
That mix of excitement, curiosity, and closeness is what shows up in the photos.
Years from now, when they look back at these photos, you won’t see “perfect or not perfect behavior.” You’ll see how much your baby-on-the-way was already a part of the family, even before their sibling arrived. And how that sibling cared about you and the love that you had for them both.
FAQ: Maui Maternity Photos with Kids
Not necessarily. With the right approach, like giving your child a role and building flexibility into the session, they often feel more natural, connected, and fun than adult-only sessions.
Any age works. Toddlers and young children just need a more interactive, flexible approach, which is exactly how these sessions are designed.
Light, comfortable outfits that fit your overall color palette. I have a guide on How To Dress For Your Maui Family Photos. Letting them help choose between options makes a big difference in how they show up.
I build rapport with kids through simple prompts, games, movement, and giving them a role. Instead of posing, they’re participating, which keeps them naturally engaged.
Planning Your Maui Maternity Photos with Kids
Ready to celebrate this season on the shores of Maui?
If you’re planning your time on Maui, I take on a limited number of maternity sessions and recommend reaching out early to reserve your date.
If you want to see what Maui maternity photos with kids look like in real sessions, you can explore my Maui maternity photographer work here.
I hope to see you on Maui soon,
More Resources For Your Maui Babymoon
If you are still planning your Maui babymoon, here are some in-depth blog posts you might be interested in…
