What a Fall Maternity Session Looks Like with a Toddler

This session is the kind of magic that happens when you let kids be themselves and the season do the styling. We caught the leaves turning and the light glowing, but the real focus was the connection between this growing family. With another baby (or two!) on the way, this wasn’t just about documenting a bump—it was about honoring the time before life shifts again.

Fall is such a beautiful time to take maternity photos with young kids. The colors are vibrant, the weather is mild, and there’s a built-in sense of nostalgia. Whether they’re chasing leaves or cuddling in close, kids tend to feel more at ease outdoors—especially when the session includes time to play, explore, and just be.

What It’s Like Photographing a Second Pregnancy

Second pregnancies come with their own energy. You’re often a little less wide-eyed but also a lot busier, especially if you have a toddler in tow. That’s why second-time maternity photos aren’t just about documenting the bump; they’re about celebrating the transition your whole family is about to experience!

In this session, we kept things simple. There was no pressure to “perform” or stand still, we played, paused for cuddles, and created images that feel like an afternoon well spent. For many families, this might be the last chapter as a trio before stepping into life with more little ones. Documenting that shift is powerful.

Tips for second pregnancy sessions with kids:

Choose a location that’s safe and distraction-friendly (bonus if it feels like an adventure).
Bring a comfort item or favorite toy to help toddlers feel secure.
Don’t stress if they aren’t smiling every second… some of the best moments are the in-between ones.
Wardrobe tip: Make sure your kiddo has worn their outfit at least once so you know it’s not too itchy or bothersome.

Maternity Photo Ideas for Families with Toddlers

When you’re planning maternity photos with a toddler, think movement, interaction, and comfort. Toddlers rarely want to sit still and smile, and honestly, that’s not the point. You want to remember how it felt to be together during this time. You want great photos with you and your kids… NEWS FLASH… You need to play with them!

A few toddler-friendly photo ideas we used in this session:

Playing ring around the rosie.
Toddler “kissing the baby” (a classic, but always adorable)
Riding high on dad’s shoulders
Parents swinging the toddler between them (lots of laughter!)

I have a bunch more games and ideas here you can check out as well! This session was full of giggles, golden light, and a lot of heart… exactly what a maternity session with a toddler should look like.

Why Second Pregnancies Deserve to Be Documented Too

The second time around brings a mix of emotions. There’s excitement, of course, because you know more about what’s coming and what kind of love awaits. But there’s also something tender and bittersweet. This is the season of lasts with your firstborn as your only child. It’s a quiet shift… holding them while growing another, watching them play while imagining how they’ll welcome a sibling. These in-between moments are worth remembering. Maternity photos during a second pregnancy aren’t just about what’s to come… they’re also about honoring what’s here right now.