Need to make some serious newborn changes, help!

I had the absolute worse "newborn" shoot yesterday. The clients were 1/2 hour late (I expect variance when dealing with infants schedules) and the baby was flat out miserable - and it appeared the parents were not quite in the groove yet as they seemed uncomfortable with the child and couldn't calm her.

That aside - I need posing help. The pillows and blankets I've been using just aren't cutting it. I've got some free cash and want to invest in an infant setup. What do you infant photogs feel work best for propping the little creatures in various poses? I've seen some kits in various places but some seem "gimmicky".

I've been browsing some of the infant photogs websites etc. For ideas and wonder if they are just more patient.

What do you use for "filler" in bucket/basket shots? What about flat posing.

Do you have age restrictions for infant shoots? This baby was 6 weeks old, which I think was maybe too old?

If you do have a nightmare shoot, what do you do? Reshoot for free or say too bad so sad?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Everyone uses rolled up blankets etc?

at 6 weeks old, its harder to keep baby asleep, if that was your aim
10 days old and under is optimum
there is a thread here with a nice lady named Seona who does spectacular work with a nice setup that she's graciously taken a photo of and there are lots of tips too, if you haven't already read it, maybe it would give you some help.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=912133

I will do one of two things. You can take two pillows and put them side by side vertically, with the tops slightly overlapping, and shoot with baby's head resting by the overlap, or you can invest in one of those boppies that are round with no hole. They're wonderful and you can prop a little burp cloth under to give the head a little lift. Angles are EVERYTHING. Think about how you'll frame it and what the focus is. I see so many awful newborn shots. Don't shoot up their nose, get down to their level if you're doing a flat shot and angle properly when not. Most often, it looks terrible to shoot over a baby. they're all dangly bits and they always look like they're falling over. If mom or dad's hand are in the shot, make them close their fingers and shoot on the side that doesn't show the thumbs.

To fill a basket, put in some towels or blankets and then cover it with the blanket you'll use. Keep the focus on baby, though.

It may not be a newborn shoot at 6 weeks but you've got to provide good pictures. Don't rely on props and the age is less relevant. When you do babies you have to work on baby time. Parents don't always know whats best so sometimes you have to step in and direct them. You're the professional so don't be afraid to tell them what they need to do. They may feel like its not ok to stop and feed baby during a session.

I've worked with over 600 newborns and there really is a right and wrong way to do things. Sometimes you have to know how to make the wrong way work if the baby isn't feeling it. Worst case scenario, take a sheet, wrap mom in it, and use her as the backdrop. If baby is fed, clean and with mom, that's as good as it can get. If baby still is upset...maybe it isn't the right day. Its been years since I had to reschedule so I don't know what to suggest there. I can't really show you exactly how to shoot a newborn without being there...I do have some images on my facebook page (site is being reworked) so feel free to check facebook.com/emmanatep​hotography. They aren't my favorite, but its something!