We wouldn't be parent's if we didn't think our baby was the cutest baby out there. And we may also wonder if he/she would be able to successfully enter the world of baby modelling.
I was reading an article this morning in OK Magazine about Hayden Panettiere and how her mother started her modelling and doing commercials as a baby because she thought she'd at least get some cute photos.
It certainly is not a bad thing to lead your baby into, as long as you are conscious, have firm boundaries (for the baby as it grows up AND also the people surrounding him/her) and are always acting in your baby/child's best interest, until they are of legal age to make choices for themselves.
In fact it can be fun, increase a baby's confidence teaching it socializing skills and of course there is the lucrative side to it if they are successful.
OK so what are some things you need to do to start your baby's modelling career?
1. Have your baby in a good routine at home as far as eating, sleeping, interacting with others.
This is vital for your baby to impress casting & modelling agents, and prospective clients. Your baby is very dear to you, and at the same time these people are running a business, and as such want to be dealing with parents & babies that are easy to work with.
2. Take some good quality photos of your baby to take to the modelling agency.
You do not need to go to the trouble of a professional shoot - that will come later. Just make sure the shots you take (digital cameras are fine) have great lighting, and show your baby in different positions, with different expressions.
And of course cute, endearing and the 'aw' factor are winners.
3. Be clear about your own reasons for doing this.
Make sure that you are not a 'Jon-Benet Mother' looking to live through your baby and realize the dream you were never able to reach.
4. ALWAYS be present when your baby is present.
No matter what anyone says - you MUST be the main care giver to your baby when it is around other people.
This is not said to frighten you. The world of baby modelling is incredibly safe with scrupulous people (child modelling is where you need to be extra careful again!).
Plus there are VERY strict laws about the number of hours a baby can work at one time. And how that baby is to be treated when working.
This is said based on it being basic parenting common sense.
5. Know that there is a lot of competition out there - means there is always another baby for a job!
And do not waste your time and energy competing with others, making it a 'my baby is better than yours'. Instead focus on creating an experience that is going to be fun and enriching for your baby, whilst also instilling great values in your infant (you can never start too young :-))
And focus on getting on with other parents, as much as the modelling agency personnel and clients.
Relationships in ANY field are what make or break a career. And negative behavior may get what you want in the short term - it wont help you in the long run.
There is SO MUCH more we could say now on this topic.
We will leave some more for later :-)
And if you want to find out more about Baby Modelling and get a step by step guide to help you guide your baby's modelling career, go here.
BFN
Jessie & Jake
