How Do You Go About Getting Your Child into Print Ads/ Modeling?

A friend of mine did it for a short time. It was a nightmare. Long, long
days. Cranky babies. Up early, home late. Financially can be expensive
putting together portfolio. A lot of disappointment. A lot of people who think
their baby is the cutest. Do not mean to be a downer, just realistic. I watched what she went through. In the end, just not worth it. If you do
decide to go through with it, do not jump into anything. Think before you
sign something you will regret.

A good friend of mine did this when her kids were little. Everyone told her they were beautiful. Guess what..... everybody hears that about their babies!

My friend hauled her kids into Chicago several times a week and sat in long lines in dark hallways waiting for an audition or for someone to just look at her kids.... and then say NO. Then it would start over again the next day. She got her kids in a few print ads and one commercial. The competition is crazy, especially around here.

Now that her kids are in high school, she looks back on that time and shakes her head. While the rest of us were at the park or in a play group or going to a children's museum or the library or on bike rides or walks with our beautiful children, she was sitting alone with her two kids eating out of a backpack and coloring on the floor. In other words, it wasn't worth it.

I second Bobbi's feedback. I've only known of two young children given this "opportunity," but both families would agree that it's a tough, competitive business, not at all geared to keeping children happy and mentally healthy. Or their moms.

I just think childhood is short, and what's the point of doing this? Yes you can make some money but is this really for her? Do you think it's something she will enjoy? It sounds glamorous but it's really a lot of waiting around in places that aren't all that fun for a kid, having to be somewhere during her naptime, during dinner, etc. Lots of going through all of that just to be told NO, she isn't what we're looking for. I also think my children are the most gorgeous babies in the world...I too have been stopped a million times about my son's blue/green eyes or curly hair, or my daughter's bright blond hair. But so has every other mom on this site. They're all cute.

I've modeled most of my life. First and foremost..... NEVER pay any $$$ to anyone.

You can submit regular snapshots to reputable agencies and if they like you, they will contact you. You do not need a portfolio unless you are contracted and that is later on.

Next... This is WORK. Not all fun and games. Be ready for a LOT of rejection and have a thick skin. Casting calls demand that you bs there when they say which can be in the midst of mealtime, naptime etc. You are "on" when you are on... Thats it, even for a moody toddler/baby.

IF you do get hired, put all $$ into that child's account.. That child is working. If the child does not like it, please don't live out your dreams... Stop it.

My 16 yr old models as well. We came home when she was 10 from a shoot in LA and she said "I'm done". That was it. I never mentioned it again. She has since picked it back up.

Only deal with reputable agencies. I don't know local good agencies in your area. In our area, the Campbell agency and Kim Dawson are good.

You are not reimbursed for your travel time and time spent ( lots) waiting unless it is in a contract.

Be careful, it is a very rewarding business but also can be a very mean business.

Good luck.

Pretty much what T.F. said. But I'll expand on why you should never pay an agent.
Any reputable agent will take 10% or whatever amount out of the paycheck. They get paid, when the talent gets paid. If you find and agent that requires X amount of money for them to even think about your GD to be a client, then it is a scam. They will take your money send you to two or three auditions and then stop. I reputable agent will work hard to get your GD booked so that they will get paid.
Also a scam would also include using ONLY their in studio photographer to get a good headshot. A good agent will offer theirs, but will let you use anyone you want. They will also offer refresher classes, but not mandatory and most certainly not $100 a class. So again, no money out of pocket and upfront.
Again what T.F. said is the rejection. I can't tell you how much I went through and I was in a small state university for acting (I never made it professionally because I got knocked up). Soooo much rejection. No pushing her to an audition. She has to choose to go to it.
Good luck!

Google Agent for your child. I did it looking for an agent to help with my daughters singing career and only found what you're talking about.

I have heard some good things about Lily's Talent Agency in the West Loop. You can probably google them to read about them and get there contact information. I think there is an online application that you submit along with a photo of the baby.