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NEVER HEARD OF A CHILD WRANGLER?
A child wrangler is a specialist who works on set to support children throughout the day.
They are often the first person a child meets upon arrival. They take time to build trust, help them settle into the environment and keep things calm and enjoyable. This might involve games, drawing, conversation or simple activities that help the child feel relaxed and focused.
When it’s time to step onto set, their role changes. They work closely with the photographer, director and production team to guide the child in a natural way, helping to create the relaxed, real moments that clients are looking for.
The role is essentially a bridge between the child, the parent and the production team - understanding what the crew needs, but also what the child needs in order to feel safe, calm and able to do their best work.
WHY DO YOU NEED A CHILD WRANGLER?
When you’re working with children on a shoot, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than people often realise.
From licensing and timings to keeping children engaged, comfortable and ready when needed, a successful shoot relies on more than just the right talent. It relies on the right support around them.
At Sandra Reynolds Juniors, we work with experienced child wranglers who understand how to support children properly on set. One of those specialists is Susannah, who has spent more than 20 years working with babies and children across fashion, film, TV and commercial shoots.
Susannah’s background is unusual, and that is part of what makes her work so effective. Before moving into child wrangling, she trained at circus school and worked in live performance and children’s entertainment. That experience gave her a practical understanding of movement, confidence, timing and how to engage children in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT ON SET?
Children do not respond to a shoot in the same way adults do.
They can become overwhelmed, distracted or tired, especially in busy studio or location environments. Without the right support, this can affect both their experience and the outcome of the shoot.
A child wrangler helps to keep children calm, engaged and happy throughout the day. They support natural, relaxed imagery rather than staged or forced shots, help production teams work more efficiently, reduce delays and reassure parents that their child is being properly supported.
Susannah is often referred to as a “baby whisperer” because of the calm, practical approach she brings to set. With babies, especially, timing is everything. Feeding, naps, overstimulation and quiet space all have a direct impact on how smoothly the day runs.
CHAPERONE OR CHILD WRANGLER?
A child wrangler is not the same as a chaperone.
Chaperones are there to support safeguarding and legal compliance. They monitor working hours, breaks and licensing requirements.
Child wranglers focus on the child’s experience and performance on set. They help children bond with other children, feel comfortable with adult models, understand what is needed from them and stay regulated between shots.
Both roles are important, but they do different jobs.
WHAT MAKES A CHILD-FRIENDLY SET?
The best shoots are the ones that plan properly from the start.
That means realistic schedules, proper breaks, child-friendly food, a quiet space for children to rest and reset, and clear communication with parents before the shoot.
Susannah often talks about the importance of bringing child specialists in early, ideally from the casting stage where possible. Choosing a child for a shoot is not only about how they look. It is also about whether they can manage the environment, the timings and the direction required on the day.
When this is considered properly, everyone benefits. The children feel comfortable, the parents feel reassured, and the production team has a much better chance of getting the shots they need.
HOW DO WE SUPPORT OUR YOUNG TALENT?
At Sandra Reynolds Juniors, our focus is always on the child first.
We work closely with families to make sure they understand what to expect, how to prepare and what their responsibilities are on the day. Clear communication at this stage makes a real difference.
We also work with experienced, trusted professionals on set, including child wranglers like Susannah, to make sure our young talent are supported throughout the process.
Because when children feel comfortable, confident and safe, that is when you get the best results.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
Our Managing Director, Tessa Dewing, spoke to Susannah about child wrangling, working with children on set and why specialist support makes such a difference.
You can listen to the full conversation on The Business of Modelling podcast here.
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written by Ione McLeod
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