Meet Blue Ivy! Beyoncé and Jay-Z baby daughter

Beyoncé and Jay-Z today surprised fans by sharing the first pictures of their baby, Blue Ivy Carter.

The proud parents posted a series of intimate portraits of their beloved daughter, who was born just over a month ago.

Instead of selling their first baby pictures to a glossy magazine for millions the music megastar couple decided to take control posting snaps of Blue to a tumblr blog.

Proud mother: Beyonce and Jay Z posted pictures of their daughter Blue Ivy to a blog they have created for her

In one snap the 30-year-old singer is seen beaming into the camera while she cradles her daughter in her arms.

While the camera is out of focus on the former Destiny's Child singer, with clarity on baby Blue, Beyoncé's blue nails can be clearly seen, no doubt a tribute to her little bundle.

The proud parents set up a blog that shows the intimate family snaps along with a message.

It read: 'We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives. The Carter Family.'

What an adorable bundle: In another shot the couple's daughter is seen looking into the camera

Resting peacefully: Another shows Blue holding her hand up to her ear as she sleeps in a polka dot blanket

There are several close ups of the adorable little girl, who not only has a healthy head of hair but also displays a rose-bud mouth and almond shaped brown eyes.

In one shot the Blue Ivy is seen staring past the camera, and in another the photographer has captured the tiny bundle sleeping.

The emotional and captivating shots are the first of their kind of Blue Ivy to be released to the public.

And it was only last week that Beyoncé made her first public appearance since the birth on January 7, showing off her incredible post-labour curves.