How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s sweetest and most beautiful seasons. The days are filled with sleepy snuggles, tiny yawns, endless diaper changes, and a whole lot of love. Somehow, these first few weeks feel both incredibly long and unbelievably short all at once.

One day, you’ll blink and your tiny newborn will no longer fit in the crook of your arm.

That’s why newborn photography is so special.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare and know exactly what to expect from your baby’s first photo session.

When Should I Schedule My Newborn Session?

The short answer?

Early.

I recommend reserving your newborn session well before your due date. Newborn sessions are typically booked during pregnancy, and once your little one arrives, we simply choose a date based on their birthday.

My favorite time to photograph newborns is during the first 7 to 14 days of life.

I don’t like to schedule sessions too soon because babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb, figuring out feedings, and settling into their new routines.

But I also don’t like to wait too long.

During those first couple of weeks, babies are naturally sleepy and still love to curl up into those sweet, cozy positions that remind us just how tiny they truly are.

The older they become, the more alert and wiggly they tend to be.

And while beautiful photographs can absolutely be created at any age, those dreamy, sleepy newborn images are usually easiest during those early days.

Let’s Dream Together

Before your session, I encourage you to share your ideas and vision with me.

Many parents spend time scrolling through Pinterest and saving adorable inspiration photos—and I love that!

Sometimes I can help bring those ideas to life exactly as envisioned. Other times, I may offer suggestions on how to adapt ideas based on:

• Your baby’s comfort
• Safety considerations
• My photography style
• What will photograph best

I always encourage families to look through my portfolio beforehand as well.

Photography styles vary greatly, and I want you to feel confident that my style aligns with the images you’re hoping to create.

Safety Always Comes First

This is the most important thing I can tell you:

Your baby’s safety is my number one priority.

Always.

Every newborn is different.

Some babies love being swaddled. Some prefer being snuggled in mom’s arms. Some sleep deeply, while others are more alert and curious.

I never force a pose or push a baby beyond their comfort level.

If your little one isn’t sleepy enough for a particular setup or simply doesn’t enjoy a pose, we move on.

There is no photograph more important than your baby’s comfort and safety.

Ever.

How Long Will My Session Last?

Newborn sessions move at baby speed.

That means we take our time.

Sessions typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, though occasionally they may run a bit longer depending on your little one’s needs.

The beautiful thing about newborn sessions is that we’re not photographing the entire time.

A large portion of the session is spent:

• Feeding baby
• Changing diapers
• Swaddling
• Soothing
• Rocking
• Snuggling
• Taking little breaks whenever needed

There is absolutely no rush.

What Should I Bring?

Newborn sessions are relaxed and baby-led, but there are a few things I recommend bringing along.

Snacks and Water

Sessions can feel a little longer than most portrait sessions, so having water and a few snacks for yourself is always a wonderful idea.

Entertainment for Siblings

If older siblings are joining us, consider bringing:

• Coloring books
• Small toys
• Snacks
• An electronic device

Even better? If possible, have a family member or friend take siblings home after their portion of the session is complete.

Extra Clothing

Babies are adorable.

Babies are also wonderfully unpredictable.

A backup outfit for everyone is never a bad idea.

Plenty of Diapers and Feeding Supplies

Newborns seem to know exactly when a photo session is happening and often decide to eat and need diaper changes more frequently than usual.

Bring:

• Extra diapers
• Bottles if bottle feeding
• Burp cloths
• Wipes
• Extra blankets

Trust me—it’s always better to have too much than not enough.

A Hairbrush

If your little one has hair, bringing a soft brush can be helpful for those tiny touch-ups.

Meaningful Items

I absolutely love incorporating sentimental items.

Consider bringing:

• Family heirlooms
• Handmade blankets
• Special stuffed animals
• Meaningful keepsakes

These details help tell your baby’s story.

A Pacifier

Even if your baby doesn’t regularly use one, I encourage you to bring a pacifier if you’re comfortable doing so.

Sometimes it can be incredibly helpful for soothing and settling babies between setups.

If you’d prefer not to use one, that’s perfectly okay too.

What Should Baby Wear?

Honestly?

Almost nothing.

I typically tell parents not to worry too much about clothing.

I love using simple swaddles and wraps because they beautifully highlight all those tiny newborn features.

Most outfits tend to:

• Look bulky
• Swallow baby up
• Distract from their delicate details

If you’d love an outfit photograph, I usually recommend keeping it to one simple outfit.

What Should Parents and Siblings Wear?

Simple is always best.

I recommend:

• Creams
• Whites
• Beiges
• Soft grays
• Neutral earth tones

Try to keep accessories to a minimum and avoid bright neon colors.

The goal is to create images that feel soft, timeless, and centered around your newest little love.

How Can I Help Baby Sleep?

One of my favorite tips is to gently keep baby awake for about 30 to 60 minutes before the session if possible.

This might look like:

• Giving a sponge bath
• Talking and interacting
• Allowing a little extra awake time

A sleepy baby is often a relaxed baby.

And relaxed babies photograph beautifully.

But don’t stress if this doesn’t happen perfectly.

Babies have their own plans sometimes.

And that’s okay.

The Secret Ingredient: A Full Belly

We lovingly call this being “milk drunk.”

Babies sleep best when their little tummies are full.

Even if you’ve recently fed your baby, I may ask you to offer another feeding once you arrive.

Warm milk and a full tummy often help babies settle into a deep, comfortable sleep.

And remember…

Feedings, diaper changes, cuddles, and breaks are all completely normal.

In fact, I expect them.

And About Those Accidents…

They happen.

Pee happens.

Spit-up happens.

Diaper blowouts happen.

Please don’t apologize.

Please don’t feel embarrassed.

I photograph newborns because I adore babies—and babies are messy.

It’s all part of the experience.

Most Importantly…

Take a deep breath.

You don’t need to arrive with a perfectly sleeping baby, a perfectly packed diaper bag, or a perfectly planned session.

Your only job is to love on your little one.

I’ll take care of the rest.

Because these tiny newborn days are fleeting.

The sleepy stretches, curled-up fingers, fuzzy shoulders, and milk-drunk cuddles won’t last forever.

My heart behind newborn photography is simply this:

To help you slow down for a moment and preserve all the beautiful little details that you’ll someday miss the most.