How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session
Bringing your baby home is an exciting, emotional, and often exhausting time. If you're getting ready for your session, this guide will help you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. If you haven't booked your session yet, you can learn more about my Raleigh newborn photographer experience. Once your session is reserved, these simple tips will help everything feel calm, relaxed, and enjoyable—for both you and your baby.
After photographing more than 400 newborn sessions over the past 19+ years, I've learned that the best photographs happen when parents feel relaxed. Don't worry about having everything perfect. Babies have their own schedules, and every session is designed around their needs.
What to Dress Your Baby In
Please have your baby arrive already dressed in a simple outfit that photographs well. Changing outfits after you arrive can wake your baby and interrupt their sleepy state from the car ride, so it's best to have them ready to go. We'll begin the session by gently taking them out of their car seat and placing them on a soft white blanket, creating the perfect opportunity to capture a few natural, lifestyle-inspired images before we transition into family or posed portraits.
What Should Parents Wear?
Your baby will naturally be the center of every photograph, so soft, neutral clothing helps keep the focus where it belongs.
For moms, beautiful choices include:
- White dress
- Cream sweater
- Soft beige
- Light neutral blouse
For dads:
- White shirt
- Light gray
- Cream
- Soft neutral tones
Try to avoid:
- Bright colors
- Large graphics
- Busy prints
- Neon shades
- Black shirts whenever possible
The studio stays warm throughout the session to keep your newborn comfortable, so lightweight clothing is usually the most comfortable choice for parents.
Please arrive dressed and camera-ready so we can begin photographing your family as soon as everyone settles in.
Helping Baby Be Ready
Every baby is different, so there isn't a perfect formula.
Try to keep mittens on his/her hands 2-3 days prior to the session so they don’t scratch their face. Newborn socks might stay on the hands better.
Try not letting the baby sleep all morning. We want a sleepy baby for the session. Give a nice long bath. Why? Because baby won’t sleep in the tub. Stretch it out as long as you can. If baby still has the cord stump, you can still give a nice long sponge bath in a warm room.
Next lotion baby up. Take your time and stretch this out as well. Not only will it help with keeping baby awake, but it will also moisturize his/her skin so it is nice and soft for photos.
Don't stress if your baby falls asleep in the car—that happens all the time.
The session always moves at your baby's pace.
Feed Baby Before the Session
A full tummy almost always helps babies feel relaxed and sleepy.
If possible, give your baby a full feeding shortly before leaving home.
If you're traveling a longer distance, it's completely normal to give another small feeding once you arrive at the studio.
Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a combination of both, we'll work around whatever your baby needs.
Bringing a Pacifier
Even if your baby doesn't normally use a pacifier, I recommend bringing one just in case.
Sometimes a pacifier can briefly soothe baby between poses without interrupting the flow of the session.
Many families never need it.
Others are very happy they brought one.
Either way, it's always nice to have the option available.
What to Bring
Most parents are surprised by how little they actually need.
I recommend bringing:
- Extra diapers
- Snacks
- Wipes
- Formula or bottles if needed
- Pacifier
- Extra outfit for baby, accidents happen.
- Burp cloth
Everything else is already waiting for you at the studio.
Blankets, posing accessories, headbands, bonnets, and wraps are all provided.
What If My Baby Won't Sleep?
One of the most common questions I hear is:
"What if my baby won't sleep?"
The good news is—you don't need to worry.
After photographing more than 400 newborn sessions, I've learned that every baby is different. Some sleep soundly from the moment they arrive, while others need more family photos because they don't settle unless being held.
There is no "perfect" baby for newborn photography.
Some of my favorite images happen when babies are quietly looking around, stretching, or making those sweet little expressions that parents never want to forget.
We simply follow your baby's lead and create beautiful images together.
Parent & Family Photos
Your newborn session isn't just about your baby.
It's about documenting the beginning of your family's story.
We'll capture natural photographs of:
- Mom with baby
- Dad with baby
- Both parents together
- Siblings (if attending)
Don't worry about knowing how to pose.
I'll gently guide you into natural, comfortable positions that feel genuine rather than forced.
The goal is to create photographs that feel timeless and full of connection.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Parents often tell me they're nervous before arriving.
They wonder if their baby will cooperate.
If they'll cry.
If they'll feed enough.
If they'll sleep.
Those worries are completely normal.
The wonderful thing about newborn photography is that babies don't have to perform.
They simply need to be themselves.
I've photographed hundreds of newborns over the past 19 years, and every session unfolds a little differently.
That's part of the beauty of it.
Some babies sleep deeply.
Some love being wrapped.
Some want extra cuddles.
Your only job is to relax and enjoy these first precious weeks with your little one.
Quick Preparation Checklist
Before leaving home, here's a simple checklist to help your session run smoothly.
✓ Dress baby in a simple neutral outfit.
✓ Wear soft neutral clothing for family photographs.
✓ Feed baby shortly before leaving home.
✓ Bring bottles or formula if needed.
✓ Pack a pacifier, even if you rarely use one.
✓ Bring extra diapers and wipes.
✓ Arrive ready to relax and enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby cries during the session?
That's completely normal. I will move on to something else. Normally I find what works:-)
What age is best for newborn photos?
The ideal time is usually within the first 5–14 days, when babies tend to sleep more deeply and curl naturally into those classic newborn poses. That said, beautiful newborn portraits are absolutely possible outside this window as well.
How long does a newborn session last?
Most sessions last between 1-2 hours.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely.
Family photographs are one of the most meaningful parts of your newborn session, and siblings are always welcome if they're included in your session.
Ready for Your Session? The days with a newborn pass incredibly quickly, and my goal is to make your session one of the easiest parts of those first few weeks. Everything is prepared before you arrive so you can simply enjoy the experience while I document these fleeting moments for your family.