How To Prepare for Your Newborn Session

How To Prepare for Your Newborn Session In The Comfort of Your Own Home

One of the most convenient aspects of an in-home newborn session is that you don’t need to go anywhere. I will come to you, bring you coffee, and ensure that you and your baby are at ease in your own home. The only requirement is that there is enough natural light in the rooms where the photos will be taken. One medium to a large window is all I need.

You Don’t Need a Spotless Home When You Prepare For Your Newborn Session

A simple decluttering of a few key areas, such as the nursery, primary bedroom, and living room, is sufficient.

Focus on tidying up the spaces where photos will be taken. Remove items like cups, breast pumps, and papers from surfaces to avoid distractions. A quick tidy-up can make a big difference.

When I arrive, if I see anything that may be distracting, I can simply move it. Please do not feel like you have to stress about this part. It is not uncommon for me to help make your bed and tidy up a few coffee tables or nightstands. There is no judgment; I am here to help make this easy for you and your family.

What You Will Need When You Are Preparing For Your Newborn Session

Swaddles and Onesies

An off-white or neutral-colored swaddle is ideal as it avoids harsh color casts on your baby’s skin in photos. If you prefer more colorful options, muted tones work best.

If you aren’t sure where to start, just place your baby in a plain off-white or neutral-colored onesie. It provides a clean, classic look and can be easily layered with other outfits or swaddles. I will bring a few options as well.

Home Environment

Keep your home comfortably warm. In colder months, a space heater can help, and in summer, turning off the air conditioning temporarily can ensure your baby isn’t too cool. Find what works for you and just keep in mind that babies get colder quicker than we do.

What to Wear

For Mom, choose neutrals and muted tones that photograph beautifully against your baby’s skin. Maxi dresses, camisoles, and loose clothing are perfect for comfort, while muted tones work well if you prefer more colorful attire.

Dad should consider a henley shirt and jeans or a button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves. However, avoid graphics, lettering, neon colors, and socks with shorts or tennis shoes.

Siblings should dress comfortably in outfits that coordinate with the rest of the family; matching isn’t necessary.

For the baby, start with a white onesie, and then we can layer swaddles, blankets, or outfits that you love over it.

RELATED POST: WHAT TO WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS

What to Expect

Session Length

Plan for a maximum of two hours for your session; most sessions take about ninety minutes. This timeframe allows for diaper changes, feedings, and any other needs that may arise. There’s no rush—we’ll take our time to capture many beautiful moments.

Preparing Baby

If possible, feed your baby before I arrive to ensure they are more content at the start of the session. If your baby needs to eat during the session, that’s perfectly fine too. We can capture some beautiful nursing or bottle-feeding moments.

Preparing Siblings

Please remember that this is a huge transition for each family member, especially older siblings. They are likely facing a lot of emotions and changes.

We don’t tell them this, but they are really in control of the session. I want to make them as comfortable as possible, and I do that by giving them breaks and a lot of choices.

Please know you do not have to tell them to smile or practice. Let me photograph the real moments they are enjoying with their new best buddy!

Final Thoughts On How To Prepare for Your Newborn Session

I am thrilled to be part of this incredible time in your lives and can’t wait to document these precious moments. By following these tips, you’ll help ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable newborn photo session.

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