Newborn Session Tips for Parents
Every newborn is a little different when it comes to being handled and posed, so during the session I always follow your baby’s comfort level and cues. At this age, babies usually want to feel warm, secure, well-fed, and snuggled. My goal is to keep your baby as comfortable and content as possible so we can capture those peaceful, beautiful newborn moments.
Swaddled Photos
Most newborns don’t enjoy being changed or disturbed too often, so I try to keep outfit changes to a minimum to avoid overstimulating them. If there is a special outfit you would like your baby photographed in, I will usually photograph that first before moving on to the swaddled portion of the session.
Once your baby is securely wrapped in my basic newborn swaddle, I normally keep that inner swaddle in place throughout the wrapped setups. Newborns can easily become unsettled when their arms and legs are repeatedly uncovered or repositioned, especially while they are sleeping.
Instead of completely unwrapping her between each setup, I can layer different fabrics, wraps, blankets, and accessories over the basic swaddle to create a variety of looks that coordinate with each scene. This allows us to create beautiful variety while keeping your baby warm, secure, comfortable, and hopefully peacefully asleep.
Newborn photography is very different from a regular portrait session. It requires patience, time, and flexibility, and the session could take up to 3 hours depending on feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and how Delta is feeling that day.
I may ask for a little help from you from time to time, but for most of the session, you are welcome to sit back, relax, enjoy watching, or even take a little nap!
After the session, I also spend additional time carefully retouching your baby’s skin and perfecting the final images while keeping everything soft and natural.
To help me prepare for your newborn session, you are welcome to choose 1–3 newborn setups or photos from my Newborn portfolio that you especially love. I’ll use those as inspiration when planning her session.
My priority is always your baby’s comfort and safety while creating beautiful photographs your family can treasure for years to come.
Before the Session
Prepare Your Baby
If needed, gently clean away any flaky skin or dried milk around your baby’s face with a soft washcloth. You may also trim your baby’s fingernails and toenails beforehand with baby-safe trimmers.
If your baby has any bandages from heel pricks, vaccines, or medical appointments, you may remove them ahead of time when appropriate so any temporary marks have time to fade.
Feeding
Newborns may want to feed more frequently during the session, especially while being handled and posed, so please plan for a few extra feeding breaks if needed.
Encourage a Relaxed, Sleepy Baby
If it works naturally with your baby’s routine, a little awake time before leaving for the studio can sometimes help them settle more easily once they arrive. A bath, diaper change, feeding, or some gentle interaction can be helpful.
Feed and Burp Before Leaving
A comfortable, well-fed baby is often easier to settle. If the timing works with your baby’s schedule, feeding and burping them shortly before leaving can be helpful.
The car ride to the studio may also help lull them to sleep.
At the Session
Dress Comfortably
The studio will be kept warm to help your baby stay cozy during the session, so I recommend dressing in layers so you can adjust as needed.
Try to Relax
If your baby is fussy, awake, or needs extra feeding and soothing, please don’t worry. That is completely normal during newborn sessions. We will take breaks whenever needed and let your baby set the pace.
What to Bring
Please consider bringing:
Pacifiers, if your baby uses one
Extra milk or formula if bottle-feeding
Plenty of diapers and wipes
Diaper cream or other changing essentials
Snacks and water for yourself
Snacks or entertainment for siblings
Any special toy, keepsake, or prop you would like included
Any special baby outfit or accessory you would like photographed
An extra shirt or outfit for yourself, just in case—newborn accidents happen!
If you would like to bring a special outfit, prop, blanket, or accessory, please let me know ahead of time so I can coordinate it with the colors and setups I have planned.
Wardrobe Suggestions
Mom
Neutral, soft, and simple clothing photographs beautifully and keeps the focus on you and your baby. Cream, beige, white, soft gray, and other muted colors usually work especially well.
Natural makeup and clean, tidy nails are also recommended since your hands may appear in close-up photographs with your baby.
Dad
Simple, neutral-colored clothing works best. Avoid large logos, bright patterns, or anything that may distract from the baby.
Freshly groomed facial hair and clean, trimmed nails are recommended, especially for close-up images of Dad holding the baby.
Siblings
Simple, solid-colored clothing is ideal. Neutral and soft colors photograph beautifully and help keep the attention on the family and the new baby.
For younger siblings, please bring a few mess-free snacks and something quiet to keep them entertained.
Because newborn sessions can last up to 3 hours, I normally photograph sibling and family images near the beginning of the session. If you have young children, it may be helpful to arrange for another family member to take them home or somewhere fun afterward so they do not have to wait through the entire newborn session.
A Few Final Tips
Newborns are wonderfully unpredictable, and every session unfolds a little differently. Feeding breaks, diaper changes, cuddles, and extra soothing are all completely normal.
If you have any special ideas, sentimental items, concerns, or specific images you are hoping for, please let me know before the session so I can plan accordingly.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy this sweet stage with your baby. Some of the most beautiful photographs happen naturally in the little moments between poses.
Let’s Create Beautiful Memories
Following these tips will help us create a comfortable and relaxed experience for both you and your baby.
I’m so excited to photograph Delta and capture this incredibly special season for your family!
