This guide is a collection of simple, photographer-approved tips to help you feel prepared and confident for your newborn session. With a little planning, we can keep things calm, comfortable, and baby-led—so you can focus on enjoying the experience. My goal is to create timeless images while making the process as smooth as possible for your family.
⏰ Timing is Everything
Newborn sessions are typically best scheduled within the first two weeks of life—ideally when baby is around 7 – 10 days old. At this stage, babies tend to be sleepier and naturally curl into those cozy, womb-like poses. To make sure you have a spot on the calendar, I recommend booking during pregnancy (we’ll pencil in a tentative date and adjust once baby arrives).
👶 Preparing Your Baby
- Try to keep baby awake for 1–2 hours before the session (a bath or some gentle play can help).
- Plan to feed baby right before you leave home or as soon as you arrive, so they’re full and sleepy.
- Bring extra milk/formula (more than you think you’ll need) for top-up feeds during the session.
- Dress baby in loose, easy-to-remove clothing to avoid red marks on the skin (zip sleepers are great).
- Pack a pacifier —it can be a helpful soothing tool between setups.
👜 What to Bring
- Extra diapers (newborn sessions can go through a few).
- Wipes and any diaper cream you prefer.
- Burp cloths (spit-ups happen—totally normal).
- A change of clothes for baby (and an extra top for parents if you’d like).
- Sentimental items or special props (a blanket from a grandparent, a meaningful toy, etc.).
- Snacks and water for parents—sessions are relaxed but can be a bit long.
👕 Wardrobe Suggestions
For family photos, aim for outfits that feel coordinated without being overly “matched.” Soft neutrals, pastels, and complementary tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby’s features and connection with you. If possible, avoid busy patterns, large logos, and very bright colors, as they can distract and reflect color onto skin in close-up images.
⭐ Session Day Tips
- Arrive on time (or let me know if you’re running late)—a calm start sets the tone for the whole session.
- Keep baby warm and cozy; newborns settle best in a comfortably warm space.
- Plan for a longer session—newborn sessions often take 2–3 hours to allow time for feeding, soothing, and breaks.
- Trust the guidance—I’ll pose baby safely, watch for comfort cues, and adjust as needed throughout.
- Relax and enjoy it—your calm presence helps baby settle, and these quiet moments are part of the memory.
These first days are fleeting, and it’s an honor to help you preserve them. Thank you for trusting me with such a meaningful season—your only job is to love on your baby, and I’ll take care of the rest. I can’t wait to create beautiful, timeless memories with you.