How Should I Dress My Baby for a Newborn Photo Shoot

Now that you’ve booked your newborn photography session, you may be wondering how to dress baby. Here are some of my top ideas for baby’s outfit.

A plain colored sleeper:

If you want to keep it simple, a plain colored sleeper is perfect. These are great for the colder months as baby will stay warm and comfortable. I adore Bonsie Baby. They have a great range of colors and the front opening makes them fantastic for skin to skin. I used these for my youngest baby and highly recommend them for every day wear as well as for your newborn session. Colors that photograph well include oat, peony, fog, and avocado.

A plain colored onesie:

For your summer babies, you may want to dress them in a plain onesie. You can pick these up almost anywhere. Pinks, greys, light blues, and creams are all beautiful options for newborn pictures.

If you want something a little more fancy:

I absolutely love the clothes from Jamie Kay. They have the cutest little bloomers and onesies, as well as knit overalls and cardigans. If you are doing an outfit like this for your newborn photos, it’s really important to make sure it fits your baby well and isn’t oversized. When outfits are too big, they can take swallow the baby. We still want your beautiful baby to be the focus during your photography session.

You should have a swaddle on hand for your baby’s session

I personally love the quilts from Brixton Phoenix. The are larger than a typical swaddle and there are many beautiful prints.

Keep your home colors in mind while dressing baby:

If you’re going to display your photos fro m your newborn session (and you should), you’ll want to keep your home’s decor in mind. This is why neutrals are so great.

The most important thing is to keep in simple. You baby is so beautiful, more beautiful than any outfit so let’s focus on that sweet face, rather than what they’re wearing.

Can a newborn session be held outdoors?

While the majority of newborn session are held at home, every now and then I have someone ask if we can do their newborn session outdoors. At the end of the day, they’re your photos and I want you to love them so if that’s what you desire, then that’s what we’ll do. There are some things to keep in mind though:

The weather

Little babies can’t regulate their temperature so shooting outdoors at any time other than summer is probably going to be too cold for them. If you do wish to have an outdoor newborn session in the cooler months, you’ll just want to make sure baby is well wrapped up.

Time of day

The best lighting for outdoor sessions is the hour before sunset. If your session is in summer, this could be quite late. If staying up until sunset isn’t feasible for your family, we will need to find a place that offers shade.

Have a helper

This isn’t so necessary if you just have the one baby, but if you have a toddler or two, it could be helpful to have an extra pair of helping hands. Since you’re recovering from childbirth, you won’t be able to move or chase toddlers as quickly as you used to.

Bring a swaddle or blanket with you in case of wind

It’s always handy to have an extra blanket in case of cold/wind. This will help baby feel comfortable.

Consider wearing something nursing friendly

If you are nursing, you want to make sure your outfit is easy to nurse in.

As for any session, try on your outfits before the session day

There is nothing more stressful than putting on your outfits and discovering they don’t fit. Please make sure you try on outfits on the day to eliminate any stress on session day.

Should I have a fresh 48 session or an at home newborn session?

Now that photographers are allowed back into hospitals, you may be wondering whether you should have a Fresh 48 session or an at home newborn session. Both options have benefits. Here is what I love about each option:

Fresh 48 Sessions

Fresh 48 sessions take place in the hospital, in the first day or two after baby’s arrival.

1. Little details you’ll find only in the hospital can be captured such as, the hospital bracelets, the plastic bassinet, the little hat.

2. There are so many little things that only a tiny baby has that can be photographed like the umbilical cord stump and flakey feet.

3. You don’t need to do anything special for your session, no cleaning up, no special outfits. I’ll photograph you exactly how you are.

4. Fresh 48 sessions are quick. With all that is going on in the hospital, I can be in and out with all the necessary images in no more than thirty minutes.

5. The time spent in the hospital is so special but fleeting. A photo session is the perfect way to remember what life was like those first few hours of babies life.

In home newborn session:

Newborn lifestyle sessions can take place at your home any time in the first month of baby’s life:

1. By waiting a week or two after baby’s birth, mothers often feel more put together and ready for photos.

2. We can incorporate spaces you’ve put so much time and energy into, such as the nursery.

3. Baby’s are still tiny and will often sleep for the majority of the session so you can still get sleepy images (most of the time), just like a Fresh 48 session.

4. If there are siblings, they can be involved. Pets are also welcome!

5. Everyone is relaxed and comfortable in their own home.

Still can’t decide? How about both! A Fresh 48 + newborn bundle is $1,275.00. A $350 retainer is required to book with the remainder being split into two payments due at the time of the sessions. Any questions? Send me a message.