Last Updated on 09/06/2025 by Armands Sprogis
How to Prepare for a Newborn Photo Session – Parents’ Guide
If you are not sure how to prepare for a newborn photo session, you are not alone. Many parents feel unsure about what to expect, what to bring, or how to help their baby stay calm during the shoot. Since 2010, I have photographed hundreds of newborns and developed a clear, step-by-step process that makes sessions smooth and stress-free.
This guide gives you straightforward, practical advice on how to prepare for a newborn photo session. You will learn when to schedule your session, what to pack, how to dress, and how to plan ahead so the day runs efficiently from start to finish.
If you are still on the maternity stage, don’t forget to check out my DIY Maternity Photos at Home guide.
1. When Should You Schedule a Newborn Photo Session?
Preparation for a newborn session starts before the baby is even born. I recommend booking your session soon after your 12-week pregnancy scan. The earlier you schedule, the more likely you are to secure a slot with your preferred photographer.
Newborn photographers often limit the number of sessions per month to allow for flexibility around due dates. Once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm the actual session date.
Tip: Want to know how to choose the right photographer? Check out my guide: What to Ask Your Newborn Photographer
2. When Is the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos?
This depends on the style of photos you love. If you want sleepy, curled-up newborn poses, we usually aim for the first two weeks after birth. That said, I photograph babies up to six weeks old and always capture beautiful images, no matter the timing.
Don’t worry if you missed the “ideal window.” Your session can still be meaningful and magical. I’ve written more on this in my post: The Truth About the Best Time for Newborn Photos
3. What to Pack for a Newborn Photo Session
One of the most common questions I get is what to bring. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:
For Baby:
- Nappies, wipes, muslins
- A spare change of clothes
- A soft brush (if baby has hair)
- Bottles and formula (if applicable)
- A dummy or pacifier — even if baby doesn’t usually take one
- Two plain, soft blankets
- Any heirloom items or personal props you’d like included
For Parents:
- Water and snacks
- Spare clothing (just in case accidents do happen)
- Comfortable, neutral-toned outfits for photos
For Siblings:
- Two changes of clothes
- Snacks, water, an activity like a book, a game to play or something to watch.
- Hairbrush or accessories for girls
For Grandparents:
- Clothing that coordinates with your family palette
- We usually take grandparent photos early, so they can relax afterward
For Pets:
- Blanket for resting
- Water bowl
- Treats/toys for motivation and reward
TIP: Preparing everything the night before can make your morning smoother and your session more relaxed.
4. What clothing to prepare for a newborn photo session
Clothing choices can make a big difference in your final photos. I always suggest light neutrals for a clean, timeless look or deeper tones if you’re going for a moody, dramatic background.
Avoid bold prints, logos, or clashing colors. You don’t need to match exactly, but try to coordinate tones — think beige, cream, grey, taupe, soft pastels or muted jewel tones.
You can find more outfit inspiration in my What to Wear for a Newborn Session blog post.
5. Keeping Baby Awake Before the Session.
This isn’t essential, but if you can keep the baby awake for an hour or so before arriving, it can help them settle into sleep once we’re ready to begin.
Loose, soft clothing with zips (not buttons) is ideal. This helps avoid marks on the skin and makes undressing easier. Avoid tight socks, hats, or elastic waistbands that leave impressions.
6. Feeding Tips for a Successful Newborn Session
Many guides suggest feeding the baby before arriving, but I recommend the opposite.
Feeding just before you leave the house usually means the baby will sleep in the car and arrive wide awake. Instead, come to the studio ready for a full feed.
Once baby is undressed and wrapped, we’ll feed them in the warm studio. This often leads to that perfect post-feed sleep we need to start your session smoothly.
If you’re bottle feeding, try to warm the milk. Room temperature milk can sometimes cause tummy discomfort or fussiness.
TIP: Plan your route and travel time the night before
7. Mindset and Expectations: The Most Important Preparation
If you’re wondering how to prepare for a newborn photo session emotionally, the answer is simple — come with low expectations and a relaxed mindset
No two babies are alike. Some will sleep through every pose, while others may need extra cuddles, time, and patience. That’s completely normal.
While it’s great to have inspiration or a wish list of photos, try not to fixate on specific poses. Babies have preferences, and we always work with what they’re comfortable doing.
As a professional photographer with over a decade of experience and more than 1,000 newborns photographed, I’ve learned to adapt to every situation. You can trust that your baby is in safe, experienced hands.
Use this time to relax, breathe, and bond with your baby and your partner. You’ve got this.
Extra considerations for your newborn session preparation.
Prepare with the end goal in mind.
A key part of how to prepare for a newborn photo session is knowing how you plan to use the images. If you are hanging portraits on the wall, think about the room’s colour scheme, the frames you will use, and whether you want light or dark toned images. A consistent tone looks more cohesive in a wall display, while albums allow for more variety.
Check the lighting in the room where the images will go. Natural light and wall colour can affect how the portraits look once printed. Matching image tones to your space helps the final display feel intentional.
I always discuss colour preferences and display plans with parents in advance. This helps guide styling choices and ensures your photos fit beautifully into your home.
Now that you know how to prepare for a newborn photo session, you’re already ahead of the game. The more you prepare, the more enjoyable and relaxed your experience will be — and that always shows in the photos.
If you haven’t booked your session yet or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you.
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