How to Prepare for a Newborn Photoshoot

Welcoming a new baby into the world is filled with anticipation, excitement, and a long list of things to prepare. One question many parents ask before their session is how to prepare for a newborn photoshoot and what they can do to help the experience go smoothly.

The good news is that newborn sessions are designed to move at your baby’s pace. With a little preparation beforehand, the experience can feel calm, comfortable, and focused on the connection between your family and your new baby.

When to Schedule Your Newborn Photos

Newborn photography sessions are typically scheduled during the first few weeks after your baby arrives. Because these early days pass quickly, many families reserve their newborn session during pregnancy so space is held around their due date.

Once your baby arrives, the exact session date is finalized. This flexible approach allows time to photograph your baby during those early weeks while also giving families time to recover and settle in at home.

Many parents begin researching newborn photographers during the second trimester so they can secure a photographer whose style they love before their baby arrives.

How to Prepare Your Baby

One of the most helpful things you can do when preparing for a newborn photoshoot is simply making sure your baby is comfortable and well fed.

Many families find it helpful to feed their baby shortly before leaving for the session. A full baby often settles more easily and helps the session flow naturally. If you have a longer drive to the studio, feeding once you arrive can work just as well.

Dressing your baby in something that opens in the front, such as button-down or zip-down pajamas, can also be helpful. This allows us to gently transfer a sleepy baby into one of the custom knit newborn outfits provided in the studio without pulling clothing over their head.

If your baby arrives sleepy, this makes it easier to move them comfortably into the wraps or hand-knit pieces used during the session. Many families love these soft textures because they create the cozy and timeless look seen throughout newborn photography. You can see examples and additional outfit ideas in this guide on what to wear for newborn photos.

On the morning of the session, it is best to avoid lotions or diaper rash creams. These products can leave residue on your baby’s skin and on fabrics used during the session.

If we plan to photograph your baby without clothing for some of the images, a warm bath before leaving home can also help your baby relax and settle more comfortably for the session.

Newborn sessions remain flexible, allowing time for feeding, soothing, and settling whenever your baby needs it.

How Parents and Siblings Can Prepare

Parents often worry about whether toddlers or older siblings will cooperate during a newborn session. The best approach is simply to keep expectations relaxed and allow children to participate naturally.

Choosing comfortable clothing and arriving with a little extra time helps everyone ease into the session. When siblings feel comfortable and unhurried, it becomes much easier to capture natural moments between them and the new baby.

For younger siblings, bringing a small bag with favorite snacks, a tablet, or a quiet activity can be helpful during the session. These small comforts can help children stay relaxed while we photograph the newborn.

If it makes the experience easier, we can also photograph family and sibling images first so younger children can finish early. Some families also plan the session around nap times so siblings arrive well rested.

Because the studio is located near a park, many families choose to have dad or a grandparent take older siblings outside to play once their portion of the session is complete. This helps keep the session calm and allows parents to focus on the newborn portion of the experience.

Many of the most meaningful photographs happen in small moments, such as siblings gently holding a baby’s hand or leaning in close to meet their new brother or sister. Keeping the atmosphere calm and simple allows these connections to unfold naturally.

What to Bring to Your Newborn Photoshoot

Most newborn sessions are intentionally simple, and very little needs to be brought to the studio.

Parents may want to bring:

• extra diapers
• bottles or feeding supplies
• a pacifier
• snacks or quiet activities for siblings
• a simple change of clothes for baby

In many studio sessions, wraps, blankets, and newborn outfits are provided so parents can focus on enjoying the experience instead of worrying about styling.

The goal is to keep the session comfortable and unhurried while allowing time to capture natural moments between your baby and your family.

What to Expect During Your Newborn Photoshoot

Many parents arrive at their newborn session unsure of what the experience will look like. Newborn sessions are intentionally unhurried and move at your baby’s pace.

Time is set aside for feeding, soothing, and settling your baby comfortably between photographs. Some babies sleep deeply throughout the session, while others stay awake for much of the time. Both are completely normal and can create beautiful photographs.

Newborn photography focuses on capturing the quiet details of these early days, from tiny fingers and curled toes to the way your baby fits naturally in your arms.

Rather than rushing through poses, the session allows space for these small moments to unfold naturally.

Sessions photographed in my Loveland newborn photography studio are designed to feel calm and comfortable for families, with soft natural light and a simple, neutral environment that keeps the focus on your baby.

Preparing Your Home for Lifestyle Newborn Photos

If your newborn session takes place in your home, you do not need a perfectly styled space. Simple areas with natural light, such as a bedroom, living room, or nursery, often photograph beautifully.

Neutral bedding, soft blankets, and uncluttered spaces help keep the focus on your baby and your family. Natural light near windows creates a soft, timeless look that works beautifully for newborn photography.

In-home sessions are designed to capture the feeling of your family settling into life with your new baby, so the focus remains on connection rather than perfection.

Relax and Trust the Process

The most important part of preparing for a newborn photoshoot is remembering that these sessions are designed around your baby.

Newborns often have their own rhythm, and the session allows time for feeding, soothing, and settling as needed. Some babies sleep deeply while others remain more alert, and both can create beautiful photographs that reflect this early season of life.

The newborn stage passes quietly and quickly. Photographs from this season often become some of the most meaningful images families hold onto as the years pass.

If you would like to learn more about the experience, you can explore my newborn photography sessions here.