How to Prepare for Your Home for Your Newborn Session
One of my favorite things about in home newborn sessions is that we get to document your family exactly where so much of this season is happening: at home.
Your nursery, your bed, the couch where you've spent countless hours feeding and snuggling your baby. These sessions are relaxed, baby led, and focused much more on connection than perfection.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare.
Keep Baby Warm
Babies love to be warm and cozy. Before I arrive, turn off ceiling fans in the rooms we may use and make sure your house isn't too chilly.
We'll likely photograph baby in a simple onesie, swaddle, or sometimes just a diaper under a blanket, so keeping the house comfortable can help baby stay settled.
Feed Baby Before We Start
If possible, feed baby shortly before the session begins. A full baby is usually much happier to snuggle and sleep while we photograph.
But please don't stress about timing it perfectly. I build plenty of time into newborn sessions for feeding, changing, soothing, and breaks.
If you'd like breastfeeding or feeding photographs, we can absolutely include those too. We can even start the session that way if you'd like.
Try for a Little Awake Time Beforehand
If your baby's schedule allows, try keeping them awake for an hour or so before your session. This can sometimes help us get those sleepy newborn moments once we begin.
And if it doesn't work? That's completely fine. We'll follow baby's lead.
If your baby uses a pacifier, have that nearby too!
You Don't Need to Clean Your Whole House
Please don't deep clean your entire house for me!
When I arrive, I'll look around and find the rooms with the best natural light. We typically photograph in the nursery, primary bedroom, living room, or anywhere with beautiful windows.
Simply declutter the spaces you think we might use. Clear nightstands, tuck away cords and bottles, straighten bedding, and move anything you wouldn't want in the background.
Natural light is much more important to me than a perfectly styled room.
What to Wear
Think soft, comfortable, and true to your family.
For mom, I love a maxi dress for newborn sessions, but it is absolutely not a requirement. Jeans with a soft top, cardigan, or kimono can photograph beautifully too.
I recommend staying away from extremely bright colors, which can reflect color onto baby's skin, as well as large logos and very busy patterns.
For dad, keep things simple. Jeans or chinos with a neutral T-shirt, henley, or casual button-down work beautifully.
You don't need to match. Instead, choose colors and textures that complement one another and feel natural in your home.
Keep Baby Simple
A neutral onesie and a swaddle are really all you need.
I bring blankets and a few accessories with me, so don't feel like you need to plan multiple newborn outfits.
If you have a meaningful heirloom, special blanket, or sentimental item you'd like photographed, have it nearby and we'll find a natural way to include it.
Don't Worry About Perfect
Your house doesn't have to be perfect. Your baby doesn't need to sleep the entire time. Older siblings don't have to sit still.
These sessions are about documenting your family in this very short season of life.
We'll make time for feeding, changing, soothing, snuggling, and everything else that comes with having a brand-new baby.
The little in between moments are often the ones you'll end up loving the most.
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