Congratulations on your new arrival! If you are trying to figure out what to wear for newborn photos, welcoming a baby into the world can feel like a beautiful, whirlwind experience. When booking a lifestyle newborn session, your main focus should be soaking in those sweet early snuggles, not stressing over the details.
Because lifestyle photography focuses more on emotion, comfort, and the natural connection between your family members, the entire experience is designed to be relaxed. To help you get ready, I have broken down exactly how to style your family and prep your home for a completely stress-free session.
What to Expect on the Day
Your lifestyle newborn session will take place in your home and will last about two hours. That might sound long, but baby is in chargem and we need time for feeding, changing, and settling. There is no rushing a newborn, and I would never try.
Sessions are typically scheduled at 10am when the light in your home is softest and most flattering. When I arrive, I will walk through your space and find the best spots. This is usually your bedroom, the nursery, and your main living area. I may move a few things to clear the frame, but I will always ask first.
Also: your house does not have to be perfect. You just had a baby!
How to Prep Your Home
A little bit of prep goes a long way. Here is what actually makes a difference:
Open your blinds.
Soft, indirect natural light is what makes these images look beautiful. Before I arrive, open all the curtains and blinds in your bedroom, nursery, and living room. Not direct sun streaming in, just open and bright.
Make the bed.
Your bed is one of my favorite places to photograph newborns with family. A neutral quilt or comforter looks best. Clear off your nightstands too — it makes the whole room feel calm and tidy in photos.
Turn up the heat.
A warm baby is a sleepy baby. Warm your home a little more than usual before the session. It helps newborns relax and settle, which makes everything easier.
Tidy the main spaces.
You do not need to deep clean. Just do a quick declutter in the rooms we will likely use. If there is something in the way, I can move it when I arrive.
Wardrobe Styling: What to Wear for Newborn Photos
For Baby – Keep It Simple and Snug
When it comes to dressing a brand-new baby, less is always more. Real outfits or bulky clothes tend to engulf tiny newborns, bunching up awkwardly on camera.
The Go-To Base:
Stick to a simple, neutral-colored, form-fitting onesie (preemie or newborn size) with no graphics, logos, or distracting text.
Loungewear & Textures:
Simple, solid-color matching loungewear sets photograph beautifully. Look for cozy textures like a waffle knit set or a ribbed jogger and bodysuit combo.
The Swaddle Look:
Swaddling your newborn is one of the best looks for solo portraits. Stretchy, extra-soft swaddles in neutral tones like camel, soft pink, or muted blue make swaddling easy and look incredibly classic.
Accessories:
If you have a baby girl, tiny bows and headbands add a sweet touch without overtaking her face. For little boys, a simple top-knot beanie is an adorable way to frame their faces.
For Mom: Prioritize Comfort and Movement
Your body has just done something miraculous, and you deserve to feel completely comfortable during your session. There is absolutely no need to get stiffly dressed up!
Casual Bottoms:
Maternity jeans or soft, distressed denim are excellent options that keep the session feeling casual and authentic.
Flowy Silhouettes:
Opt for comfortable flowing skirts, maxi dresses, tops, tunics, or kimonos. These shapes move beautifully and keep you comfortable while sitting or lounging.
Casual Layers:
If dresses aren’t your style, a simple tank or tee in a light neutral tone works perfectly. You can easily elevate the look by layering an open blouse, a soft cardigan, or a light kimono over the top.
For Dad: Well-Fitting and Classic
The goal for Dad’s wardrobe is to highlight just how tiny the new baby is against his arms and chest.
The Right Fit:
Avoid baggy, oversized shirts which can detract from the intimacy of the photos. Choose a well-fitting, simple cotton t-shirt, a henley, or a basic button-down.
Color Palette:
Stick to masculine earth tones and neutrals like grays, creams, tans, navy, or olive green. Avoid bright white!
You can read more specifics about what dad should wear to a newborn session HERE.
The Secret to Stress-Free Sibling Photos
Including older siblings in your session creates beautiful memories, but it can also feel intimidating for parents. Older siblings will be right in the action—snuggling close, kissing the baby, and hanging out on the bed.
The ultimate secret to successful sibling photos is simple: give them permission to be silly.
Kids naturally want to play, dance, and wiggle around. Instead of forcing stiff, fake smiles, we let them snuggle close, hold the baby safely, or lay down next to them. By taking off the pressure to perform perfectly, we capture their genuine personality and authentic love.
- Sibling Outfits: Boys look great in classic jeans paired with a plain t-shirt or polo. Girls can wear leggings with a simple top or a basic dress.
- Safety Shorts: Because toddlers love to jump and flit about, put shorts or tights under dresses so they can move freely and comfortably.
Quick Wardrobe Rules: What to Avoid
To make sure everyone coordinates flawlessly without looking identical, keep these guidelines in mind while raiding your closets:
Skip the Patterns and Logos:
Say no to large logos, clothing text, busy polka dots, or ultra-thin stripes. Plain, textured fabrics photograph exponentially better.
Coordinate, Don’t Match:
Pick a unified color theme for the family, but don’t put everyone in the exact same color. Mix light neutrals like grays, browns, blues, creams, greens, and off-white.
Ditch the Shoes:
Since in-home sessions take place in cozy spots like the master bed or the couch, everyone should wear simple socks or go completely barefoot.
Avoid Bright White & Neons:
This is a big one! Pure, bright white can overpower the camera’s sensors. Neon colors are also a major no-go; bright pinks or greens will actually reflect a harsh, unnatural color cast right onto your newborn’s delicate skin.
How to Help Baby Have a Great Session
Feed baby right before I arrive, or on demand throughout the session. A full, warm baby is a calm baby. Do not try to keep baby on a strict schedule the day of the shoot. If baby is hungry, feed them. That is always the right call.
Baby will cry, baby may need multiple outfit changes, and Baby might not fall asleep when we want them to. This is all completely normal and it is all okay. I have done this many times, and I promise the photos will be beautiful no matter what. I let baby lead.
One more thing: do not stress about blemishes, baby acne, or marks on your little one. Everyone has them and I am a skilled retoucher. It is not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best color to wear for newborn photos?
A: The best colors to wear are soft neutrals, creams, beiges, light grays, and muted pastels. These tones ensure the camera focuses entirely on your family’s expressions rather than distracting outfits. Additionally, neutrals prevent harsh, bright colors from reflecting unnatural shades onto your newborn’s delicate skin.
Q: When should an in-home lifestyle newborn session be scheduled?
A: Lifestyle newborn photography is ideally scheduled when the baby is between 5 and 15 days old. This window catches them while they are still incredibly sleepy, stretchy, and easy to settle. Because lifestyle photography focuses on natural connection rather than rigid, prop-based posing, there is plenty of flexibility if your session needs to happen later.
Q: How can we keep our older children cooperative during the shoot?
A: The secret to capturing beautiful sibling photos is simply to give your children permission to be silly. Forcing toddlers or young kids into stiff, unnatural poses usually causes frustration. Instead, allow them to wiggle, play, and freely display their authentic affection for their new baby brother or sister.
