Newborn sessions take time and patience, but with a little preparation, they can be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. These sessions are all about capturing your baby’s first days in a calm and comfortable environment. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it.
Packing Checklist
- Plenty of Diapers & Wipes
- Extra Milk/ Bottles
- Parent/ Sibling outfits if needed
- Pacifier/ Hair brush
- Baby go home outfit
- Two soft blankets
- Anything to make you comfortable
- Ex. Nursing pillow, water, snacks, reading material.
The studio will be warm to keep baby comfortable
*Outfits for Parent/Sibling Photos - Parents look best in simple, neutral tops (avoid any prints, bright/bold tops and nail polish). Skin-to-skin is always a beautiful option. Timeless neutrals—whites, creams, and browns photograph beautifully. Pair with khaki/brown bottoms.
*Pacifier – Highly recommended, even if baby doesn’t usually take one. It can make all the difference in soothing during posing and transitions.
Before you leave...
Bathe Baby
A bath isn’t just for keeping baby clean and giving them that soft, fluffy hair - it also keeps them awake so they’ll be ready for a good nap during the session. If your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off, give a full bath; otherwise, a sponge bath works perfectly. The key is to take your time and stretch the bath out a little longer than usual. Lingering helps tire baby out and sets us up for those cozy, sleepy photos.
Full Feeding - Feed the Baby
Give your baby a FULL Feeding right before getting in the car. This is not a “snack” feeding- tickle feet, change the diaper, do anything and everything you can to keep the baby awake and ensure a full feeding. A full tummy equals a sleepy baby!
Tip- Get dressed and packed before feeding baby so its the last thing you do before heading to studio! If this does not work you can feed baby at the studio once we take his/her clothes off.
What to Expect...
Sibling/Family Photos Come First
If siblings are included, have them dressed and ready at the start of the session.
Arrange for someone to take them home afterward so they don’t have to wait through the full session.
Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Newborn sessions typically take 3–4 hours to allow for feeding, soothing, and outfit changes. Baby is always the one in charge, and the entire flow of the session is led fully by their needs. Please let anyone joining you know about the session length and encourage them to bring something to stay comfortable and occupied during this time (books, snacks, or activities). Stay calm and embrace the slow pace, it’s all part of the art in capturing those beautifully posed photos.
Health & Safety Notice
For the safety of all babies and families, sessions will need to be rescheduled if your baby arrives with any signs of illness, including but not limited to:
- Eye discharge, crusting, or “goopy” eyes
- Red or swollen eyes
- Fever, congestion, or excessive coughing
- Skin rashes or unexplained irritation
Eye discharge can sometimes be associated with contagious conditions, and newborns are especially vulnerable. If you notice eye drainage before your session, please contact me as soon as possible so we can reschedule.
There is no penalty for rescheduling due to illness, and your session fee will be applied to the new date.
Thank you for understanding and helping keep my studio a safe, clean space for every baby 🤍
