1. Choose the Right Time

Newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first 10 to 14 days after birth. During this time, babies are typically very sleepy and tend to curl up naturally, making it easier and safer to pose them in those adorable positions. This window allows us to capture those peaceful, dreamy images that are truly timeless.

When selecting the time of day, morning or early afternoon sessions are usually ideal. During these hours, babies are often calmer and more likely to be sleepy, which helps the session flow smoothly. Evening sessions may sometimes find your little one a bit more alert or fussy, so planning earlier can make a big difference.

2. Bath Time to Help Calm

If you’ve started giving your baby baths, consider giving them a gentle bath before the session. A warm bath can be very soothing and often helps babies relax and fall asleep more easily. This calm, sleepy state can make the photography session smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

3. Feeding and Comfort

Feeding your baby before the session is one of the best ways to help them feel relaxed and sleepy, which makes posing and capturing those precious moments much easier. Try to feed your baby at least 10 minutes before we start, and be sure to burp them well to prevent any discomfort caused by gas. This small step can help keep your baby calm throughout the shoot.

It’s also helpful to bring extra formula or breast milk, as newborn sessions usually last several hours to allow for feeding, diaper changes, and plenty of soothing breaks. These pauses are essential to ensure your baby’s comfort and well-being during the session.

If your baby gets fussy or unsettled at any point, don’t worry! This is completely normal. I’m patient and flexible, and we’ll take all the time needed to soothe and comfort your little one. My goal is to create a calm and safe environment so we can capture beautiful, peaceful images you’ll treasure forever.

4. Clothing and Outfits

Choosing the right outfits can really elevate your photos and create that soft, timeless look that works beautifully in newborn photography. I always recommend keeping it simple, neutral, and comfortable.

For moms, flowy dresses or soft tops in neutral tones like ivory, beige, blush, or muted earth tones photograph beautifully. For dads, a plain shirt or a light knit in similar tones works well. Try to avoid busy patterns, logos, or neon colors — we want the focus to stay on your connection and your sweet baby.

For your newborn, I recommend front-open clothing — it’s easier to change without disturbing your baby, especially if they’re sleepy or fussy. No need to pull anything over their head during the session.

The best part? I provide a curated selection of beautiful, neutral-colored outfits for both newborns and mommies. You don’t have to worry about shopping or guessing what will look best — I’ve got you covered. I also offer styling advice for the entire family so everything feels cohesive and natural. Whether it's a studio or in-home session, I’ll help you look and feel your best so your only job is to be present and soak in the moment.

5. Prepare Your Home or Studio

If your session is happening at your home, try to prepare a warm, quiet, and clutter-free space. A warm room is especially important for newborn comfort, as babies can easily get cold when undressed for photos. Clearing away clutter helps keep the environment calm and ensures that the focus stays on your baby.

If your session is happening at a studio, please plan your drive considering possible traffic. Arriving early or on time helps you stay relaxed and prevents any last-minute panic. Respecting everyone’s time allows the session to flow smoothly and makes the experience more enjoyable for you, your baby, and the photographer.

6. Expectations and Patience

Newborn sessions typically take between 2 to 3 hours. This might feel long, but it’s necessary to accommodate your baby’s needs—feeding, changing, and soothing breaks all take time, and rushing isn’t safe or comfortable for your little one.

Patience is key during these sessions. Each baby has their own rhythm, and we’ll move at a pace that suits your family. The extra time ensures we capture those perfect, calm moments that make newborn photography so magical.

7. What to Bring

To make the session as smooth as possible, bring a small bag with newborn essentials such as diapers, wipes, a pacifier, a burp cloth, and a muslin blanket. Having these on hand means you’ll be ready to quickly handle any needs that arise.

Also, bring 2-3 bottles of milk or formula—baby bottles and formula—so your baby stays well-fed and comfortable throughout the session.

Note: I am not affiliated with or advertising Target. I’ve simply linked these products because I personally used all of these from Target when my baby was born, and they worked great for us.

Don’t forget to pack snacks and water for yourself! Sessions can be long, and keeping your energy up helps you stay relaxed and present during this special experience.

8. If You're Bringing a Toddler for Family Photos

Including your toddler in your newborn session brings so much joy and authenticity to your photos — but let’s be honest, it can also come with its own set of challenges. Toddlers are full of energy, unpredictable moods, and big emotions. That’s all part of who they are — and I welcome it with open arms.

If you’re planning a family session that includes both your newborn and toddler, I recommend checking in with your photographer (hi, that’s me!) to see if it’s possible to break the session into two parts. One parent can come in first with the newborn for individual photos, and the other can bring your toddler later for the family portion. This way, the baby gets a calm environment, and your toddler isn’t stuck waiting through the entire session.

If that’s not an option, no worries at all. Just come prepared with a few key things to help set your toddler up for success:

Snacks your toddler loves (think mess-free and quick to eat)

Their favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal

A small book, quiet activity, or even a playlist of their favorite songs

A backup outfit (just in case!)

Lots of patience — and maybe even a little bribery 😉

Toddlers may not follow every direction, and that’s perfectly okay. We’ll go with the flow, keep things light and playful, and capture their natural personalities as they are — even if that includes a little silliness or chaos. Some of the best, most heartfelt images come from real-life moments like a sibling hug, an unexpected giggle, or even a pouty face.

And just so you know — I completely understand. I have a toddler too, so I truly feel you. You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to apologize for anything. I’ve got patience, experience, and plenty of tricks to help guide the session in a way that keeps it calm and fun for everyone.

We’re in it together, and I promise — we’ll make something beautiful.

9. Final Tips

Above all, try to relax and enjoy the experience! These early days with your newborn can feel hectic, overwhelming, and even a little exhausting—there’s so much to adjust to and learn. But this is also a truly precious and fleeting time filled with tiny, beautiful moments that you’ll want to remember forever.

During the session, take a deep breath and savor the cuddles, the little yawns, and the soft stretches. These quiet moments of connection and love are what make newborn photography so special. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly — the real magic is in capturing the genuine, tender emotions of this unique time in your family’s life.

Trust your photographer to guide you gently through the process so that you can focus on your baby and soak in the experience. Remember, these sessions are not just about taking pictures — they’re about celebrating your growing family and creating memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

So even if the days feel overwhelming now, know that you are doing an amazing job, and these moments will become treasured keepsakes that tell your family’s beautiful story.