One of the most asked questions I get as a Los Angeles Newborn Photographer is about how to prep the baby for a newborn photography session. Almost every new Mom and Dad who books me for a newborn session will ask what advice I have to make their session run smoothly.
Booking your session in advance will be one of the best things you do for your family and for your peace of mind. New parents scrambling to find a last-minute booking with a newborn photographer is not where their focus should be. With a brand new baby in their arms, there will be so many things to demand their focus, from feeding to sleeping and everything in between.
For parents looking for how to prep for a newborn photography session, I cannot stress enough the need to book a session in advance. By scheduling your session before the baby is here, you can guarantee that the newborn photographer can fit you in for a session. This will also give you time to look over and select from their prop catalog and check their style guide for possible wardrobe purchases and planning. This creative process can be so fun and enjoyable if the proper time is allowed.
Another thing to consider is that some newborn photographers will only photograph babies that are between 5-14 days old. That isn’t a very big window of time for families to research photographers, book a photographer, dive into the creative/planning process, and try to get on their schedule. Although this is the best window to get sleepy and posable babies, any age is wonderful to capture and each stage has special and adorable milestones.
A good time to book your photographer is at the start of your third trimester. This leaves the necessary time for research, planning, and booking. Some Moms choose to book their session even earlier when they are entering their second trimester, it is never too early to book and start planning!
Let’s take a deep dive into the top 5 ways to prep for a newborn session.
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Prep For A Newborn Photography Session Tip #1 | WARDROBE
My second most common question from new moms looking to prep for their newborn photography session includes what the baby and the rest of the family should wear. My newborn clothing catalog grows and changes rapidly and newborn babies vary in size, so newborn clothing and wrap decisions are made in person at the start of the session. I have a family-style guide on my site that I provide to families so that outfits for the whole group can be coordinated.
If your photographer does not provide clothing, I recommend keeping things simple. Solid-colored, light neutral shades are always a safe bet. Solid swaddles and wraps and a great way to bundle the baby up if he/she is having a hard time staying asleep. Stick to tight-fitting outfits, with minimal design elements, and ones that let their sweet baby feet peek out.
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Prep For A Newborn Photography Session Tip #2 | FEEDING
It is super important to feed the baby as close to the start of your session as possible. Having a full tummy and time to get out all of the burps is essential for a settled baby. Hiccups and diaper changes are also common results of feeding so leave a little extra time to take care of those things. The best cure for newborn hiccups is to continue to eat a bit more or have a little time with a pacifier. If pumping and bottle feeding or formula is an option this is certainly the quickest way to feed the baby but should not be introduced just for the sake of the newborn session.
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Prep For A Newborn Photography Session Tip #3 | SUPPLIES
Make sure to bring essential items to your newborn session such as diapers, creams, special wipes you might be using, pacifiers your baby is used to, and breastfeeding supplies including your pump if you are feeding the baby from a bottle, it is important to keep your flow going and not cause a clogged duct.
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Prep For A Newborn Photography Session TIP #4 | PERSONAL ITEMS
This is YOUR newborn session, unlike any other so please bring items that are sentimental to you. Things made or given to you by loved ones or friends, ultrasounds, stuffed animals, mementos from your childhood, maybe items that relate to your jobs, special gifts, sports teams, or anything that might make it unique or special for your family. Consider the images you want as well as a special photo or two that might be special to Grandparents. It’s never too early to plan for a print for Mother’s Day or a birthday.
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Prep For A Newborn Photography Session Tip #5 | RELAX & ENJOY!
It is so important to sit back and relax as much as you can. Babies feel and sense stress and if you’ve picked an experienced newborn photographer they should set you at ease pretty quickly. This moment is one of many that cannot be repeated so just enjoy and admire your baby in all the cute setups and outfits. I often tell my new parents that a newborn session can be so cathartic. After all of the trauma and stress of delivery and those first days back home, this is sometimes the first moment the parents have to sit back on the couch, hold hands, and watch me do adorable things with their newest and best creation!