You’re pregnant (yay!!) and anxiously awaiting the day when your darling little bundle of joy will enter into your arms. Hopefully, by now, you’ve already booked your newborn session (and if not, you can do so here ;)) Once you’re booked, I’ll guide you through everything, so you can focus on what really matters: snuggling that sweet new baby.
Once your baby arrives, there’s so much excitement and so many emotions that follow. And if you’re anything like me, you may also feel the intense need to become a little bit of a hermit and shut out the world for a while. 😂 So much gets pushed to the back burner, and rightfully so! Those first few days are really just about soaking up those newborn snuggles, taking care of your baby, and giving yourself time to recover, too.
But then, usually a few days before your in-home newborn session, you might suddenly realize, Wait…what am I supposed to wear? What is the baby going to wear? Do I need anything else?!
Like I mentioned, when you book with me, I’ll help you with so much of this during our design call weeks before your newborn session. But I still wanted to put together this post to share some of the top essentials I’ve found to be tried and true over the last 10 years of photographing newborn babies and their parents.
Hopefully, this will take a little more off your plate and help you feel prepared without adding another giant thing to your to-do list!
And be sure to let me know which item is your favorite! Each heading is linked so you can shop directly for your convenience, and most of these links are affiliate links.
Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine
This sound machine is going to be your new best friend. I used it with all three of my babies, and it has never let me down!
It plays white noise continuously until you turn it off or the battery dies. The battery life is amazing, and it’s portable, so you can take it anywhere. I actually keep one attached to the car seat and one in the nursery. During your newborn session, it’s great for helping baby relax. The white noise mimics the constant sounds they heard in the womb, making it a simple way to help them settle during pictures.
Binky
Along the same lines as the sound machine, a binky can go a long way. Don’t underestimate the power of a good binky! Some babies simply don’t take to them, and that’s totally okay. But it never hurts to have one nearby in case we need it during photos.
And I have to laugh because, after years of photographing newborns, I’ve seen some pretty interesting binky choices! 😂 If baby ends up needing one throughout the session, I recommend having a simple, less-distracting option on hand. That way, it won’t take away from your beautiful baby in the photos.
Every baby has different preferences, but the binky I’ve linked below was a favorite with all three of my babies.
A Soft, Simple Blanket for Swaddling
A swaddle is always great to have on hand. Some mamas love having their babies wrapped up for their newborn session, while others prefer to see all those sweet little limbs!
(Side note, if you don’t know how to swaddle, don’t worry. I can wrap your baby up like a perfect little burrito)! Whether or not you swaddle, having a soft, cozy blanket nearby is helpful, especially for winter newborn sessions.
A Darling yet simple onesie
Baby Boys Sweater Pointelle Kimono Wrap Top & Pants Set
White Baby Layette Gift Set w. Box
Rose Buds Jacquard Embroidered Footie
Wrap Knit Footie Heathered Natural
It’s so easy to overthink what your baby should wear, but simple and classic is always best. We never want their outfit to distract from those sweet little faces and features.
That said, there’s something special about investing in a darling little piece you can tuck away for them to have someday. I love subtle details like a Peter Pan collar, delicate embroidery, or a touch of lace. Nothing over the top—just simple and timeless.
And when in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with a simple white onesie for a boy or a onesie with a little bow for a girl. There’s also something so timeless about newborns in knitwear or pointelle fabric, so I’ve included some of my favorites here.
Lastly, have a backup outfit nearby! You never know when a blowout or major spit-up might happen. Trust me, I’ve witnessed both at newborn sessions. 😂
Any Special Heirloom Pieces
One of the best things about in-home newborn photos is how sentimental they can be. They’re a beautiful way to continue telling your family’s story.
I always love when families incorporate special heirloom pieces into their session. Maybe it’s a pair of knitted booties you wore as a baby, a special stuffed animal, or something passed down from a grandparent. These little details add another meaningful layer to your newborn’s story.
Overnight Blowout
Girl, give yourself the gift of a blowout for your newborn session! Whether you book a professional blowout or use rollers the night before, you’ll be so glad you did.
Skip the hot tools and give yourself one less thing to worry about that morning. These overnight blowout rods are amazing and make getting that effortless, chic look so easy.
A little concealer
If the portable sound machine isn’t going to be your best friend, a little concealer might be!
Even though you’re having your photos professionally done, you don’t need to go crazy with makeup. A little concealer under the eyes, blush on the cheeks, a touch of color on your lips, and mascara can go a long way.
I’m not a huge makeup girl myself, but I love Toups & Co. Their makeup is clean and organic, and their foundation gives amazing coverage without feeling heavy. Their cream blush is also so easy to use and gives the perfect pop of color. And their tinted lip balm is my everyday go-to.
And this link gets you $20 off! Treat yo’ self!
A dress you love
100% Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Square Neck Midi Dress
Choose a dress you know you’ll love and feel beautiful and confident in. Start shopping a couple of weeks before your newborn session so you have time to try things on and find the right fit.
And please don’t wait until a few days before your session like I did. 😂 I’ve made that mistake at least twice! Start shopping early, and look for something comfortable that you’ll actually wear again.
Most importantly, choose something that makes you feel amazing. Postpartum can be an emotional roller coaster, so feeling a little extra feminine and confident is so worth it.
One of my all-time favorites is the Christy Dawn “Dawn Dress.” It’s flattering, nursing-friendly, comfortable, and forgiving. Plus, their fabric patterns are always beautiful. Quince also has some really flattering and comfortable dresses!
I hope these items are helpful and make you feel confident going into your newborn session. And while I consider these essentials, they’re also completely optional. Contradictory, I know. 😂
At the end of the day, what matters most is you and your baby. Even if baby is in a diaper and you’re wearing your favorite T-shirt, that’s all we need.
I’ll make sure we capture the magic of this precious bond. The tiny baby curled against your chest or snuggled into your husband’s hands are the images that will melt your heart five or ten years from now.
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