What Should We Wear for Our Newborn Session?

Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s most tender and transformative experiences. Those early days, where time feels both fast and slow, are filled with sleepy snuggles, soft sighs, and moments you’ll want to hold onto forever. A newborn session is a beautiful way to honor this season, and one of the most common questions I hear is: “What should we wear?”

The truth is, you don’t need anything fancy or overdone. In fact, simple is better. My approach to newborn photography is minimalist, natural, and baby-led—so your wardrobe should reflect that same sense of calm and comfort. Here’s what I recommend when preparing for your newborn session.

Table of Contents

• Keep It Soft, Neutral, and Timeless
• Comfort Is Everything, Especially for You
• Baby Doesn’t Need Much
• Siblings are Welcome Too
• You Have Help Every Step of the Way
• Final Thoughts

1. Keep It Soft, Neutral, and Timeless

When it comes to choosing what to wear, think soft textures and gentle tones. Cream, beige, white, gray, blush, or muted earthy hues photograph beautifully in my light-filled studio. These tones keep the focus where it belongs – on your baby and the love surrounding them.

Avoid busy patterns, logos, or bold colors that might pull attention away from those quiet moments. The goal is to create a timeless look that will still feel beautiful years from now, when you’re holding these images in an album or seeing them framed on your walls.

2. Comfort Is Everything, Especially for You

Newborn session are slow, cozy, and designed with your baby’s rhythm in mind. I always allow time for feeding, snuggles, and anything else baby needs. As a parent, your comfort matters just as much.

For moms, I recommend soft dresses, loose knits, or button-down blouses – pieces that make you feel beautiful and at ease. Something flowy and breathable that allows for skin-to-skin moments if you want them. For dads, a simple henley or linen shirt in a light tone pairs beautifully with casual pants or jeans.

The most important thing is that you feel like you, without fuss or pressure.

3. Baby Doesn’t Need Much

Newborns are perfect just as they are. I photograph them in a way that honors their natural movement, expressions, and peaceful presence. No heavy props or overly posed setups.

In most cases, we’ll keep the baby swaddled in one of my soft, neutral wraps or simply in a diaper with a cozy blanket. If you have a special heirloom or item you’d love included, we’ll absolutely make space for that, but there’s no need to buy anything extra just for the newborn session.

My studio is stocked with everything the baby needs to stay warm, safe, and content throughout our time together.

4. Siblings are Welcome Too

If your older child or children will be joining us, I’ll help you coordinate their outfits to match the overall palette. Neutral tones, soft fabrics, and simple silhouettes work beautifully. Avoid anything too stiff or formal—kids photograph best when they can move freely and feel comfortable.

Bare feet, soft hair, and a little giggle go a long way in creating natural, heartfelt portraits you’ll cherish forever.

5. You Have Help Every Step of the Way

If wardrobe planning feels overwhelming, don’t worry, I’m here to help. As part of my full-service experience, I’ll guide you through outfit selections for your entire family. You’ll also have access to my curated client wardrobe with handpicked pieces that photograph beautifully in studio light.

We’ll talk through options, color palettes, and any concerns you have during the planning process. My goal is always to make this experience feel easy, supported, and completely centered on your family’s unique story.

Final Thoughts

Newborn session isn’t about perfect outfits or posed smiles. It’s about preserving the quiet, intimate connection that exists in those first few weeks together. Choosing simple, cozy pieces will help create the space for that connection to shine.

Ready to start planning your newborn session? Reach out here, and I’ll walk you through every step, from styling to final artwork.

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