Newborn Photoshoot Checklist: What to Bring & How to Prepare

Capturing your newborn’s first days with a professional photoshoot is a wonderful way to create lifelong memories. To ensure the session goes smoothly and comfortably for both baby and parents, here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to bring and how to prepare.

What to Bring

For the Baby

Check to see what your photographer provides for baby. Personally, I prefer to supply everything needed for the baby during their session such as diapers and wipes, clothing, swaddles, headbands, but if your photographer doesn't, here is what I suggest bringing.

Diapers and wipes – Bring extra diapers for changes throughout the session.

Bottles and milk/formula -Your baby may eat more than normal during their session since it's often a lot more activity than they are used to. Sometimes they will eat for comfort, sometimes for hunger. Bring plenty of food for them.

Pacifier – Helps soothe the baby during the shoot, even if they don't normally take a pacifier, it may help during transitions. If you're worried about nipple confusion, don't be! It's only a couple minutes total that a pacifier may be used and it can make the session go significantly smoother.

Burp cloths – For quick cleanups.

Outfits and/or wraps – Soft, neutral-colored onesies, swaddles, or special outfits. Avoid clothing with big logos or bright patterns or itchy material (such as tulle).

Hat and/or headbands – Simple accessories to add a touch of personality. Again, this is something that I prefer to provide for my clients, so check with your photographer to see if this is necissary.

Special item or keepsake – If you'd like to include a sentimental item in the photos. I love when parents bring something special, whether it be something work related or a hobby the family enjoys.

Some cute ideas of what to bring to photograph your baby with include military items, name blankets, guitars and/or musical instruments.

For Parents & Siblings:

Coordinated outfits – Choose soft, neutral tones. Avoid loud prints or distracting patterns. Think "coordinate" rather than "match". It's completely ok there to all wear one color, the focus is on the baby and the family rather than the clothing. I prefer to capture the "feeling" over the picture perfect smile so many photos will be up close and baby focused anyways so don't stress over this! Keep it simple. Ask if your photographer supplies a client closet. (I do, and many others do as well)

Snacks and water – Sessions can last a few hours, so bring something to stay energized. Again, I provide this for my clients, but you will definitely need some sustenance during sessions. Also, bring some bribery snacks if you're bringing young siblings.

Makeup and hairbrush/curler: – For touch-ups before pictures.

Toys and entertainment for siblings - You're going to be there a while! I often suggest either starting with the small children and then letting them leave, or having dad bring them towards then end so they are fresh and happy for the family portion, but it's rare that parents want to come seperately which is totally fine and understandable. Bring something like coloring books, puzzles, (quiet) toys for siblings. My studio has a child area with these things as well as TV's, young children can get bored and antsy when they aren't being photographed.

How to Prepare:

Ultimately, babies are going to do what babies do. I always tell parents not to stress about the prep, but these are some tips that I find helpful the morning of the session.

• Schedule your session in the morning. Babies are often most content first thing and get more over stimulated as the day goes on.

• Don't scheule anything else for yourself the day of your session. These sessions can take a while and wear everyone out. Do yourself a favor and don't overbook the day.

• Try to keep baby awake prior to their session. One good way to do this is to give them a gentle bath. Moisturize them with a baby safe lotion, but know that flakes are common and can be edited out if they are too distracting

• Feed baby prior to leaving the house. The car ride will often wiggle out bubbles/gas in the belly so they will be content upon arrival. You might want to "top them off" once you arrive to ensure a milk-drunk, sleepy babe.

• Dress baby in a simple outfit that is easy to remove. I know you're probably tempted to dress them in something super cute, but simple is the way to go here. A onesie, pajamas or gown is perfect and won't leave a pattern on their skin.

• If baby didn't sleep well the night before, try not to stress about it! Sometimes that means they will sleep great for their session, but sometimes they will be over tired and awake. Baby is the boss here! Be prepared to roll with it.

• Pack all the essentials needed.

Most importantly

• Stay Relaxed – Babies pick up on stress, so keeping a calm atmosphere will help. Your newborn photographer is a professional in this area and is likely prepared for anything. We don't mind if babies cry or don't want to sleep. We don't think your baby is "bad" or "uncooperative". They are just babies. Some are super chill and will let you do anything, some are not. Either is fine! We always have a plan and then a backup plan depending on what your baby is feeling that day.

If baby isn't feeling sleepy, it's still possible to get beautiful images of them! A seasoned photographer will be prepared for anything.

By following this checklist, you’ll be fully prepared for a smooth and enjoyable newborn photoshoot, ensuring beautiful and timeless images. Happy shooting! 📸✨