How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session at Home

Welcoming a newborn into your home is such a special time, and capturing those early days with professional photos is a wonderful way to preserve those fleeting moments. As a Cape Cod newborn photographer, I love bringing my camera and expertise to families' homes, making the experience comfortable and stress-free. But to make the most of your in-home session, a little preparation goes a long way!

Here’s a guide to help you get ready for your at-home newborn photo session, with simple tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and you end up with beautiful photos to treasure.

1. Keep the House Cozy and Warm

Babies love warmth, and during an in-home newborn session, they’ll often be in little to no clothing. One of the best tips I can offer is to make sure your home is warm and comfortable for your baby. A room temperature of around 75-80°F is ideal. This helps keep your little one calm and cozy throughout the session, which makes it easier to capture those peaceful, sleepy shots that everyone loves.

Pro Tip: Use space heaters if necessary,—we’ll prioritize your baby’s warmth during the session.

2. Prep a Few Simple Outfits and Swaddles

While your baby is the star of the show, a few well-chosen outfits or swaddles can add to the overall feel of your photos. I always suggest keeping it simple—neutral, soft-colored onesies or classic swaddle blankets are perfect. Avoid bold patterns or loud colors that could distract from your baby. Earthy tones, soft whites, or pastels tend to look great in photos and complement the serene nature of newborn photography.

If you’d like to include special items, like a family heirloom blanket or a knitted hat, feel free to incorporate those too!

3. Keep Your Home Natural

There’s no need to do a deep clean or rearrange your entire home for the session! I will use natural light and small areas around your home to capture the essence of your family. Focus on decluttering only the spaces where we’ll be shooting, like the nursery, master bedroom, or living room.

When the time comes, I’ll help you choose spots with the best lighting. In-home newborn photography is about capturing those intimate, everyday moments in the place where you’re making your first memories with your baby.

4. Feed Your Baby Right Before the Session

One of the keys to a successful newborn session is having a calm, sleepy baby. Feeding your baby just before the session can help keep them full and relaxed, making it easier to capture those peaceful, snuggly moments. Be prepared for breaks throughout the session if your baby needs additional feedings or soothing.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry if your baby needs extra time to settle—newborn sessions are designed to be slow-paced and baby-led. I’m more than happy to work around your baby’s needs.

5. Plan for Family Involvement

While the focus will be on your newborn, it’s important to plan for some family photos as well. Whether it’s a few intimate shots of mom and dad with baby, sibling interactions, or even some family pet appearances, these moments are priceless.

What to Wear:

Keep it simple and neutral—just like with the baby’s outfits, soft tones and solid colors work best.

Avoid bold patterns or logos, as they can be distracting.

Comfortable, cozy clothes that reflect your personal style will help create a relaxed, natural look.

6. Don’t Stress About Perfection

Your home doesn’t have to be perfect, and your baby doesn’t need to cooperate with every pose. Newborn photography is all about capturing your little one’s personality and the genuine connections in your family. If your baby is a little fussy or your toddler wants to play instead of pose, that’s perfectly fine! Some of the best images come from the unscripted, candid moments.

My goal as a Cape Cod newborn photographer is to create a stress-free experience that allows you to focus on your new baby while I handle the rest.

7. Plan Around Your Baby’s Schedule

While newborns are unpredictable, try to schedule the session for a time of day when your baby is usually more relaxed or sleepy. This helps ensure we can capture those sweet, restful moments. Morning sessions are often best for natural light and for keeping the baby content, but every family is different, so we can work around what’s best for you.

8. Trust the Process

Newborn sessions are unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic! Every baby is different, and I will adapt the session to fit your baby’s needs and mood. If they need to be rocked, fed, or changed, we’ll take breaks. The process is slow and calm, allowing for those authentic moments to shine through.

Ready to Book Your In-Home Newborn Session?

Preparing for your in-home newborn photography session doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you can relax knowing that your session will be personalized, natural, and filled with memories that you’ll cherish forever. If you’re ready to book your session or have any questions, reach out today! Together, we’ll create beautiful images that capture your family’s newest addition in the place where your journey begins—your home.