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Newborn session prep guide

Updated October 17, 2026

A short guide for parents before a newborn session: timing, warmth, feeding, what to bring and safety.

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Newborn session prep guide

Preparing for your newborn session

Congratulations. This guide helps your session go smoothly. There is no need to be perfect. Babies set the pace, and we plan around them.

1. Best age window

Newborns are usually sleepiest and easiest to settle in the first days. If your baby is older, we can still photograph them, and the photos will look different. Tell us the birth date as soon as you can, since we adjust the date to fit the baby.

2. Keep it warm

Babies are comfortable when they are warm. We keep the room around 78 to 80 degrees, so it may feel hot to you. Dress in layers you can remove. We may use a space heater, and the baby may be wrapped or bare for some shots.

3. Feeding and soothing

  • Feed the baby right before you arrive, and again during the session whenever they ask. We pause for feeding, changing and cuddles. Plan on hours.
  • Bring a pacifier if the baby uses one, plus extra diapers, wipes and a change of clothes.
  • A white noise app on your phone and a calm voice help. No pressure. A fussy baby is normal.

4. What to bring

  • Diapers, wipes, a pacifier and a spare outfit
  • Bottle or nursing cover, whichever you use
  • Any special blanket, hat or family keepsake
  • Your own outfits for family photos
  • A snack and water for you

5. Siblings and parents in the photos

Parents and brothers and sisters are welcome in the photos. Solid, simple clothes work best. Avoid big logos and bold patterns. For toddlers, bring a snack and a helper so they can take a break. We keep their part short and fun, and we never force a mood.

6. Safety

Safety comes first. We do not use risky poses, such as a baby hanging, balanced or propped without support. When a pose needs more than one set of hands, we take two photos and blend them together. Parents stay close and within reach the whole time. A trained photographer supports the baby at every step, and we stop right away if the baby seems unhappy or unsafe.

7. Illness

If anyone in the household is sick, or the baby has a fever, call us. We will move the session so no one is at risk.

How to use it

  • Fill in the blank lines with your own details, and delete any section you do not need.
  • Send it right at booking, since the best window is short.
  • Mention your own safety practices honestly. Parents notice when you do.
  • Remind parents to message you when the baby arrives, so you can lock in the date.

Questions

When should a newborn session happen?

Most photographers aim for the first couple of weeks, when babies sleep deeply and curl up easily. Older babies can still be photographed, and the photos will look different.

Why is the room so warm?

Newborns lose heat quickly, and they settle best when they are warm. A warm room keeps them comfortable if they are wrapped or bare for some shots.

Are posed newborn photos safe?

They should be, when done by a trained photographer who supports the baby at every step. Photos that seem impossible are usually two images blended together, with a parent or photographer keeping a hand on the baby.

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