Welcoming a newborn into your family is such a special time, filled with joy, wonder, and an incredible amount of love. Choosing to capture those early days through a lifestyle newborn session allows you to hold onto those memories forever.

As a Bay Area newborn photographer, I am often am asked about what to wear for an in-home newborn session. While it might feel like one more thing to plan, choosing the right clothes can help create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for you and your baby. I’ve put together some tips to help make this part of the session feel simple and stress-free.

Comfort is Key:

When it comes to what to wear, comfort is everything—especially during a newborn session. You’ll be cuddling, feeding, and soothing your little one, so it’s important to wear clothes that allow you to move freely. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for keeping you comfortable throughout the session.

Neutral Tones Work Well in Any Home:

Neutral tones are always a good idea for newborn sessions. Think whites, creams, soft grays, or light pastels. Muted colors can work too. These colors create a timeless, natural feel that helps keep the focus on your baby’s sweet little features, rather than on bold patterns or bright colors.

Neutral tones also blend beautifully with any home decor, which means your photos will look great no matter where you display them.

Coordinating, Not Matching:

To keep things simple but stylish, try coordinating with colors that complement each other. Pick a soft, neutral color palette with two or three shades and mix and match them within your family. For example, you could wear a cream shirt while your partner wears a light gray shirt.

For your baby, a simple onesie paired with a cozy, patterned swaddle can add interest and depth.

Timeless and Classic:

If you’re unsure what to wear, sticking to timeless pieces is a great choice. Simple dresses, casual button-downs, and cozy sweaters work well and won’t look dated years from now. The goal is to keep things simple and let the focus stay on your family.

Dressing Older Children:

Consider older siblings as well. It’s best to avoid busy patterns or large logos, as these can take away from the overall feel of the photos. But, if your child has something they love to wear and feel great in, embrace it! The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and themselves.

Consider the Season:

As for the weather, think about the season when planning what to wear for your in-home newborn session. For a summer session, lightweight fabrics and short sleeves can help keep everyone cool. In the cooler months, layers like cardigans and scarves can add warmth and texture. If we’re doing any outdoor photos, dressing for the weather is key to keeping everyone comfortable and happy.

Personal Touches:

Feel free to add little personal touches that reflect your family’s personality. Whether it’s a special piece of jewelry, a meaningful heirloom, or even a favorite blanket for your baby, these small details can add even more meaning to your photos.

I’ve had families incorporate rocking chairs from grandparents, homemade maple syrup from the family business, handmade blankets, and even special music boxes. These little touches will matter even more as the years pass.

Prepare for Feedings:

If you plan on breastfeeding during the session and want to capture those moments, think about wearing something that’s easy to adjust. I also recommend that you have backup outfits ready for any accidental messes (which can happen with little ones!). Having a change of clothes for everyone can make things much easier and keep you stress-free during the session.

Keep it Simple for Newborns:

When it comes to your newborn’s outfit, simple is best. A relaxed, in-home newborn session is all about focusing on the love and joy of these early days. By keeping your baby’s outfit neutral and cozy, you’ll create timeless images that you’ll treasure for years to come. Most importantly, relax, enjoy, and soak in every sweet moment with your little one.