With the passing of just days and weeks, you’ll notice just how quickly your baby grows and changes. An in-home newborn session allows you to capture these fleeting moments in beautiful, authentic photos that you’ll treasure for years to come. Being at home for the session lets you document real-life moments—diaper changes, feedings, sweet snuggles, and new siblings holding hands—all with the comfort of everything you need close by. A little preparation of your home goes a long way in keeping the focus on you and your baby. After all, this is your baby’s first home, and it’s part of your family story, too. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be real.

Having had two babies myself, I know it can feel stressful having someone in your home taking newborn photos so soon after your little one arrives. But your home doesn’t need to look picture-perfect. What matters most is the love you have for your baby, the early connections, the growing sibling relationships, and all the moments in between. A few easy steps can help you prepare your space so that the focus stays on you and your baby.

You want your home to look lived-in but not cluttered. The goal is to keep the focus on your family, not the background. When prepping your home for newborn photos, consider removing unnecessary items or simply tucking them away for the session. There’s no need to overdo it—life with a newborn is busy enough! I always check in with families during the session and can move things that may be distracting in the frame. In general, less clutter allows the focus to remain on your beautiful family.

Stow Away Baby Gear We Don’t Need for the Session

Baby supplies can quickly take over—bottles, swings, bassinets, diaper pails, blankets, and more. While it’s important to have what you need, you don’t need all of it for photos. Tuck away anything that’s not essential for the session. Many families choose to designate one room as a storage space during the shoot. This keeps things tidy and organized without feeling overwhelming.

Maximize Natural Light

I work exclusively with natural light, so we’ll want to keep all the indoor lights off and open the shades to let in as much sunlight as possible. If you have blackout curtains, make sure to raise or remove them before the session. Bright rooms naturally enhance photos, creating a soft, warm atmosphere. And don’t worry if the light is too strong—I’ll handle adjusting shades or moving us to the best-lit spots.

Tidy Up Cords

Tuck away any visible cords from electronics, phone chargers, or lamps. We’ll keep the lights off during the session, so this is a great time to hide any extra cords that could take attention away from the focus of the photos: you and your baby.

Simplify Your Bedding and Crib Sheets

Since bedrooms are often where families spend time with newborns, they’ll likely be part of the session. If your bedspread has strong colors or bold patterns, consider switching to a neutral or white comforter. This keeps the focus on your family and also serves as a natural light reflector, especially in dimmer rooms. The same goes for crib sheets—simpler is better to keep the attention on your baby.

Don’t Forget the Front Porch and Backyard

While most of the session will take place indoors, I often like to capture at least one family photo on the front porch or in your backyard. A quick sweep of these areas will ensure they’re ready for a photo or two.

Coordinate Wardrobe with Home Decor

Your home’s decor can influence what you wear for the session. If your space has lots of bold colors, opting for neutral outfits can help keep the focus on you and your baby. Be mindful of strong colors that might create color casts on your little one’s skin, especially when holding them close. Neutrals always photograph beautifully, and if you have pets, it’s helpful to choose clothes that won’t show pet hair. Lastly, always have backup outfits ready for everyone—babies can be unpredictable with spit-ups and diaper leaks!