The early weeks with your newborn are filled with tender, fleeting moments—snuggles in the quiet of the morning, soft newborn stretches, the way their tiny fingers curl around yours. Choosing an in-home newborn session allows you to preserve these memories in the most natural way, right where your family feels most at ease.

One of the most common questions I get as a Bay Area newborn photographer is: What should we wear for our session? While it might seem like another task on your to-do list, my goal is to make it simple and stress-free.

Comfort First: Clothes You Can Move In

Your session will be full of natural moments—rocking in your favorite chair, leaning over the crib, snuggling on the bed. Choose clothing that allows for movement and feels like an extension of your everyday life. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen work beautifully, keeping you comfortable while holding your baby.

For parents:

• Simple dresses or casual button-downs
• Soft sweaters or lightweight layers
• Nursing-friendly options if needed
• Clothes that make you feel confident and at ease

For siblings:
Let their personalities shine while keeping within your chosen color palette. Avoid large logos and overly busy patterns, but if they have a favorite outfit they feel great in, embrace it. Comfortable kids make for natural, joyful photos.

For your newborn:
Simplicity is best. A plain onesie, a cozy swaddle, or just a diaper can create the most timeless images. Avoid anything with tight elastic or fasteners that could leave marks or cause discomfort.

Neutral Tones for Timeless, Natural Images

Neutral colors not only create a soft, timeless look but also help keep the focus on your baby and your family’s connection. Consider shades like warm whites, creams, soft grays, or muted earth tones.

These colors:

• Keep the focus on your family’s love and connection
• Blend beautifully with any home decor
• Ensure your images feel cohesive and classic
• Complement soft, natural light beautifully

A coordinated, but not overly matching, look works best. Choose two or three neutral tones that complement each other—think a cream dress for mom, a light gray button-down for dad, and a soft white onesie for baby.

Considering the Season

Living in the Bay Area means the seasons can shift quickly. Keep this in mind when selecting outfits:

• Warmer months: Lightweight fabrics, short sleeves, and breathable layers work well.
• Cooler months: Soft layers like cardigans, knit sweaters, or scarves add warmth and texture.

If we’re incorporating outdoor moments, dressing for the weather ensures everyone stays comfortable.

Adding Personal Touches

Some of the most meaningful images include small details that make your family unique. If there’s a special blanket, an heirloom piece, or a sentimental gift from a loved one, we can subtly incorporate it into your session.

Over the years, I’ve had families include everything from a grandparent’s rocking chair to a handmade quilt, and even a jar of maple syrup from the family business. These little touches add layers of meaning to your images.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Session

A little preparation can help your session feel effortless:

• Have a backup outfit ready for yourself and baby in case of spills or accidents
• Keep extra swaddles or blankets nearby
• If nursing, consider an easy-access top
• Have a few essentials within reach, such as a pacifier or burp cloth

And most importantly, relax. These sessions are about connection, not perfection.

More Than Just What You Wear

While clothing choices help create a cohesive, beautiful look, your session is really about something much bigger—the quiet moments, the sleepy newborn stretches, the way your baby fits so perfectly in your arms.

Years from now, when you look back at these photos, you won’t just see what you wore—you’ll feel the love and warmth of these early days.

Let’s create something beautiful together.