Welcoming a newborn into your family is a momentous occasion, filled with joy, wonder, and a lot of love. Hiring a lifestyle newborn photographer is a lovely way to capture and keep special memories that will last forever.

Families often ask me about what to wear for home sessions as a Bay Area newborn photographer. Choosing the right clothes for an in-home newborn session is important. It helps create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby. In this blog, I’ll share tips on what to wear for your newborn photo session to make it stress-free and enjoyable.

Comfort is Key:

Prioritize comfort for both you and your baby. You will spend a lot of time cuddling, feeding, and calming your baby. Wear comfortable and easy-to-move-in clothes to move freely without feeling restricted for your family photos. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal choices that will keep you comfortable throughout the session.

Neutral Tones:

When selecting clothing for your newborn session, consider opting for neutral tones like whites, creams, grays, and soft pastels. Muted colors create a timeless and cohesive look. This puts the focus on your baby’s adorable features rather than distracting patterns or bold colors.

Neutral tones also work well with various home decor styles. This ensure your photos will look beautiful displayed in any room.

Coordinating, Not Matching:

Coordinating styles and colors can create a more visually appealing result than simply matching outfits. Choose a color palette consisting of 2-3 related colors and mix and match outfits within that palette.

Coordinating colors allows each family member to showcase their individual style, while still maintaining a cohesive look. For example, you may choose a cream top and your partner a light grey one. You could pair this with a neutral onesie for your baby and add interest with patterned swaddles.

Timeless and Classic:

When in doubt, opt for timeless and classic pieces that won’t look dated years down the line. Simple dresses, casual button-down shirts, and cozy sweaters are all great choices that will stand the test of time.

Dressing Older Children:

Consider older siblings as well. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns that can detract from the overall aesthetic of the photos.

If your child has something they love and want to wear, embrace it. Let their true selves shine through. You also don’t want to create added stress right before photos together.

Consider the Season:

Take into account the season when choosing outfits for your newborn session. Lightweight fabrics and short sleeves are perfect for summer sessions. Layering with cardigans or scarves can add warmth and texture during cooler months. For outdoor photos, be mindful of the weather and dress accordingly to ensure everyone stays comfortable.

Personal Touches:

Don’t be afraid to incorporate personal touches into your outfits that reflect your family’s personality and style. Small details like accessories, jewelry, heirlooms, and routines can add depth and meaning to photos.

Think About Feedings:

If you breastfeed your baby and want to capture these fleeting moments, think about what is most comfortable for you. You can always change for feedings as well. Also, be sure to have a change of clothes planned for everyone in the event your baby has an accident or spits up. It happens occasionally and you want to be able to grab the other outfit and not have to think about it in the moment.

Keep it Simple for Newborns:

Planning a relaxed lifestyle newborn session is a perfect way to capture the love and joy of this special time for your family. By choosing clothing that is neutral and timeless, it ensures that your photos become cherished keepsakes for years to come. Remember to relax, have fun, and savor every precious moment with your little one!