Newborn baby wearing muted mustard tones asleep in his crib.

What to Wear for a Newborn Photo Session

The first thing I tell my clients when it comes to picking outfits is: Keep it simple.

As a documentary-style photographer, I recommend dressing in a style that represents you. There is no need to dress up for your Newborn Photo Session.

Family of four together at home, all wearing neutral tones that complement each other providing the perfect example of what to wear for a newborn photo session.

These photos should feel like a real day in your life. Not the day the photographer came over.

We accomplish that by making sure the outfits don’t create any kind of distraction that will take away from the emotion and story of your photos.

Finally, the idea is to keep the aesthetic cohesive. Not just amongst all family members, but along with the look of your home. Everything should work in harmony.

And remember: I will always do a “wardrobe check” when I arrive. So really… don’t stress!

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Dressing for a Newborn Session

Looking back on all the Newborn Sessions I’ve photographed so far, here are the main things I’ve learned:

Do’s

Pick outfits that feel like you
Make sure you’re comfortable
Create a cohesive look for all family members
Consider the decor of your home so everything works together

Don’ts:

Wear all back or all white
Show distinct or recognizable logos
Wear bold and colorful patterns
Wear clothes with large text

At what age should we schedule newborn photos?

There is no wrong age for newborn photos. The decision will vary from person to person. But here are some things to consider:

After giving birth, you’ll have an adrenaline high for about 4 days. That makes day 3 or 4 post-delivery a great time for a session!
The remnants of the umbilical cord will fall off your baby’s belly button about 5-14 days after birth. If seeing it in photos bothers you, then it’s safest to schedule a session around 2 weeks postpartum or later.
If you have other children, they might need some time to adjust to life with a new baby. Some kiddos take a little longer to fall in love with their new sibling.
Visit my Newborn Sessions Page for more info

Crying newborn baby wearing only a diaper.

Moody image of a newborn baby holding his mother's hand.

What should mom wear for newborn photos?

First of all, let me remind you… You just had a baby! Your body did something amazing and miraculous! Please don’t forget to celebrate that!

And now you have a brand new body. It will feel weird and foreign at first. So the most important thing is to find an outfit that makes you comfortable.

A young couple looks at each other and smiles in a dimly lit room, she wears a bright orange dress, he wears a blue button-up shirt.

Simple and neutral works best. Especially if you have a particularly cute outfit for your little one.

If you want photos of you breastfeeding, then pick a top that allows you to do so without having to be fully or partially removed. Maternity bras and tops can feel tricky at first, but I promise you’ll get the hang of it!

Also, I recommend picking a backup outfit in case you get spat up on. (Very likely!)

What should the other parent wear for newborn photos?

Check with mom and baby and look for something that works with their outfits. Keep the colors simple and clean but play with textures and layers.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but… just keep it simple.

What should the other family members wear for the newborn photo session?

I actually love photographing toddlers getting dressed, so if that strikes your fancy, wait till I arrive to get them ready. It’s also a sweet way to spend time with your older children and give them special attention. It’s hard when everything is about the new baby!

Black & white image of a mother playfully changing her daughter's outfit on her bed.

As far as outfits go, solid colors work great, as do different textures. Make sure to keep a second outfit handy in case they get dirty.

If you have grandparents joining the session, make sure they get the memo about keeping it simple!

Check out my Portfolio page to see more examples!

What should newborns wear for a newborn photoshoot?

Your newborn is the star of the show and the only one who will have lots of solo photos. Now is the time to put on that new cute outfit you’ve been waiting to show off.

Dad kisses the hand of his newborn baby who is asleep in his arms.

Newborn baby lays in his crib over a crochet rainbow blanket with muted colors, a matching pillow in the corner.

A labrador gives a newborn baby kisses on the cheek as they lay together.

Don’t go too crazy because we don’t want the clothes to become a distraction… but if there’s anyone who can pull off a little more “pop,” it’s the baby.

If you feel like you’re starting from scratch, then look to the nursery. Is there a theme? A color pattern you see? Pick something that will work with that.

A new mom rocks her newborn in her nursery, mom's dress matching the lilac color palette of the room.

Some important reminders:

Pick out a cute swaddle as well as an outfit
Wait till I arrive to dress them to reduce the risk of them getting dirty before we even start.
Be mentally prepared for them to get their adorable outfit soiled. I’ve seen it happen many times! Whether it’s milk, spit-up, or poop, newborns have a real knack for getting their (and your) clothes dirty. Have Plan B handy!
Pick out a bassinet/crib sheet that is neutral and simple. We will take photos there!
Pick out a comforter for your bed that is neutral and simple. We will likely take family photos there, as well as solo baby pics.
Be prepared to change them a couple of times during our session. Especially if you want down-to-the-diaper photos, which I always recommend.

Interested in booking a newborn photography session in the Los Angeles area?

I would love to help you capture your growing family! The first step is to submit a contact form before your free 10-minute phone call to see if we’d be a good fit. You can do so below.