Newborn Photoshoot Checklist: From One Photographer-Mom (of 4) to You

I’m in the trenches with you. I help families create timeless newborn portraits all week, then go home to four kids, a sink that somehow refills itself, and a laundry mountain with that multiplies. I also remember exactly what those first weeks feel like—your body is healing, your sleep happens in postcards, and the idea of hair appointments or shopping trips is laughable.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need any of that to have a beautiful studio newborn session. You need an easy plan that respects postpartum life. This is the same newborn photoshoot checklist I give to my clients and the one I lean on when a friend texts, “What do I actually need to do?” Think tiny tasks, realistic expectations, and lots of support so you can enjoy the experience, not dread it.

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First Things First: When to Come In

Most families come in between 6–14 days after birth when babies are typically sleepier and curl more naturally. That window isn’t a rule; it’s a guide. If feeding, recovery, or scheduling means we photograph your baby later, we can still create gorgeous portraits. I walk you through options either way. For a deeper dive on timing, here’s my guide on the best time to take newborn photos.

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The Postpartum-Friendly Plan (No Salon Visits Required)

The Day Before Your Session

• Skim this checklist and stop there. No deep house clean, no late-night outfit scramble. Your session is in the studio—lighting, comfort, and all supplies are handled here.

• Gather your small tote. I keep it to seven things (list below) so you’re not packing for a weekend away.

• Hydrate and rest when you can. Small, frequent sips and an early night help more than you think. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists reminds us postpartum care is ongoing—treat yourself gently. ACOG+1

The Morning Of

• Feed baby on your normal rhythm. If we’re aiming for a sleepy start, try a full feeding right before you head out or as soon as you arrive. Babies eat often; responsive, on-cue feeding is welcome in the studio. Learn more about how much your baby should be eating.

• Dress baby simply. A snug onesie with snaps or a zip makes transitions easy. Don’t worry about outfits—I provide newborn outfits and wraps you’ll choose on arrival. See many of your options in my newborn session planning guide.

• Keep your look simple. If you usually wear makeup, go for it (you can also apply it once you arrive at the studio). However, if you are a more natural girl, dry shampoo, a quick brow swipe, tinted balm, and soft under-eye concealer, if you want it, will do the trick. Clean, bare nails are perfect.

When You Arrive

• Hand me the mental load. I handle room temp, white noise, swaddling, pacing, and safety. You settle on the sofa, resting or watching the entire process, and soak in the newborn-ness.

• We follow baby’s lead. Need a burp, snuggle, or another feed? We pause. A content baby photographs beautifully, whether awake or asleep.

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What to Wear (Without Shopping)

Postpartum bodies are doing important work. Comfort first, always.

• Start with you. Choose a soft neutral or beautiful jewel tone you already own: cream sweater, loose blouse, knit dress, or a drapey tee and leggings. If a nursing-friendly option helps, wear it. I also offer new mom’s use of my women’s wardrobe so you don’t have to worry about fitting into your own clothes.

• Stick to a tiny palette. Just two or three different colors. Texture instead of busy patterns. These neutrals and jewel tones keep attention where it belongs—on baby, while still making your skin tones look warm and glowing. I have a full post with plug-and-play ideas here: Newborn photos: what to wear.

• Keep your partner’s outfit simple. Solid collared shirt, sweater or henley with chinos or dark jeans. No logos or neon.

• Siblings in breathable layers. Soft knits, simple dresses, or tees and soft pants. I’ll photograph siblings first so they can relax afterwards. Tips here: how to prepare siblings for newborn photos.

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The One-Tote Packing List

Here’s the entire newborn photoshoot checklist to toss in your bag:

1. Diapers & wipes

2. Two burp cloths

3. Extra milk (if bottle feeding) or your usual nursing supplies

4. Pacifier even if baby doesn’t usually take one—helpful for brief soothing between setups. Use it only when baby isn’t hungry and never for delaying feeds, which aligns with AAP guidance. HealthyChildren.org+1

5. An extra outfit for baby in case of blowouts

6. Snacks for you

7. A spare top for you and your partner in case of leaks

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What I Handle So You Don’t Have To

• Warmth and soothing. I keep the studio cozy and use safe, snug wrapping to help baby relax.

• Safety-first posing. Baby is supported at all times. Some images are composites created from multiple pictures with hands near baby the entire time.

• Break-friendly pacing. We stop for feeds, diaper changes, and snuggles as needed. Your baby’s cues set the tempo. HealthyChildren.org

• Wardrobe & styling. We’ll pick wraps, textures, and headbands/bonnets from the curated studio collection. Peek at recent sessions and styling notes here: Glastonbury CT newborn photography studio and Newborn portraits: a gentle, joyful session.

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A Realistic Timeline for Session Day

00:00–00:15 | Settle & Feed
You arrive, get comfy, and feed as needed. I’ll swaddle baby for the first set.

00:15–01:45 | Baby Portraits (sleepy or awake)
We start with simple, comfortable poses and progressively unwrap your baby so you see more fingers, toes, arms, legs and baby rolls. If baby is alert, I lean into those bright-eyed portraits.

01:45–02:15 | Family & Sibling Portraits
Soft direction, natural holds, and micro-prompts. Siblings go first so they can “help” choose wraps and then relax with a snack.

02:15–03:00 | Second Feeding & Final Looks
We refresh baby, adjust styling, and finish with a parent-baby set that always becomes a favorite for the wall.

Total time varies (typically 90–180 minutes) because we honor baby’s rhythm.

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Troubleshooting Common “What Ifs”

Baby acne, peeling skin, or a scratch showed up this morning.
Welcome to newborn life. I retouch gently while keeping skin real. A good bath and massage with baby moisturizer on flakes helps.

The umbilical cord stump is still attached.
Totally fine. We avoid pressure on the area and pose comfortably. General cord-care guidance if you need it is here. HealthyChildren.org+2HealthyChildren.org+2

Baby wants to cluster feed.
We pause. Responsive feeding leads to calmer portraits and is fully supported. HealthyChildren.org

We had a C-section. Sitting is uncomfortable.
You’ll be able to recline on my velvet sofa for the majority of the session When we are ready for family photographs, I’ll set up seated and standing options that let you hold baby safely. We can photograph you from positions that feel good and look beautiful.

Partner isn’t a fan of photos.
The parent portion of the session is the shortest part. I give simple roles—“touch your nose to baby’s nose,” “rest your cheek on baby’s cheek,” “look down at your baby.” Clear direction and a short, defined timeline change everything.

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Sample Looks That Always Work (Zero Shopping Edition)

• Mom: soft knit sweater + leggings; hair worn loosely down; minimal jewelry

• Partner: collared shirt or henley + chinos

• Baby: studio wrap + coordinating bonnet or headband

• Sibling: knit cardigan over tee; comfy leggings or joggers

Want more plug-and-play options you can copy right now? See Newborn photos: what to wear and Parents in newborn photos: quick formula.

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After the Session: Choosing What Lives on Your Walls

When you’re ready, we’ll meet to view favorites side-by-side. I’ll help you compare similar images, pick the ones with the best expression and connection, and design wall pieces and albums that fit your space. You’ll leave knowing exactly what’s being created and when it will be ready. If you’re new here, start on the Families/Newborn hub to see how artwork comes together. One Big Happy Photo

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FAQs (The Ones I Hear Every Week)

How long is a studio newborn session?
Plan for 2.5 – 3 hours with breaks for feeding and soothing. The pace is calm and baby-led.

Will you tell me what to do with my hands?
Always. I give prompts and adjust your hold so it feels natural and looks flattering.

Do I need to bring outfits for the baby?
No. The studio provides wraps, simple outfits, and accessories. Bring any meaningful items if you’d like them included. One Big Happy Photo

Is it okay to use a pacifier during the session?
Yes, for brief soothing between feeds. The AAP recommends not using pacifiers to delay meals and offers safety guidance, which we follow. HealthyChildren.org+1

When should I schedule if I’m still pregnant?
Reach out during your second or third trimester so we can pencil in your due month and secure space soon after baby arrives. If you’ve already delivered, message me—we’ll try and find you a spot. Start here: Contact Me.

You’ve done the hard part—bringing your baby into the world. The session should feel like a deep breath. I’ll handle the rest so you can simply enjoy your little one.

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