How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session (Without Stressing Out)
Bringing home a newborn is a wild, beautiful ride. You’re adjusting to a whole new rhythm, running on little sleep, and falling more in love by the hour. The last thing I want is for your newborn session to feel like another thing on your to-do list. My goal is to make it easy, relaxed, and real—because that’s what this season is all about.
If you’ve booked a lifestyle newborn session (or are thinking about it), here are a few tips to help the day go smoothly:
1. You Don’t Need a Perfectly Clean House
Seriously. Your home does not need to look like a magazine. Lifestyle sessions are about documenting this chapter in your real space. I may move a diaper bag or toss a burp cloth out of frame, but there’s no need to deep clean. We’ll focus on a few key spots with good natural light—like the nursery, living room, or bedroom—and keep it simple.
2. Feed Baby Right Before We Start (But Don’t Stress If That Changes)
A full belly usually means a sleepy, content baby—perfect for cuddly, relaxed photos. If your little one needs to eat again mid-session, that’s totally okay. These sessions are baby-led. We stop when we need to and follow their cues.
3. Keep the House Warm
Newborns love being cozy! A slightly warmer room (especially if we do a few swaddled or diaper-only shots) helps them stay calm and relaxed. Think 74–76 degrees if you’re turning up the heat a bit before I arrive.
4. Dress in What Feels Comfortable and Timeless
Neutrals and soft textures always photograph beautifully. Avoid loud logos or neon colors, and aim for simplicity. Moms—flowy dresses, oversized sweaters, or lounge sets all work great. Dads—solid tees or henleys pair well with jeans or joggers. Bare feet are encouraged!
For baby, a well-fitting onesie, a soft swaddle, or just a diaper and a blanket can be perfect. Keep a few options nearby, and we’ll go with what feels right in the moment.
5. Prep Siblings Ahead of Time (And Go With the Flow)
If this isn’t your first baby, it helps to set expectations with older siblings. Let them know it’s going to be a special time to snuggle their new baby—but there’s no pressure to be perfect. I often start with sibling shots first and then let big kids take a break (snacks and toys nearby = clutch). Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves.
6. Embrace the Chaos
Newborn sessions aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. Crying happens. Spit-up happens. Toddlers might bounce off the walls while baby sleeps. It’s all part of your story. I’ll guide you through relaxed prompts and gentle direction, but the best images come when we let go of expectations and let the moment unfold.
7. Trust the Process
You don’t need to know what to do. That’s what I’m here for. My job is to capture the quiet, the chaos, the beauty of it all—and help you feel comfortable every step of the way.
In the end, your newborn session isn’t just about the photos. It’s about giving you space to pause, to soak it all in, and to remember what these early days felt like.
If you’re expecting and want a session that captures this season just as it is, I’d love to walk through it with you.
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