Preparing for Your In-Home Newborn Session
An in-home newborn session is all about embracing the authentic, tender, and beautiful moments as you welcome your new baby into your world. My goal is to create timeless, intimate memories that truly reflect the love and warmth of your home. To help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable session, here are some tips:
Setting the Scene: Preparing Your Home
We'll be relying on natural light to create those soft, beautiful images, so a little prep goes a long way.
- Find the Light: Before I arrive, take a quick look around your home, especially at the time of day we're scheduled. Notice which rooms get the best natural light from large windows or patio doors. We're looking for soft, diffused light, not harsh, direct sun. Often, the master bedroom, nursery, or living room work wonderfully.
- Declutter, Don't Deep Clean: Please don't feel like you need to deep clean your entire house! Just focus on the areas we'll be using. Try to remove any distracting clutter like laundry baskets, cords, excessive trinkets, or remote controls. A simple vase of flowers or a sentimental item is perfectly fine.
- Warmth for Baby: Newborns get cold very easily, especially when they're undressed. Please set your thermostat to a cozy 24-27°C about 30 minutes before I arrive. This will help keep your little one sleepy and comfortable.
- Open Up: On the day of the session, please open all blinds, curtains, and drapes in the designated areas to let in as much beautiful natural light as possible. I also prefer to work with natural light, so we'll likely turn off most artificial overhead lights and lamps in those rooms.
Happy Baby, Happy Photos: Feeding Tips
A content baby is key to a successful session!
- Timing is Everything: The best time for us to start is usually right after a good feed. If possible, aim to feed your baby just before I arrive, or plan to have them due for a feed shortly after I get there. A full tummy makes for a sleepy, cooperative baby.
- Burp Thoroughly: Make sure your little one gets a good burp after their feeding to help prevent any discomfort from gas during the session.
- Don't Stress the Breaks: If your baby needs to feed mid-session, that's completely normal and expected! These can be some of the most beautiful and intimate moments to capture, so please feel free to feed on demand.
Capturing the Connection: What to Expect
We'll be focusing on authentic interactions and the beautiful details of your new family.
- Small Moments, Big Memories: I'll be looking for those tiny details that are gone too soon – close-ups of little fingers and toes, flaky newborn skin, and those adorable milk-drunk lips.
- Family Cuddles: We'll capture lots of gentle snuggles, kisses, and quiet moments between you, your partner, and any siblings with the baby. These genuine interactions are truly priceless.
- Everyday Beauty: Don't be surprised if I capture feeding moments, gentle diaper changes, or your baby simply sleeping soundly on your chest. These are the real, beautiful parts of newborn life.
What to Wear: Clothing Recommendations
The goal is to choose comfortable, timeless outfits that highlight your family and your new baby, without distractions.
For Baby:
- Swaddles: Have 2-3 soft, neutral-colored swaddles (muslin, knit, or lightweight cotton) ready.
- Simple Outfits: A couple of plain white, cream, grey, or pastel long-sleeved onesies or sleepers are perfect. Please avoid busy patterns, logos, or character prints.
- Barefoot is Best: We'll keep baby's tiny hands and feet bare – they're just too cute to cover up!
For Mom:
- Comfort & Softness: Think soft, breathable fabrics like knit, cotton, or linen.
- Neutral & Muted Colors: White, cream, ivory, light grey, beige, or soft pastels (blush, light blue, sage green) work beautifully and keep the focus on your baby.
- Style Suggestions: A flowy maxi dress, a comfortable knit top with soft pants, or even a beautiful, neutral-colored robe are wonderful options. If you're breastfeeding, choose something easy to nurse in.
For Dad & Siblings:
- Simple & Coordinated: Solid colored t-shirts (white, grey, navy), simple long-sleeved shirts, or soft knit sweaters. For bottoms, clean jeans, chinos, or comfortable joggers in neutral tones are great.
- Avoid: Loud patterns, graphic tees, or anything that might clash. Barefoot or simple socks are ideal.
Including Your Furry Family Members
I love including pets!
- Exercise First: A tired pet is a calmer pet, so a good walk or play session before I arrive can work wonders.
- Treats & Handler: Have their favorite treats ready, and it helps if one adult is designated as the "pet handler" to manage them during the session.
- Patience is Key: We'll be patient and let them interact naturally. Sometimes, the best photos are of them just observing nearby. Please let me know beforehand if you'd like to include your pet.
My main goal is for you all to relax, be yourselves, and enjoy this incredible time with your new baby. Your genuine interactions and love will shine through in every photo.