The last thing you probably want to do after bringing a new baby home is figuring out what to wear for newborn photos. Especially when these new baby photos include the entire family.
As a newborn photographer serving the Inland Northwest, my sessions are not simply about the baby but the entire family – from your family dog, siblings, and even grandparents. It’s the story of what life is like welcoming a new soul to the world. While this seems great in theory, often, many families express concern over what to wear for newborn photos. So here are a few things to consider before your shoot.
How to Dress Baby for newborn photos at home
In general, I don’t give a lot of hard rules for clothing because I think how you feel and express yourself comes first. However, there is an exception with babies because I think there are definitely a few things to consider.
- Forgo socks and long pants so we can capture details of baby
- Simple is better. Many emotive sessions are done with a baby in a simple onesie. Some of the BEST, more connected photos are when the baby is only in a diaper.
- Try on any newborn outfits before. Newborns rarely fit clothes well, so make sure you look for things that fit snuggly.
What to wear for newborn photos? Don’t forget the parents
If we work together in Spokane, WA, on a newborn shoot, don’t be surprised when I encourage parents to be in many photos. Why? Well, because most importantly, baby is more content in your arms, and two, I think pictures of the entire family matter much.
So how can parents dress for success?
- Where something you feel good in. Don’t worry about the right colors or dressing up. These photos celebrate love without a filter.
- Pick something you can comfortably sit down in or lay on the bed to cuddle, babe.
- Don’t forget your feet. This sounds silly, but your feet will end up in a few photos. So if you want new socks, shoes, or bare feet, consider that before we start shooting.
Where something you feel good in. Don’t worry about the right colors or dressing up. These photos celebrate love without a filter.
Dressing Siblings for new baby photos
Are you seeing a trend here? Comfort and simplicity are common themes in my at-home newborn photos.
Put siblings in clothes you don’t mind having a snack break in, and they could get a little messy if they take a break to play while we are shooting. So basically, really think hard about white.
Also, kids are constantly moving around, bending into pretzels, and jumping. To take care to make sure clothes fit well for all the movement.
If kiddos are wearing dresses, put a pair of shots underneath that you are OK having in a photograph.
Photo sessions are not the time to fight kids about wearing something they don’t love. Try and find a compromise that your kids are happy wearing on the day of the photos.
A few final thoughts on what to wear for newborn photos
I’ve been photographing Spokane, WA, families, and babes for years. During that time, my thoughts on what to wear really shifted. You’ll often hear things like wear neutrals, avoiding bright, bold colors, and never wear all blue. But this isn’t how I feel anymore.
I think the most important thing about any photo session is choosing clothes you feel comfortable in to move around with your family, which express your unique personality. If your child’s favorite color is orange, let them rock that orange shirt.
And when it comes to dressing a new baby for photos? Simple is probably going to be better.
Ready to read more about my connected style of newborn photos? Start here with What to Expect with At Home Newborn Photography
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Cheers!
MB – A newborn documentary photographer based out of Spokane, WA
