In-Home Newborn Session Prep Guide

A few simple things to help your in home newborn session go smoothly:

Your Home

• Don’t clean! Your home does not need to be picture-perfect. I’ll move furniture and tidy small areas as needed.

• Open blinds/curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

• Turn the heat up to about 75°F so baby is comfortably warm and sleepy

• If you have space heaters please have them available if you would like any unwrapped photos of your baby. 

• Choose 1–2 rooms with the best natural light for most of the photos.

Baby

• Feed baby shortly before I arrive, if possible but do not stress if this doesn’t align with baby’s needs or schedule.

• A clean diaper before the session is helpful.

• Dress baby in something easy to remove, like a zip-up or button-up sleeper.

• Don’t worry if baby doesn’t sleep! Awake, cuddly, and alert photos are wonderful too.

Family

• Wear comfortable, coordinating colors and avoid large logos or busy patterns.

• Dress in light layers since we’ll keep the house warm for baby.

• Bare feet or socks are best

• Have a backup shirt/outfit nearby—newborns are unpredictable.

Siblings & Pets

• Let me know if you want to include pets or siblings.

• Don’t stress if your toddler or pet isn’t cooperative. We’ll work with them and keep things relaxed. Have a treat handy for a little motivation.

Most Important

You do not need to have everything organized or planned. I’ll guide you through the session. Your only job is to relax, snuggle your baby, and enjoy this little stage of life.