The wardrobe brief for a newborn shoot is one of the simplest of any photography session: baby usually wears very little, the room is warm, and the focus is on small, calm, intimate moments. The bigger question is what the rest of the family wears — and that's where most parents over-think it.
for baby — usually nothing, or close to it
Newborn photographs are at their best when baby is in a soft wrap, fine knit blanket, or simply a nappy. The room is kept at 27°C for exactly this reason — warm babies settle quickly, and the resulting images are the calm, sleeping ones every parent wants. Our prop wardrobe covers the wraps, blankets, hats and accessories — you genuinely don't need to bring anything baby-specific.
for mum
Neutral, soft, comfortable. The cleanest newborn imagery has mum in a simple cream knit, white linen shirt, or soft jersey wrap dress — anything that doesn't compete with baby. Loose-fitting works better than fitted (you'll be holding baby in lots of positions). Avoid logos, busy patterns and bold colour.
for dad / partner
Same palette as mum. A plain white or chambray shirt, soft grey crew neck, or fine knit jumper. The visual goal is to make baby pop against you — both parents should fade into a soft, neutral background.
for siblings
Same palette as the parents, but practical. Soft cotton, comfortable shoes, nothing they'll fidget with. Pick up to two outfits — if they get tired or restless 20 minutes in (highly likely), you can swap mid-session. Bring a familiar small toy or book for restless moments. Sibling-and-newborn images are some of the most powerful of any session.
colour palette suggestions
- Cream and beige tones — warmest, most timeless, matches our prop wardrobe naturally.
- Soft white and dove grey — modern, clean, photographs well against the cyc.
- Dusty rose, sage green, pale blue — soft pastels add warmth without being loud.
- Avoid: bright colour, logos, busy patterns, pure black (hard to expose without losing detail).
what we provide so you don't need to pack it
- Newborn-safe wraps, blankets, hats and headbands in a full range of tones.
- Beanbag posing setups, baskets, bowls and soft posed-photography props.
- Warm towels and a private changing area.
- Bath setup for end-of-session cleanup (especially if combining with a cake smash for older siblings).
practical packing list
- Plenty of nappies and changes.
- Whatever you usually use for feeds (bottle, breast, both).
- A muslin or two — your favourites, not the ones from the suitcase.
- Snacks and a drink for you. The session is 2.5 hours and you'll need them.
- Optional: anything sentimental for baby (named blanket, gift item, family heirloom).
booking your newborn session
Sessions are 2.5 hours, paced entirely around baby — feeds, settles, nappy changes built in. Most clients book around their due date and we lock in the exact slot within 48 hours of arrival. Read our companion guide on how to prepare for your newborn photoshoot for what to expect on the day, or jump straight to the newborn photography service page for pricing and booking.
