Start With Your Baby’s Outfit
Your newborn is the star of this session. Everything else should support that — not compete with it.
For your baby, simple is almost always better. A white onesie, a soft swaddle, a stretchy knit outfit in a neutral color — these let your baby’s face, tiny fingers, and perfect little features take center stage.
A few things that work beautifully:
- A fitted white or cream onesie
- A soft knit swaddle or wrap in a neutral or muted tone
- A simple outfit in the correct size — newborn clothes that are too big tend to swallow babies and make them look smaller than they are
Bring a backup. Blowouts and spit-up are facts of newborn life. Pack at least one extra outfit and an extra swaddle so we have options.
Swaddles and blankets are my favorite. If you have a beloved swaddle or a special blanket, bring it. Some of the most beautiful newborn images I make are of a baby perfectly wrapped in something soft and meaningful.
What Mama Should Wear
First things first: you just grew and delivered a human being. You are not required to look perfect, and I will not be judging anything. My whole job is to make you look and feel your best.
With that said, here’s what tends to work:
Soft, muted colors photograph beautifully. Cream, dusty rose, sage, soft gray, warm white, terracotta — these tones complement a newborn’s skin and keep the focus where it belongs. Bright neons or saturated colors like electric red or bright green can reflect onto your baby’s skin and create color casts in the photos, so I’d steer clear of those.
Lighter colors over very dark ones. I know dark colors feel flattering and a lot of new mamas gravitate toward them — I get it. But for newborn sessions especially, lighter tones tend to feel softer and more cohesive with the warmth of new baby life. That said, a deep navy or soft charcoal can work if the rest of the family is in lighter tones.
Flowy fabrics are your friend. If you’re choosing between something fitted and something with a little movement, go flowy. There’s something about soft fabric and a newborn curled against your chest that just works. Maxi dresses are wonderful for this — they’re comfortable, they look beautiful, and they’re practical (easy to lie down in on a bed without worrying).
Think about your arms. This is a practical tip, not a judgment. If you feel confident in a tank top, wear a tank top. If you’d feel more comfortable with short sleeves, wear short sleeves. You’ll be more relaxed in front of the camera when you’re not thinking about it.
Tunics and leggings are another great option — comfortable, flattering, and easy to move in.
Skip the shoes. In-home sessions are barefoot-friendly. If you want to feel polished, a fresh pedicure goes a long way.
Hair and makeup: If you have the energy to do a little extra, you’ll be glad you did. Even a simple blowout or a coat of mascara can make a difference in how you feel on camera. Some mamas book a blowout the morning of their session and it’s one of my favorite things to see — you walk in feeling like yourself, and that translates directly into the photos.
What Dad Should Wear for Newborn Photo Sessions
Dads tend to overthink this or underthink it — neither is great. Here’s a simple formula:
A neutral, solid-colored top — a soft henley, a fitted crewneck, a simple button-down with the sleeves rolled — paired with dark jeans or chinos works almost every time. Avoid large logos, sports jerseys, or graphic tees. Keep it clean and simple.
Colors that tend to work: warm gray, navy, olive, cream, soft blue, tan. Anything that complements what mama is wearing without being matchy-matchy.
Shoes or no shoes? Either works for an in-home session, although I prefer no shoes. If the photos are primarily on the bed or couch, bare feet or socks work best.
What Siblings Should Wear
Siblings are one of my favorite parts of a newborn session — the way a toddler looks at a new baby, or a big kid holds their sibling for the first time, is something families treasure forever.
For siblings, the same principles apply: neutral or muted tones, no busy logos or character tees. I know it’s tempting to put them in their favorite Paw Patrol shirt — but save that for another day. For this session, something simple lets their face (and their reaction to the baby) be what you remember.
Coordinating doesn’t mean matching. You don’t want everyone in identical outfits — that tends to feel stiff and dated. Instead, think of a color palette and let each person wear their own version of it. Cream, sage, and dusty blue together looks cohesive and natural without looking like a uniform.
Comfortable is key for kids. If they’re itchy or uncomfortable, it will show. Pick something they can actually move in.
Putting the Whole Family Together
Once you have each person’s outfit figured out, lay everything out together and take a photo on your phone. Look at it as a group. Ask yourself:
- Does anyone stand out in a distracting way?
- Is there variety in the outfits without being chaotic?
- Does the overall palette feel warm and soft?
You’re not going for identical — you’re going for cohesive. Two to four complementary colors in muted tones almost always works.
A simple palette that’s hard to go wrong: cream + sage + warm white + soft denim. Timeless, cohesive, and works in almost any home setting.
Have questions about your session? Reach out anytime — I’m happy to help you prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Session Outfits
Do I need to buy new outfits?
No. Most families already have something that works. When in doubt, send me a photo of your options via text before the session and I’ll give you honest feedback.
What if I don’t have anything that fits the guidelines?
I have access to a client wardrobe with options for mamas. Reach out before your session and we can figure it out.
What should the baby wear for the whole session?
We’ll likely change the baby a couple of times throughout the session depending on what’s working. I’ll guide you as we go — just have a few options washed and ready.
Can I wear something I already own, even if it breaks a rule?
Yes. These are guidelines, not laws. If you have a dress you love that happens to be dark or patterned, bring it. We’ll make it work. I’d rather you feel like yourself than feel restricted by a list.
Do you serve families outside of Longmont and Boulder?
Yes — I photograph newborn sessions throughout the Front Range including Longmont, Boulder, Erie, Berthoud, Loveland, Louisville, Broomfield, Niwot, and beyond.
How do I book a newborn session?
Reach out through my contact form with your due date and I’ll follow up quickly. Most families book during their second trimester to secure a spot.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
If you’re expecting, I’d love to document those early days for your family. Newborn sessions book out — especially in fall and winter — so the earlier you reach out, the better.
View my newborn portfolio →
Contact me to reserve your session →
Your baby will only be this tiny once. Let’s make sure you remember it.
