The thought of preparing for newborn photos while you’re healing, exhausted, and getting to know your baby can feel overwhelming — but it truly doesn’t have to be. In-home newborn sessions are designed to be calm, slow, and simple. You don’t need a spotless home, a perfectly styled nursery, or a baby who follows a schedule. With just a few gentle adjustments, your home becomes the perfect place to document your baby’s first days. Here’s how to get everything ready — without stressing or cleaning.
If you’re still expecting, you can explore my Maternity Photography Portfolio to see maternity sessions with Colorado families.
Do You Need to Clean? Honestly… No.
One of the biggest worries parents share before a newborn session is the state of their home.
You’re in the thick of those early days — healing, feeding, barely sleeping — and deep cleaning simply isn’t realistic.
The truth: you don’t need to clean anything for newborn photos.
After looking at the light in your home, I will help you choose the simplest, cleanest areas (with good light) to use:
- your bed
- a cozy corner of the couch
- a nursery chair
- one window with soft light
I move small items out of the way as needed to get clean photos.
The Only Spaces You Should Try to Prep
You don’t need every room photo-ready — just these minimal spots:
1. The Primary Bedroom
A made bed with a neutral blanket or comforter is perfect.
No need for throw pillows or styling. Just smooth the blankets once.
2. The Living Room Couch
A corner near a bright window is great for parent + baby portraits.
3. Nursery (Optional)
We only need one area — a crib wall, rocker, or changing table corner.
If the nursery isn’t finished yet, no problem. Many aren’t.
4. A Soft Blanket
A simple, neutral blanket works beautifully for detail photos.
That’s all you need — just a few calm, cozy spots for connection.
If you want to see examples of what in-home newborn photos look like in real spaces, scroll my Newborn Portfolio.
How to Set Up Your Home for the Best Light
Newborn photos rely on soft, natural light. The below steps help make the light better in your home, and I can take care on session day if needed.
A few simple steps make a big difference:
- Open blinds and curtains
- Turn off overhead lights (they create color casts)
- If it’s dim, I may adjust the space slightly to catch window light
- Keep baby near a window where the light falls gently from the side
You don’t need to do anything technical. I will guide all lighting decisions during the session. I also bring a flash to photo sessions, just in case.
f you’d like a deeper look at how newborn sessions unfold from start to finish, here’s What to Expect During an In-Home Newborn Session.
How to Keep Baby Comfortable
Newborn sessions often go more smoothly when baby is warm and content.
Before I arrive:
- Warm the house slightly (a cozy baby = a calm baby)
- Loosen diaper/clothing 20 minutes before to avoid marks
- Feed baby right before the session begins
- Have a swaddle or two nearby
A full tummy and warm room help make for the dreamiest snuggly images. (But please keep in mind, every newborn is different, and if yours is wide awake during their newborn photo session, that is a-okay!)
What to Wear (For You + Baby)
Choosing outfits for newborn photos should feel simple, not stressful — and you truly don’t need much. Soft, neutral clothing photographs beautifully, keeps the focus on your baby, and allows you to feel comfortable while holding and snuggling them.
For Baby:
- Zip sleepers
- Neutral onesies
- Soft blankets
- Minimal patterns
- Avoid bright colors, neon tones, or big logos
- Ensure clothing fits properly–many outfits are big on newborns and cover faces
Simple textures and soft tones always look timeless.
For Parents:
- Soft neutrals (cream, taupe, warm gray, dusty tones)
- Comfortable clothing that allows you to hold and cuddle baby
- Nothing tight or stiff — you just had a baby
- Best to be barefoot
Prefer not to shop? I have wardrobe options for you.
I’m slowly building a client wardrobe for moms, which includes flattering, neutral pieces that photograph beautifully and work well for newborn sessions. These pieces are chosen specifically to complement indoor light and soft newborn tones. If you’d like to borrow something, just let me know — I’m happy to bring options to your session.
What I Bring vs What You Provide
Most parents are surprised by how little they need to prepare.
Keep it simple and comfortable.
You bring:
- Baby
- A couple of simple outfits
- A swaddle
- Yourselves (siblings, pets, grandparents welcome)
I bring:
- My camera gear
- Years of experience working with newborns
- Posing and styling guidance
- A calm, baby-led approach
- Flexibility for feeding, soothing, and breaks
There’s nothing for you to pack.
Nothing to set up.
Nothing to stage.
It’s easy on purpose.
If You Have Older Siblings or Pets
Siblings:
We keep them involved gently and naturally —
- snuggling baby
- counting toes
- giving “soft kisses”
- holding a tiny hand
I direct these moments sweetly so everyone feels included.
Pets:
If your pet is part of your story, we can absolutely include them. A safe, supervised moment near you and baby is all we need.
Common Worries (and Why They’re Not a Problem)
“My house isn’t clean enough.”
No problem — we use tiny pockets of light, not whole rooms.
“My baby doesn’t follow a schedule.”
Perfectly normal. Sessions are baby-led.
“I won’t look put together.”
You don’t have to. Soft, real moments photograph beautifully.
“The nursery isn’t finished.”
It doesn’t need to be. We can use any simple corner.
“What if baby cries the whole time?”
All newborns cry some during sessions — feeding and soothing are expected.
Want a Calm, Beautiful Newborn Session at Home?
If you’re expecting, I’d love to photograph your baby’s first days in the comfort of your home.
I serve families across Boulder, Louisville, Superior, Longmont, Berthoud, Fort Collins, Broomfield, Denver and Golden.
Inquire Now for more information
or
Make it Official and Book Your In-home Newborn Session Now
All images @ Susannah Storch Photography 2024
