What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
If you’re wondering what to wear for your newborn session, whether you’re a first-time parent or celebrating a long-awaited rainbow baby, this is such a special time to document the joy and love in your growing family. These sessions create lifelong memories and allow you to preserve the precious, fleeting moments of your newborn’s early days.
As a photographer one of the most common questions I get is, What should I wear for my newborn session? Let’s keep it simple and stress-free! The goal is to for you feel comfortable and confident while ensuring the focus remains on your beautiful baby and your connection with them.
Comfort is Key for Your Newborn Session
Your body has just been through an incredible journey, and recovering is the most important focus. The last thing you need is to feel uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, so stay away from anything that is uncomfortable for you to wear. Choose clothing that makes you feel good—both physically and emotionally. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help keep you comfortable during the session, especially if you’re still adjusting postpartum. If you had a C-section, consider clothing that won’t put pressure on your incision area such as a loose fitting top or dress.
Avoid anything too tight or restrictive. You’ll be snuggling your baby, so you want to feel at ease moving around. Loose-fitting tops, flowy dresses, or cozy sweaters are excellent choices. Remember, your comfort translates into a relaxed, natural look in photos.
Focus on the Waist Up
For parent shots, I only photograph from the waist up, so don’t stress about your lower half! Many moms opt for a loose-fitting dress, a cozy sweater, or a simple top that makes them feel confident. Leggings, pajama pants—whatever keeps you comfy—are completely fine since they won’t be seen in the pictures. If you’re feeling self-conscious about any postpartum changes, wearing something that drapes well over your midsection can help you feel more confident in your photos.
The same rule applies to dads—there’s no need for fancy pants or dress shoes. A fitted, solid-colored T-shirt or a lightweight sweater works perfectly. Soft, muted colors tend to photograph best and keep the attention on your baby.
Simple and Coordinated Colors
When deciding what to wear for your newborn session, neutrals like brown, gray, soft pastels, or earthy tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Avoid bright, neon colors or busy patterns, as they can distract from the soft, intimate feel of the photos. I have a variety of wraps and outfits for your baby. I will coordinate the baby is match what the parents are wearing.
During a consultation call, I discuss color preferences and how to coordinate outfits. If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help! Some of my clients even send me photos of potential outfits for feedback and assistance.
If you’re wondering how to tie in your whole family’s outfits, think in terms of complementing rather than matching. Soft color palettes that flow together work best. For example, if mom wears a cream-colored sweater, dad can wear a soft gray shirt, and baby can be swaddled in a neutral-toned wrap to create a cohesive look.
Sibling Outfits
If older siblings are joining, keep their outfits simple and comfortable as well. Choose colors that blend well together and let their personalities shine through. Soft, natural fabrics are best, and for younger siblings, avoid anything too stiff or itchy that might make them uncomfortable during the session. I will match what the baby is wearing to their siblings by using my wraps or outfits.
If you’re worried about getting toddlers or older children to cooperate, one trick is to let them wear something they feel good in while keeping it within the neutral color palette. Letting them have a small say in their outfit can help them feel excited about the session rather than resistant.
Extra Help & Resources
Once you book your session, I’ll send you my full newborn prep guide. It covers everything—what to expect, how to prepare older siblings, what to bring, and more! If you’d like my help selecting outfits, just send me a message—I love making sure you feel confident and prepared.
I know that the days after birth can be a whirlwind, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My goal is to make your newborn session as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Don’t stress over looking perfect—just focus on being present and soaking in these beautiful moments with your little one. I’ll take care of the rest!
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