What to prepare for a newborn session
Welcoming a baby into the world is nothing short of magical. But let’s be honest, it’s also a whirlwind of nappies, sleepless nights, and an endless cycle of feeding and burping. Even popping out for a food shop can feel like a full blown mission, so the idea of preparing for a newborn photoshoot might seem… ambitious.
Don’t worry, i’m here to help! My goal is to make this process as smooth, stress free, and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind before your session:
Timing is Everything
Newborns have a sweet spot when it comes to photoshoots—ideally between 7-21 days old (though I can work with babies up to 6 weeks). At this stage, they’re extra sleepy, super curly, and more likely to stay settled while we capture those dreamy, snuggly poses.
I always book my newborn sessions early in the morning (between 9-10 AM). Why? Because mornings = sleepy, happy babies. By the afternoon, they tend to get more unsettled (hello, colic and cluster feeding!), which can make posing trickier and the experience less relaxing for everyone.
The Perfect Setting
My sessions take place in my home studio, where I keep the temperature at a toasty 24-25°C—basically, a baby spa day. This keeps your little one comfy and settled, however for parents… it may be a bit too warm. Layers will be your best friend here, you can always remove a jumper if needed!
Comfort Items = A Happy Baby
There are two things I always ask parents to bring:
✔ A dummy – Even if you don’t plan to use one long term, having one on hand can work wonders in settling your baby for a few minutes during the session. If you're breastfeeding and worried about nipple confusion, don’t stress, using a dummy for a short period won’t impact feeding, and I promise I’ll only use it if absolutely needed!
✔ A blanket that smells like mum – Babies have an incredible sense of smell, and nothing soothes them more than the familiar scent of their favourite person (that’s you, mum!). A well loved blanket can make all the difference in helping your baby settle in.
The Secret to a Sleepy Baby
Here’s a little trick: try to arrive with a hungry and tired baby. If you can time baby’s next feed for just before or on arrival, we can fill them up with a nice big feed, and it should mean we have a content, milk-drunk baby ready for their close-up.
That said, newborns have their own agenda, and I totally get that. If your little one had an unexpected car nap or couldn’t wait until the session to eat, don’t stress! Settling babies is what I do best, and it’s extremely rare that a session doesn’t go smoothly. P.S. – Bring extra milk (if bottle-feeding), it always helps!
What Should Baby Wear?
The short answer? Don’t worry about it! I have a beautiful selection of wraps, outfits, and headbands for you to choose from when you arrive. However, if you have something special; maybe a sentimental outfit, a family heirloom, or a favourite teddy, please bring it along, and we’ll include it in the session.
Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Experience
Newborn sessions are completely baby-led, which means we go at your little one’s pace with plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and settling. There’s absolutely no rush, and no pressure—just a relaxed, enjoyable experience capturing memories that you’ll cherish forever.
And while I’m busy working my magic with your baby, this is your chance to take a well-earned break. Put your feet up, sip on a cuppa, and enjoy a rare moment of calm. You deserve it!
Final Thoughts
My job isn’t just to take beautiful photos, it’s to make sure you feel relaxed, supported, and completely at ease during your session. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, I want this experience to be one you look back on fondly.
If you have any questions or worries, just drop me a message, I’m always happy to help. I can’t wait to meet you and your little one soon! xxx