What to Wear for a Newborn Photoshoot

Congratulations! Your little bundle of joy has arrived, and now it’s time to capture those precious newborn photos with a newborn photoshoot. But before you panic and pull out every onesie your baby owns, let’s talk about what to wear for the best newborn photography session.

As a Farmington photographer, I’ve seen it all—parents showing up in pajamas (respect), dads rocking their “vintage” college T-shirts, and babies wrapped in blankets straight from the hospital. While every family is unique, a little planning goes a long way in creating timeless newborn family photos you’ll cherish forever.

1. Keep It Neutral & Soft

First and foremost, when it comes to baby pictures, soft and neutral tones are your best friend. Therefore, think whites, creams, beiges, pastels, and light grays. These colors keep the focus on your baby and create a dreamy, timeless look. Plus, if your baby decides to yawn, stretch, or throw a tiny diva tantrum, these shades make for stunning candid shots.

🚫 Avoid: Bright neon colors (unless you want your baby looking like a highlighter) and busy patterns that can be distracting.

2. Comfort Over Everything (Especially for New Moms!)

Newborns are snuggly, sleepy, and (let’s be honest) a little unpredictable. Therefore, dress in comfortable, breathable fabrics that let you move freely while snuggling your baby.

For postpartum moms, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable. Here are a few flattering style suggestions:

1. Flowy maxi dresses – Soft, elegant, and perfect for a relaxed, effortless look.

2. Loose, knit sweaters – Cozy and flattering, plus they photograph beautifully.

3. Loose blouses – Flattering, light, and add a touch of casual elegance.

4. Empire waist or A-line dresses – These silhouettes highlight the narrowest part of your body while offering a relaxed fit.

5. Soft, high-waisted leggings + a tunic – Stylish, comfortable, and practical.

🚫 Avoid: Tight or structured clothing that might feel restrictive, bold patterns that draw attention away from your baby, and anything you’ll be adjusting every five seconds!

3. Coordinated, Not Matching

Gone are the days of every family member wearing identical shirts and pants for a newborn photoshoot (phew!). Instead, aim for coordinating outfits—stick to a color palette that complements each other without looking like a uniform.

For example:
👩‍👦 Mom in a soft beige dress, Dad in a light gray sweater, baby in a white onesie = ✨ perfection ✨
🚫 Everyone in head-to-toe plaid? Not so much.

4. Baby’s Outfit: Keep It Simple for Newborn Photoshoot

Of course, the star of the show is your little one, so there’s no need for over-the-top outfits. A plain white onesie, a swaddle, or a simple knit outfit works best. Moreover, many newborn photographers (myself included!) provide wraps, headbands, and props, so don’t stress about dressing your baby in a runway-ready look.

💡 Fun fact: The best newborn photographers often prefer babies wrapped up because it helps keep them calm and cozy during the session.

5. Accessories? Less is More

Jewelry, big hair clips, and flashy watches can be distracting in newborn family photos. Keep accessories minimal, and let your natural beauty shine.

💡 Pro Tip: If you wear glasses, make sure they have an anti-glare coating to avoid reflections in your baby pictures!

6. What About Hair, Skin & Lip Care?

While your baby will have that perfect, soft newborn skin, you might want to spend a little extra time on hair and makeup to feel your best in your newborn family photos. Hydrated skin looks great on camera, so applying a little moisturizer before your session will help you glow naturally.

💡 Pro Tip: One thing to remember—chapped lips can be noticeable in photos. So, before the session, apply some lip balm to keep your lips smooth and soft (this applies to both parents, and even older children). After all, a little shine can make a big difference!😴💖

Final Thoughts: Relax & Enjoy your Newborn Photoshoot

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. As a baby photographer, my goal is to capture the love and connection between your family—not to judge your outfit choices!

So, take a deep breath, snuggle that sweet baby, and let’s create beautiful newborn photos together.

📸 See My Work: View Portfolio

💰 Explore Packages: View Pricing

🗓️  And if you are ready to book – book you’re session

I can’t wait to capture these fleeting moments for you! 💕