Newborn Photo Session Checklist – How Best to Prepare:

A few months ago, I received a call from a new first-time mom who had just arrived home from the hospital with her newborn. She had booked her newborn session but was very nervous, “I don’t think I’m ready for a newborn photoshoot,” she confessed. Her husband couldn’t make the session, and she felt overwhelmed at the thought of preparing everything on her own.

I reassured her: “Don’t worry. You don’t need to do this alone, and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just relax, bring a few essentials, and trust the process. These few hours at my studio in Redondo Beach, California, will become one of your favorite memories-not just about the final photos, but about the experience itself.”

The conversation with my client inspired me to put together a comprehensive newborn preparation checklist for parents. Whether it is your first baby or your fifth, this guide will help you pack and plan without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Preparation Matters for a Newborn Photoshoot

Preparation sets the tone for your session. A little thoughtful planning goes a long way to alleviate stress. With just following the checklist below, you can set yourself up for success and ensure that the day runs smoothly. A little planning ensures:
–Your baby stays comfortable, sleepy, and calm throughout the session.
–You feel relaxed instead of rushed and can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
–Photographer can devote energy to capturing beautiful images rather than troubleshooting preventable hiccups.
–Family members who join know more about what to expect without stress.
–Small but meaningful details, like heirloom or special items, are remembered and ready to use.

What to Pack for Your Baby

–Diapers and wipes. Always pack extra because accidents happen.
–Pacifier…even if you don’t use one. It can make calming your baby much easier and keep the session flowing smoothly, especially during transitioning.  
–Milk, formula, bottles. A well-fed baby is a happy baby. We want baby to be sleepy and content so bring enough for the entire session plus extra just in case session runs longer than expected.
–Extra outfits. I have an array of cute outfits for baby photos but I encourage outfits just in case of messes.
–Burp clothes. I promise, you’ll thank me later.
–Optional extras. Any items that are sentimental or have meaning. I’m happy to incorporate these items in the photos.

What to Pack for Parents

–Comfortable clothing. I keep my studio in Redondo Beach on the warmer side for the comfort of baby so I recommend layers for parents. If parents are included in photos, avoid prints and bold colors. I recommend bringing an extra outfit in case baby spits up on parents. Soft pastels and earthy neutral colors work beautifully.
–Snacks to munch on. I have cold water/sodas in my studio for all family members. I also have a keurig for coffee drinkers.

Timing and Feeding Before the Photo Session

Feed your baby right before the session so they’re sleepy and content. A full tummy makes it easier to pose them comfortably and helps them settle faster.

Keep the baby is loose clothes before arrival–this helps avoid marks on their skin and makes undressing simpler when the session begins.

Try not to let them nap too long before leaving for the session, as we want baby to be as drowsy as possible because the more awake the baby is, the harder it can be to keep baby from moving and getting them in the right posing positions.

Arrive early to settle, feed baby, change baby’s diaper, and let baby adjust to the new place.

The research shows that newborns are calmest when they’re full, warm, and swaddled. Combining feeding, warmth, and gentle swaddling can maximize the success of the shoot. For more about my newborn sessions, please visit my website, http://www.heathernicolephotographystudio.com.