Preparing for Your Newborn Photo Session

Congratulations on your new baby! Newborn photos are such precious keepsakes, capturing those tiny fingers, little yawns, and peaceful sleeping moments before they grow too quickly. As a Chillicothe newborn photographer specializing in lifestyle newborn photography, I want to help you prepare for a smooth, successful session. Here's everything you need to know!

When to Schedule Your Newborn Session

The ideal time for newborn photos is within the first 5-14 days after birth. During this window, babies are still very sleepy, flexible, and curl up naturally into those adorable newborn poses. They also sleep more soundly, making it easier to photograph them peacefully.

That said, life with a newborn is unpredictable! If you're past the two-week mark, don't worry - we can still capture beautiful photos. Older newborns (3-4 weeks) have more alert moments which can be equally precious.

Book Before Baby Arrives

I recommend booking your newborn session during your second or third trimester. We'll put you on the calendar for your due date with flexibility to adjust once baby arrives. Then just let me know when you're ready to schedule the actual session!

Best Time of Day for Newborn Photos

Unlike other photo sessions where golden hour rules, newborn sessions are all about when baby is most content. That said, I typically recommend morning or early afternoon sessions (between 9 AM and 2 PM) because:

• Natural light is best during these hours
• Parents tend to have more energy after a night's rest
• Baby has usually had a feeding and is ready to sleep
• You have the rest of the day to rest after the session

In-Home vs. Studio Newborn Sessions

At Aqua Blue Studio, I specialize in lifestyle newborn photography which means I come to your home. Here's why I love in-home sessions:

• Comfort: You're in your own space with everything you need nearby
• Convenience: No packing up baby and all their things
• Meaningful: Photos in your home capture this chapter of your life authentically
• Relaxed: Parents are more relaxed at home, which baby senses
• Real Life: We capture genuine moments, not just posed shots

Don't worry about having a "perfect" house - I'll find the best lighting and angles. You just need a window with good natural light, and we're set!

Preparing Your Home for the Session

Room Selection

We'll mainly use one room with the best natural light - usually a master bedroom or living room. I'll move furniture if needed to position baby near the window light. Don't stress about having a nursery ready - we can make beautiful photos anywhere!

Decluttering Tips

You don't need to deep clean! But a little tidying helps:

• Clear surfaces visible in backgrounds (nightstands, dressers)
• Put away bright or distracting items
• Hide laundry baskets (we've all got them!)
• Straighten bed linens if we're using the bed

Remember - I'll be focused on your baby, not judging your house! You just had a baby - give yourself grace.

Temperature

Keep your home warm - around 75-78°F. This seems hot to adults, but newborns need to be cozy to stay sleepy and content. When baby is comfortable, they settle better for photos. You and your partner can dress in lighter layers and wear short sleeves!

What Baby Should Wear

For lifestyle sessions, I love variety:

• Simple Onesie: Solid colors work best - white, gray, or cream
• Diaper Only: Classic newborn photos showcasing those tiny features
• Swaddled: A simple muslin or knit swaddle in neutral tones
• Coming Home Outfit: If it's special to you, we'll definitely photograph it
• Special Items: Hospital hat, handmade blanket, or family heirloom

Avoid:

• Busy patterns or graphics
• Characters or logos
• Anything scratchy or uncomfortable
• Clothes that are too big (newborn size or even preemie size photos better)

What Parents Should Wear

You'll be in these photos too! Here's what works well:

• Solid colors: Cream, white, beige, soft gray, or muted blues work beautifully
• Comfortable: You want to feel good, not self-conscious
• Coordinating: Parents should complement each other, not match exactly
• Simple: Let baby be the focus - avoid busy patterns
• Layering: Since the room will be warm, short sleeves or light layers

Mom tip: Choose something that makes you feel confident. Don't stress about still having a baby bump - it's totally normal! Flowing tops, button-up shirts for easy nursing access, and comfortable pants all work great.

Feeding Tips for the Day of Your Session

Feed baby RIGHT before I arrive (like, 5-10 minutes before). A full, content baby is a sleepy baby! Keep baby awake for 30-45 minutes before feeding if possible - this helps them be more tired and ready to sleep during the session.

That said, we'll definitely have feeding breaks during the 2-hour session. Newborn photography requires patience and going at baby's pace. Don't stress if baby needs to eat, be changed, or just be held - we have plenty of time!

Sibling and Family Photos

Including siblings and family photos is wonderful! Some tips:

• Do family photos first when everyone is fresh
• Keep sibling photos brief - young kids don't have long attention spans
• Don't force interactions - genuine moments are better than forced "hold the baby" poses
• Have a parent or helper keep siblings entertained during solo baby photos
• Bring a favorite toy or snack to help older siblings cooperate

What to Have Ready

On the day of your session, have these items accessible:

• Extra diapers
• Wipes and changing pad
• Pacifier (if you use one)
• 2-3 outfit options for baby
• Any special blankets or items you want in photos
• Snacks and water for parents
• White noise machine or app (helps keep baby calm)

Session Length and Pace

Plan for 2-3 hours. This seems long, but newborn sessions can't be rushed! We go at baby's pace with breaks for feeding, changing, and soothing. Most of the time is spent getting baby comfortable, not actually photographing. Don't schedule anything immediately after - you'll want time to rest!

Managing Expectations

Some important things to know:

• Crying is normal: All babies cry during sessions at some point. We'll work through it!
• Flexible timeline: We might finish in 90 minutes or need the full 3 hours
• Sleep cycles: Newborns sleep in cycles. We work around these patterns
• Milk spots and baby acne: Totally normal! I can minimize these in editing
• Parents look tired: You just had a baby! I'll edit gently to help you look your best

Special Situations

Twins or Multiples

Multiple babies just means more cuteness! We'll need extra time (3-4 hours) and patience. Individual shots of each baby plus photos together create a complete collection.

Premature Babies

For preemies, we typically wait until they're home from the hospital and cleared by their doctor. We'll schedule based on their adjusted age rather than birth date, and go extra slow and gentle.

NICU Graduates

If your baby spent time in the NICU, we can absolutely still create beautiful newborn photos. We'll be extra patient and work around any medical equipment or special needs.

After the Session

After your newborn session, I'll spend time carefully editing each image. You can expect to see your gallery within 2-3 weeks. I'll deliver 30-50 edited digital images from your session, all high-resolution and ready to print or share.

Book Your Chillicothe Newborn Session

Ready to capture these precious early days? Contact Aqua Blue Studio to book your newborn photography session in Chillicothe or surrounding Livingston County. I can't wait to meet your sweet baby and create heirloom photos you'll cherish forever!

Call or text 660-973-7090 or book online. Remember to book during pregnancy to secure your spot on my calendar!