What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
Updated August 2026What should we wear for newborn photos?
This is always a big question and probably one you don't have a lot of capacity for during the postpartum phase. So let's keep it simple and break it down person by person.
Baby
Your baby is perfect and I'm going to photograph them just as they are. A simple, well-fitting onesie or even just a diaper is perfect. And we definitely want to photograph those tiny toes, so no socks, booties, or shoes needed!
A few pro tips:
Sizing: Even though neither of my girls were technically “preemies,” newborn and 0–3 month clothes were still big on them for the first couple of weeks. For my second, I bought a few “preemie” outfits before her arrival and they fit perfectly during those early weeks. If you’re finding that clothes aren’t fitting quite right, consider picking up a couple of preemie-size options.
Backup outfit: If you have an outfit you love, we'll start with baby in that, but have a backup nearby just in case there's a big spit-up or diaper situation. This is especially important if your newborn session is taking place in a studio rather than at home.
Accessories & sentimental items
Headbands, bows, bonnets, or simple hats can add a sweet finishing touch without overwhelming baby.
This is also a wonderful time to incorporate something sentimental. A handmade blanket, heirloom outfit, special stuffed animal, or another meaningful item can become part of your baby's story. You don't need to buy props specifically for your session; the things that already mean something to your family are usually the ones worth photographing.
Keep your color palette simple
Newborn sessions tend to photograph beautifully with soft, understated colors that keep the focus on your baby and your family's connection. Neutrals, creams, earthy tones, soft pastels, and muted colors are all great options.
That doesn't mean everyone needs to wear beige! Choose a few colors that work well together and coordinate rather than matching exactly. Texture from knits, linen, denim, gauze, or subtle patterns can add interest without distracting from your family.
If we're photographing your session at home, you can also consider the colors in the rooms we'll likely use. For in-home sessions, we'll typically photograph in the nursery, primary bedroom, or living room
Mom
Give yourself grace and choose something that feels good on your body right now. It might be different from what you would’ve chosen before baby and that’s okay.
Pro tip: If you're buying something new for your session, consider ordering it in two sizes and returning whichever one doesn't work. Your body is still changing, and trying to guess your postpartum size ahead of time can be tricky.
I've also had clients use clothing rental subscriptions during the postpartum period. If that's your plan, I'd still recommend ordering two sizes when possible.
Flowy dresses, soft sweaters, cardigans, and comfortable tops all photograph beautifully. You don't need to hide your postpartum body, but you also don't need to wear anything fitted if that isn't what makes you feel good right now.
The Rest of the Family
Once Mom and baby's outfits are chosen, everyone else's outfits can be built around those. If you’d like styling tips for your partner and older siblings, head over to my post on What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot.
Connection not Perfection
Your newborn session isn't about perfection; it's about your new baby and the connections already forming around them.
You don't need a perfectly sleeping baby. Your older child doesn't need to behave perfectly. And you certainly don't need to have everything figured out a few weeks after bringing a baby home.
Let go of expectations and lean into the moment. I'll gently guide your family through the session while leaving plenty of room for feeding, changing, soothing, snuggling, and whatever else your baby needs.
This is a new chapter in your family's story, and it's worth documenting exactly as it is.
Expecting a baby and wondering what a newborn session with me looks like? Learn more about my newborn sessions in the Rochester, NY area including what to expect, pricing, and booking information.