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This post will tell you everything you need to know about newborn family photos.

I’m a mom just like you, not a photographer. When I was researching newborn family photos ideas for each of my 4 babies, I was surprised to find out that there wasn’t much out there that wasn’t written by a photographer.

I wanted helpful, unbiased information without an agenda written by a mom who had been through it all before. Someone who could share not just pretty pictures for inspiration, but also what went into preparing for them. I wanted newborn family photo ideas along with recommendations for having a smooth experience taking family photos with a newborn. And of course, the end result of beautiful family newborn photos to treasure.

Read on to find everything about family photos with a newborn I wish I had known the first time.

what you need to know about newborn family photos

Here is helpful information to consider when planning for newborn family photos.

1. Location, location, location

   Choosing the location for newborn family photography is important. Many professional photographers will offer you the choice of coming into your home or going to their studio. There are pros and cons of each. Here are some things to consider when deciding which location is best for you and your family.

   Key considerations for choosing the location of your newborn family photo shoot (your home vs. photographer’s studio):

   • Is there a location in your home with excellent lighting and an aesthetic backdrop? (tip - check with your photographer to see if they offer in-home consultations to help assist with this. They will be able to assess the background and lighting available to ensure it will result in high quality photos)

   • Is having part of your home in the background of your newborn family photos important to you?

   • Are you feeling physically recovered enough to leave your home?

   • Are you ok with a photographer coming into your home in whatever post-birth, messy state it’s in?

   • Have you seen sample photos that were taking in the photographer’s studio that you love?

   • Would older siblings be more comfortable and compliant at home?

   • If you want photos at your home, indoor newborn family photos and outdoor newborn family photos could both be options depending on time of year. Is there a (shaded) outdoor location in your yard that you would prefer to indoors?

   As long as the lighting and background are adequate, there are no right or wrong answers in terms of location of your photoshoot. It’s all about what’s most important to you and your family to capture these special moments.

2. Timing is important

The first two weeks of your baby’s life are best for newborn photos. Here’s why:

• Your baby will be sleepier. In the first two weeks, your baby will be sleeping at least 16-17 hours a day, and sometimes more. A sleepier newborn is better for photos.

• Baby acne likely won’t be an issue (yet). This usually doesn’t set in until after the two week mark. Not every baby gets baby acne, however, many newborns do because of the hormonal changes following birth. It can be challenging to edit out baby acne from photos, so it’s best to aim for before this occurs. Not sure of the difference between baby acne and eczema or what to do if your baby gets it? Check out Serenity Kids' baby acne vs eczema guide.

• Colic is unlikely at this young age. Typically, if a baby develops colic, they will be at least a few weeks old. It goes without saying that capturing peaceful newborn photos while a baby is colicky is not ideal.

• Newborns truly change so quickly. Capturing them in their first few days of life is the best way to make sure you never forget those teensy tiny fingers and toes. Within a few short days and weeks, they will look different already.

To help ensure timing within your baby’s first two weeks, you should look to book your photographer in advance. Three months should be good for most, but this could vary based on your photographer and location. The exact date of your baby’s arrival is, of course, somewhat unpredictable. But any experienced newborn photographer knows how to be flexible and can work with you on this.

Also, don’t worry if you missed the two week mark. There is truly not “bad” time to photograph your baby! There are some benefits of photographing baby later than two weeks. For example, they may be more likely to have open eyes, be more alert, and have more facial expressions.

3. Keep baby sleepy!

Whether you’re having your photos in a studio or in your home, it’s best for baby to be sleepy for their photos. To help your newborn be sleepy for their session, you can use a lot of the same techniques I write about in my baby sleep articles! These techniques will help you simulate the environment of the womb, which will make baby feel comfortable, cozy, and sleepy.

• A swaddle blanket looks great in photos. It also keeps baby cozy, warm, and comfortable. It reduces their startle reflex and makes them more likely to stay asleep.

• Cranking up the temperature in the room can really help baby feel sleepy as well. Just make sure it isn’t so hot that it’s uncomfortable for your other family members.

• A sound machine can work wonders during a newborn photo sessions. Not only will it soothe the baby, but it will also minimize the impact of any noise or talking from other family members during the session. It makes it more likely that your baby will stay sleeping.

Psst - if you’re wanting to learn everything you need to master newborn sleep with confidence, a plan, and knowledge about how to troubleshoot, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide To Better Baby Sleep linked here.

4. What to bring to newborn family photos

You will want to come prepared for battle (just kidding, kind of). Some of these items are “just in case”, but it’s best to plan for messes, hunger, and other potential scenarios to ensure your photoshoot is a success. Here are some things you will want to bring with you to have on hand for your newborn family photo session:

• Diaper bag with change of diaper and change of clothes for baby for after the photos are complete (their photo outfit may not be the most comfortable)

• Bottle with breastmilk/formula for baby. I recommend feeding them just before the session and having extra on hand just in case

• Pacifier (if baby takes one)

• Extra change of clothes / swaddle for baby

• Snacks or treats for any siblings (hey, I’m not above a good bribe to keep everyone smiling for the photos!)

• A favorite stuffy for any siblings, especially for toddlers - a comfort object can make all the difference in getting toddlers to look where you want them to for photos

• Hair brush or comb for other family members

5. What To Wear For Newborn Family Photos

Choosing newborn family photo outfits is definitely an important part of the day! Here are some general guidelines and newborn family photo ideas:

• For Baby: your newborn will likely be swaddled for the photos. If the swaddle blanket is more for decoration, you might be able to get by with a normal velcro swaddle underneath and have the more decorative swaddle wrapped over. Otherwise, you can just use the decorative blanket directly as a swaddle.

• For Mom: Having mom dressed in light pastel or neutrals tends to look very good in newborn family photos. Creams, whites, gras, light teals, light blues, light pinks, etc all look great. These colors do not cause distraction away from the baby and will give the photos a light and airy feeling. You can select your outfit based on the background that will be in the photos to make sure you don’t blend in too much or create a clash that doesn’t look good. Also, be sure to wear something comfortable for your postpartum body that makes you feel good. You won’t be ready for pre-pregnancy clothes just yet!

• For The Rest of The Family: Once you have your baby’s outfit and mom’s outfit decided, you should select coordinating outfits for the rest of the family. The colors don’t have to be exact matches, but they should all tie together. This will help your family appear cohesive and together in the photos.

There are a lot of inspirational photographs of newborn family photo outfits. I recommend you search for a look that you really love and choose coordinating outfits for your family photos with newborn.

6. Capture some baby parts - not just the whole

Of course, capturing the newborn with the entire family is the point of newborn family photos! But don’t forget to capture the details of your newborn while the camera is out. Tiny hands, feet, and noses will only stay this tiny for a short time before they will grow and change. Getting adorable photos of precious little baby parts can be a great way to preserve the memory of your newborn little one. In most cases, it won’t be possible to see the detail of the tiny toes or fingers in the full frame newborn family photos as baby will be too far away. Talk to your photographer about fitting this into your photo shoot if you are interested.

7. Newborn Photography experience matters

Working with a photographer who is experienced in newborn photography is important. If you’re wanting to capture baby in some of the adorable, scrunched up, bundled up wrapped poses you’ve likely seen, you will want someone who is experienced in doing this safely and efficiently. An experienced newborn photographer is also more likely to be setup for things such as a warmer-than-usual room, knowing how to expertly swaddle the baby both to help them sleep and for the aesthetic look in photos, and how to position the entire family around the baby. As you’re searching for a photographer, be sure to view their portfolio to make sure they have experience with newborns and that the look is one you really like.

8. you can DIY or hire a professional

For those who are budget-conscious, have a knack for photography, or simply want to try something new, taking your own newborn family photos is possible. All you need is:

• Your cell phone

• A tripod (or somewhere to set your phone safely)

• Good lighting (natural light is best)

While newborn family photos can be a precious heirloom as well as artwork on the walls of your home, some families may not be able to justify the expense of working with a professional photographer. Taking your own photos at home can be a great option. You can follow the same guidelines in this article about what to wear, keeping baby sleepy, and focusing on finding a good location in your home that has ample natural lighting. Make sure you use that photo timer on your cell phone!

If you do have the budget to spend, hiring a professional will likely result in higher quality photos. Many photographers may be able to work with you on pricing and deliverables. You could look for a photographer that offers mini-sessions as an option. This would be less expensive than a full session and would give you professional quality at a more affordable price. With my four young kids who are constantly moving, we almost always opt for mini-sessions when we do professional photography. Twenty minutes is about the longest I can get them all to cooperate!

conclusion

Newborn family photos can be a wonderful way to capture the first special days of your growing family. The photos can become a precious keepsake for years to come. And before too long, you’ll look back at your newborn family photos and wonder how your baby was ever so tiny. With the information in this article, you should be well on your way to planning a perfect photoshoot for your family to celebrate your new bundle.

If you liked this article, you might also light these other posts from Mom’s First Steps:

• What To Include In A Second Baby Registry

• What To Do When Your Newborn Only Sleeps When Held

• Learning How To Recognize Your Baby’s Cues