How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session

There is nothing more special and exhausting then bringing your baby home, whether it’s your first born or your last baby. You’ve just started the healing process after having given birth; you’re up every four hours with the nurses coming in to check on you, and we both know that baby is not exactly on the nurses schedule.

Now that you’re home, hopefully you’re a bit more comfortable and able to actually take it easy and allow your body to recover. If you’ve schedule newborn photos with me, hopefully you’ve reached out to let me know that your sweet babe has finally arrived. Once I’ve heard from you, we will finalize the day and time for your newborn session, Once the date is set, I’ll send you a quick reminder with all the details and info on how to prepare for your newborn photo session with me!

Considerations on How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session

To take the thought out of preparing for your newborn session, I’ve put together the following list of recommendations and considerations for you:

1. Do your best to rest up before your session. Yes, I know what I’m saying and how impossible that may feel, but I also know how easy it is to get caught up in “folding one more basket of laundry” while the baby is sleeping. I promise that basket of laundry will still be there when baby falls back to sleep for his or her next nap!
2. Consider including these items in your diaper bag for our session, if you don’t normally include them:
   • Bring one or two bottles to feed baby, if you’re bottle feeding.
   • Bring a change of clothes for baby; depending upon the weather, I personally love the knotted gowns from Lou Lou & Company. They make it easy to change diapers while keeping baby snuggly warm!
   • Pack an extra pacifier
   • Pack an extra blanket/swaddle and an extra burp cloth; the Aden & Anais muslin blankets are still some of my favs as they’re soft, light weight but perfect for swaddling!
   • Note: I will have plenty of supplies for you at our session if you need them, so you don’t have to have everything in your diaper bag. These are just some suggestions; and don’t worry if you forget something!
3. Don’t forget about yourself! Depending upon when our session is scheduled for/how long after baby comes, I recommend that you include the following items for you:
   • Consider bringing some heat packs and/or cold packs to ensure you stay comfortable; while I never knew about these when my girls were born, something like this might be great to keep you comfortable: Lansinoh Hot and Cold Pads; for heat to help relax muscle cramping else where, consider making a rice sock that is microwavable. Never done it, reach out and I’ll share my secrets with you!
   • Consider bringing some extra postpartum products; there’s no shame mama…we’ve all been there!
4. If you have toddlers, ensure they nap the day of photos. Also consider bringing someone to help you with them or take them home when they’re done.
5. Try not to stress! We will take our time and ensure that you, baby & the rest of your family are comfortable and we’ll take as many breaks as needed!

How I Ensure You’re Comfortable

You and your family’s safety, comfort and sanity are most important to me when working with you during your newborn session. To ensure that you’re walking into our session stress free, I take the following steps when preparing for your newborn photo session:

1. The wardrobe we had selected prior to your Newborn Session has been steamed and is waiting for you.
2. If you’ve chosen the total spa treatment, our hair & makeup artist is setup and waiting for you, ready to give you some well earned pampering!
3. I’ve cleaned/disinfected all surfaces, blankets & wraps prior to your arrival.
4. I have plenty of water & drinks for the family, as well as snacks to keep thirst and hanger at bay!
5. I have activities, coloring pages & toys to keep the kids happy

Having a baby is no small feat, and then add to it, caring for your newborn as well as yourself and the rest of the family is a demanding task that will take it’s toll on any mama. That’s why, here at Molli Dill Photography, I work hard to not only make sure that you all are comfortable during your session, but that you, as mama are well pampered and feeling relaxed for our session. Because mama, you’ve earned it! I hope this post on how to prepare for your newborn photo session has been helpful. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!

Molli Dill is a natural light photographer who provides her clients with timeless photographs of their families throughout each stage of life. As a full-service photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, children and family portraiture, Molli’s stress free process allows her clients to enjoy capturing life’s precious moments. Molli is based in Atlanta, but her work as a destination photographer takes her across the United States and the globe. She cannot wait to connect with you and document your family’s story!