What to Wear for Newborn Photos

A Guide to Preparing for Newborn Photos by Cheyenne Photographer, Also Serving Fort Collins and Laramie

After you have a baby, the last thing you might want to do is think about is what to wear for newborn photos. But if you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you understand the importance of capturing this time in your life that flies by in an instant. Once baby is here, you will likely be tired, possibly recovering from surgery, and adjusting to life with a new, very demanding new household member. Because having a new baby is overwhelming enough, I put together this guide to help you prepare for newborn photos.

Hopefully I’m catching you before baby is here, so you can have a little more time to prepare. If not, I’ve tried to keep things simple enough that you can easily pull together outfits and prep for your session, even if you’re currently reading this while nursing. This guide has tips for what to wear for you, your spouse and baby, along with some tips for preparing for your in-home newborn session.

What Baby Should Wear for Newborn Photos

Wondering what outfits your newborn should wear for their photo session? Finding newborn clothing for photos is simpler than you think. Keep reading for a few general guidelines.

Soft, Comfortable, Cotton Rompers, Playsuits and Pajamas

Babies are happiest when they are in comfortable clothing that is soft. Aim for simple one-piece rompers, playsuits, and PJ sets. Nothing makes a baby more unhappy than itchy fabric, or clothing that rubs or has hard buttons or buckles that can press up against them. Please avoid overalls, even if they are soft, ; they ride up over babies’ faces. Steer away from thick knits as they tend to be too bulky. Instead, choose simple zip up or button up rompers and playsuits that won’t be uncomfortable for baby is held close, like this one from Carter’s. I also love this soft blue romper from Carter’s.

Solids in Muted Earth Tones or Neutrals

Although it might be tempting to opt for themed clothing for newborn pictures, classic solids that don’t distract from your baby’s features are best. Skip the dino prints or loud patterns opt instead for neutral solids, like this one from Old Navy. I prefer muted tones for all types of photos, rather than pastels or bright colors. Bright colors can cause color casts on newborn skin. Pastels tend to make newborns wash out or get lost on white backdrops. Instead, aim for rich or muted colors, like the ones below.

Bare skin can be really interesting and classic on a white backdrop or blanket.

Great Colors for Baby Girls Are Soft Hues in the Pink, Lavender, Green or Blue Families

• Mauve or deeper pinks (avoid bright/hot pink or pastel pink)
• Soft plum, deeper lavender
• Ivory/White
• Blues
• Sage green, emerald green or olive green

Colors that Work Well for Baby Boys are Deep Tans, Grays, Browns, or Rich Blues and Greens

• Tan, camel, or chestnut brown
• Navy blue
• Dark green or olive green
• Charcoal gray
• Ivory

Avoid Neons and Bright Colors, Along with Yellows or Reds

• No neon or bright colors
• No pastels
• No yellow
• Steer clear of burgundy and red (they tend to cast colors onto baby’s skin)
• Avoid dark purple or fuchsia

Wraps With or Without a Onesie Underneath

Lastly, if you would like some photos of your baby wrapped, soft, stretchy muslin swaddle blankets are perfect for wrapping baby. I have a bunch of colors and I always bring them along. We can aim for matching your home decor or nursery colors. If you’d prefer to buy your own in a particular color, Amazon has tons of them. Here are some I own.

I also love stretchy cotton wraps like these shown in the photos below and sold on Amazon here.

Neutrals With a Touch of Texture

Neutral clothing on newborns can take on an upscale look when paired with subtle textures. Think about eyelet patterns, handmade knits or tiny lace details. Avoid overly frilly and scratchy dresses or tops, though, as these can make baby fussy. I love the subtle eyelet boy on this sweet girl.

Clothing that Leaves Baby’s Hands and Feet Free

We all want to see those baby toes and teeny, tiny fingers! Please leave your baby’s hands and feet out for photos. While it might be a little tricky finding non-footed rompers and sleepers, they are definitely out there. Carter’s and Old Navy both have some great options in solid colors (see links above). Honest Baby has tons of solid rompers that leave hands and feet free, and they even have premie sizes.

What About Family Outfits, Hats, Bows and Themed Items for Newborns?

I have to admit I like to keep things classic and minimal when it comes to newborn photos. I don’t love cheesy themes taking over the beautiful newness of a tiny baby. However, I understand that there are family heirlooms and special items handed down through generations that you might want to incorporate, so feel free to have those on hand for your session. By the same token, parents often want handmade or custom items shown in their newborn photos, and I am happy to get a few photos in those as well.

Sometimes, parents would like baby photographed inside an important item, like the gorgeous bassinet below. Please just remember that items not meant for babies can be unsafe to place newborns on top of or inside. If I don’t feel baby can be stable in an item, I will ask that we not take those photos.

I like to keep bows minimal so they don’t overpower baby’s face, like the one below. This photo is also a good example of how we might incorporate your nursery decor. I loved the rug in the nursery and it happened to work perfectly with baby’s bow and swaddle. The basket you’ll see is one I own and can bring to your session.

Often, parents want to highlight the time of year a baby is born, and Christmas is by far the most popular theme we incorporate.

What Parents and Siblings Should Wear for Newborn Photos

Deciding what the rest of the family should wear for newborn photos might seem daunting. Here are a couple easy tricks for putting newborn, parent and sibling outfits together.

Coordinate Family Outfits, But Don’t Match

Pick two or three colors and coordinate outfits within that color scheme. Vary textures, styles, and patterns within that color scheme between family members to add visual interest.

Choose Color Palettes that Complement Your Home Decor

If we are taking newborn lifestyle photos in your home, your home will show. When deciding what to wear for newborn photos, it’s best if your clothing complements the colors and tones within your home. Not only will the photos look better if you don’t clash with your surroundings, but prints of your photos will look much better on your walls when you display them. Below are some examples of families who did that really well, along with some color palette ideas.

Warm Neutrals, Like Ivory and Tan

While I would not recommend everyone wearing white (please don’t do this!), warm neutrals can look great together. Think of lighter linen textures with variations in pattern and texture. You could even add in a chunky sweater in colder months.

Neutrals With One or Two Subtle Pops of Color

Subtle pops of color added to a mostly neutral palette can be really beautiful too. If you go with ivory, make sure you pick colors that complement warm tones, like these olive green and warm rose additions to an ivory palette.

Rich Earth Tones

Another direction you could go with family clothing for newborn photos is to pick a few deeper earth tones, like this family did with navy, camel, and dark grey. Notice the pillow next to them on the couch. These are definitely colors that fit within their home decor.

The Silvers are absolute pros at pulling together outfits with a couple wildcard patterns, and it fits with their home decor and family aesthetic. As you can see below, Dad’s shirt has everyone’s outfit color in it, and it absolutely works.

What Moms Should Wear for Newborn Pictures

Wearing something you feel good in postpartum can be tricky. Luckily, there are a few options that tend to be flattering and comfortable. The most important thing about what you wear for newborn photos is that you are comfortable. Here are a few options.

Long, Flowy Dresses

Maxi and wrap dresses can be really beautiful and flattering. Opt for dresses that are close to ankle length. Longer dresses tend to be more flattering, but you don’t want to be tripping on the hem, especially not while you’re holding baby!

Jeans With Light Tops

If you’re more comfortable in jeans for your newborn pictures, feel free to wear them! White button-ups or lighter sweaters can look great on moms too. Wear button ups untucked and go barefoot for a cute and casual look.

Clothing for Dads During Newborn Pictures

Most dads wear either short sleeve or long sleeve button ups or crew neck shirts in solid colors and jeans or khakis. If they wear a long sleeve shirt, have them roll up their sleeves for photos. Please avoid any logos on shirts, with the exception of tiny pocket logos that might be on dress shirts.

Subtle patterns can also work well when paired with neutrals.

How to Dress Siblings for Newborn Photos

First and foremost, make sure siblings are comfortable for newborn photos. Just like baby’s outfits, avoid anything scratchy, super hot or itchy. Floral dresses or solid dresses for sisters can be great. Generally, please avoid putting younger girls in tights; they never fully stay up and that saggy seam starts showing as soon as kids move around the house a little. Also avoid any logos or graphic prints on kids clothing.

For boys, aim for khakis or jeans with stretchy waistbands and soft pullovers or button downs in solid colors. I prefer the entire family to be barefoot so you look comfortable and we don’t have to worry about shoots on the bed or couches.

Make sure siblings are well-fed before a session. I generally get family and sibling photos done first during a newborn shoot, so you might have a couple activities to keep them busy after their portion of the photos are finished.

Preparing Your Home for Your Newborn Photo Session

Please do NOT stress about your home for your newborn session. I have two kids and two dogs, and believe me, I remember those first few days home from the hospital! I don’t need your home immaculate for your newborn photos. There are just a couple small things to think about when preparing your home for newborn pictures.

First, I Need a Decluttered Spot With Window Light

This can be in the living room, a bedroom or the nursery. If you pick up toys off the floor and have a clean wall next to a window, that’s truly all I need. I don’t need overhead lighting; in fact, I will likely turn off all the lights overhead as they cast strange color onto skin.

Generally, rooms with neutral wall colors are best. Rooms with really dark walls everywhere, or with bright colors on the walls can cast color onto skin, even in natural light.

Second, Think About the Nursery

If you want your baby’s nursery photographed, have it ready and looking the way you’d like it photographed. Clear out gift boxes that might have built up in there etc. Arrange books how’d you’d like them and make sure that important items are displayed and hung. The nursery can be a great setting for family photos, providing context to this time in your lives.

Have a Plan for Pets

Think about whether or not you want to incorporate your pets into your newborn photos. If they are well-behaved and calm, they can be a fun, quirky addition to your newborn pictures. If they are too rambunctious or if their presence will cause you worry or stress, you might consider crating them or leaving them in another part of the house for the duration of your session.

Lastly, Keep the House Fairly Warm

I know if you’re nursing, you are probably roasting, but keep the temp a little higher than you might normally. Baby will be getting changed and unwrapped a couple times during your photo session, and we want to make sure she doesn’t feel cold.

I hope this post has given you some good tips on what to wear for newborn photos. Please reach out with any questions you might have about planning your newborn session. If you haven’t gotten on the calendar yet, be sure to get your newborn photos booked. It’s best to get on the calendar several months before you’re due, especially if you are wanting maternity photos.

Thank you for visiting! For more information on my newborn and maternity sessions, please visit this page.