How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Session
(A stress-free guide to capturing the sweetest snuggles right where you are)
There’s just something extra special about in-home newborn sessions. These sessions are slow, intimate, and full of real-life love. No packing up the diaper bag, no trying to time feedings or naps just right. Just you, your spouse, your baby, and the cozy space you’ve created in your home.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your in-home session—from how to prep your space to what to expect when I arrive.
Preparing Your Home
Don’t stress about a Pinterest-perfect house! A little tidying goes a long way.
- The nursery, master bedroom and the living room is where we’ll focus most of the session. We may use whatever room in your house that gets the most natural light. Possibly the porch areas if you want an outside shot or two.
- Clear any clutter or items you wouldn’t want in the background. This helps the focus stay on you and your baby.
- Turn off all overhead lights—natural light is everything! Open up blinds and curtains to let that beautiful light in.
- Bump up the heat a little! I know it sounds wild, but babies love warmth—it keeps them cozy and sleepy for snuggly shots.
Preparing Baby
We’ll go at baby’s pace—I promise.
- A fed baby is a happy baby,If you don’t want nursing or bottle-feeding photos, feed your little one right before I arrive – even if it is just to top them off.
- Want nursing or bottle-feeding photos? We can absolutely take those as soon as I arrive so baby is fed and happy right away.
- When I arrive, have baby in just a diaper and loosely wrapped in a blanket—I’ll dress them for the session.
- A quick wipe of their nose, mouth, and eyes will help keep them photo-ready (because little milk spots love to show up on camera).
What You Can Have on Hand
These small things can make a big difference:
- Plain white onesies (simple is timeless)
- A pacifier (bonus points if it is neutral-colored in case we need to keep it for photos!
- Space heater
- White noise machine to keep things calm
- Any sentimental items you’d love to include—blankets, toys, heirlooms
- Fresh flowers (totally optional, but they’re a lovely touch if they fit your home’s vibe)
