What To Wear For Newborn Photos

Newborn photos are all about capturing the tiny features and precious moments with your little one. To ensure a successful photoshoot, comfort is key. Whether in the crib, on the master bed, or cuddled in your arms, a happy and cozy baby makes for the best pictures. Today on the blog I’m sharing what to wear for newborn photos as an Indianapolis newborn photographer to take the stress out of our session together. And if you don’t want the stress of figuring it out, scroll to the bottom to see how working with me can take the stress out of it all!

Baby Style Tips: Keep it simple with a onesie

When it comes to baby wardrobe choices, simplicity is key. Opt for a well-fitting, plain white onesie to highlight your newborn’s petite form. The onesie can have subtle texture such as ruffles or a different type of textured fabric other than cotton, but avoid elaborate dresses or collared shirts. The focus should be on the baby, not the clothing. A neutral onesie is timeless and ensures that your baby looks perfect just as they are. Check out one of our blog posts for ideas on where to shop for your little ones for your session as well!

Add subtle flourish with accessories!

While a basic onesie is classic, you can add a touch of flair with well-placed accessories. For baby girls, a delicate bow on a onesie can be a sweet and timeless statement. Or for boys, having a knotted hat to throw on and off can add adorable variety. Ensure accessories fit properly and are comfortable for your little one.

Opt for prints with a purpose when choosing what to wear for newborn photos with your baby

While prints may be trendy, they don’t always stand the test of time. If you desire some patterns, choose small non distracting printed swaddles with endearing prints. This allows for versatility in photos, emphasizing your baby’s cuteness without overwhelming the frame. Choosing a variety of textures and 1-2 prints really make outfits pop in photos and come together to look cohesive without being “matchy matchy”.

Mama Styling Tips: Elegance in Simplicity

New moms, it’s your time to shine alongside your precious newborn. I know getting in front of a camera just a few weeks after having a baby with your postpartum body can be intimidating (trust me, I’ve been there twice!), but having a few dresses ordered beforehand to try on or choosing one of our dresses from the client closet will help you still feel like the beautiful person you are. Keep your outfit simple and comfortable to complement the soft aesthetic of newborn photography.

Soft neutrals give a timeless and elegant vibe and allow your photos to serve as artwork for the walls in your home.

Soft whites, creams, and pale colors create a beautiful backdrop when deciding on what to wear for newborn photos. Steer clear of bright colors and black (most of the time), as they may cast unflattering shadows. Instead, choose light-colored pants or jeans with a neutral top or our favorite choice- a soft flowing dress!

Embrace long dresses for a flattering elegance when choosing what to wear for newborn photos

Long dresses elongate the body, exuding elegance and creating a classic portrait. Opt for maternity dresses with a beautiful flow, avoiding tight waistlines. Three-quarter length sleeves have a slimming effect, while strapless dresses may have the opposite impact. Check out our blog post on where to buy maternity dresses, as this is a great place to start, or simply choose a dress from my complimentary client closet!

Choosing what to wear for newborn photos doesn’t have to be stressful and I’m here to help!

If you opt for pants and a shirt instead of a dress, layering with lightweight cardigans adds texture and comfort to your look. For in-home sessions, we will always go barefoot to enhance the relaxed, at-home feel of your lifestyle session. Consider a manicure for close-up shots, ensuring you feel confident and ready for those intimate moments with your newborn.

One way I love serving my clients, is by providing a full service experience

What does does full service mean? You and I will set up a time to meet 1-2 months before your session so that we can talk about what you envision for your session, location options and then outfits that will coordinate with that season and the location that we choose! I’ll then send you an outfit mood board including outfits for every family member- some of which may be from my client closet. The other outfits will have direct links for your to be able to purchase quick and easy. As someone who stresses out and second guesses my choices when choosing my own family photos, I know that providing this service for my clients is GOLD!

Having someone help walk you through what looks best on camera, coordinates well together, goes well with the season and location and will serve as beautiful and timeless artwork for your walls truly makes the session successful. Getting to the session is half the battle and I want you to feel confident walking into your session, because we all know that rallying the little ones is enough work!

I hope these tips on what to wear for newborn photos has been helpful!

Whether dressing your baby or yourself, the key is to keep it simple, cozy, and timeless for those unforgettable newborn photos. If you’re a prospective or current client mama, know that you will receive my exclusive newborn guide with even more information to help you prepare.  If you’re interested in announcement, maternity, newborn or milestone photos in 2024, please inquire here to get on the calendar