As a mum of three and a newborn photographer with nearly a decade of photography experience, and countless Newborn Photoshoots, I’ve seen it all!
I know that simply leaving the house with a newborn can feel like an Olympic event, whether it’s your first or not. The packing, the timing, the ‘did I forget anything?’ anxiety is real.
My goal for your newborn photoshoot is to make the experience restorative and fun, not stressful.
You’ve already done the hardest work!
To help you feel completely prepared, and to ensure your baby is as settled as possible, I’ve compiled the five most important things you need to bring. But as always, I’m a big believer in ‘Mummy Knows Best’, so you bring whatever you want and whatever helps.
1. Extra, Extra Milk Supply (The Feeding Priority)
This is the number one essential. Whether you are breast or bottle feeding, your baby will likely eat more than usual during the photoshoot, if they aren’t fast asleep.
The warm studio temperature, combined with the continuous gentle movement of posing, encourages babies to enter a cycle of deep sleep. This deep sleep requires energy, meaning they often wake up hungry!
My Advice: If bottle feeding, pack at least two extra bottles more than you think you need. We will stop for feeding breaks entirely on your baby’s schedule, whether that’s three times or six ++. [1].
For mummies that are breastfeeding, please stop the photoshoot at any point and if you’d like privacy I will step out of my studio as required, whatever makes you feel comfortable.
2. Nappies & Nappy Cloths
Forget counting how many changes you’d normally use in a few hours! We recommend packing significantly more nappies and wet cloths/wipes than you anticipate needing. Because our sessions are completely baby-led, we intentionally work at a slower pace and take frequent breaks. We’ll often be popping a nappy on temporarily between sets or during a soothing session and feeds. These short, repeated cycles of undressing and changing means we typically go through more nappies than you’d expect during a regular few hours, so it’s always better to overpack. Bring your changing mat, plenty of nappy bags for disposal, and anything else you need to feel comfortable and prepared. Including spare baby clothes and blankets.
3. Layers for Mum (A Wardrobe for Temperature Swings)
While your baby will be all cosy in the warm studio, you, as Mum, will likely get warm!
The ‘Why’: Newborns cannot regulate their own body temperature [3], so the studio is kept very warm for their comfort. You should wear light, comfortable layers that you can easily take off and put back on. I want you to be as relaxed as possible, comfort over fashion is always the rule. And don’t worry about accidents; I’m always ready with spare cloths and will change my own clothes without a single complaint if an accident occurs, I’m often covered in freshy fed milk.
Oh, this might be a good time to mention your partner, especially men who through experience aren’t able to cope with the heat as well. So ensure they know it will be hot, with fluids and light tops.
4. A Sentimental Prop (To Make the Images Yours)
While I supply all the wraps, props, and beautiful blankets for your session, bringing one or more meaningful items can add a beautiful, personal touch to your gallery.
Ideas: This could be a blanket knitted by Grandma, a special teddy bear, or a unique outfit, or sporting connection. We’ll chat before hand about how to safely integrate this item into the set without compromising the safe sleep guidelines (e.g., ensuring no fabric covers the baby’s face) [4], or could suddenly move on to your baby. If I feel this items are not safe I will stop the photoshoot and not proceed with that prop.
5. Snacks and Drinks for the Parents
The photoshoot is a calm, slow process, and you need to keep your energy up! It’s also quite a wait for other halves!
The Experience: Please bring water, or your favourite snack. You’re encouraged to sit back, relax, and use this time to enjoy a peaceful moment with your partner.
For first-time mums, this is your chance to step back, experience a stress-free day out with your new baby, and get an experienced mum of three (me!) to chat with about the wonderful, chaotic journey of parenthood.
Remember, my entire setup, perfected over years in this specialisation, is designed to accommodate whatever you bring and whatever your baby needs.
Sources and Further Reading
[1] The Lullaby Trust: Guidelines on swaddling, overheating, and monitoring babies for feeding cues.
[2] Mayo Clinic: Discusses the benefits of pacifiers as a short-term distraction and pain reliever for infants.
[3] NHS / Lullaby Trust: Guidance emphasizing the risk of overheating and the recommended room temperature (16-20°C) for safe sleep.
[4] International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI): Recommendations for “Hip-Healthy Swaddling,” ensuring the baby’s hips can bend up and out.
You are always the boss in my Newborn Photoshoots and in control at all times, I will respond to your wishes and if you wish to do things differently, that’s exactly what we will do.
The only time I will step in is if I believe a Newborn’s safety or wellbeing is at risk.