Once you’ve selected a photographer, there are still some more things to be done before the day of your newborn photo shoot. The more you prepare for the day, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the shoot itself and the photos you get as a result. Follow these 5 easy steps for a wonderful experience with creating newborn photos you’ll cherish forever!

Let’s dive in!

All photos by Katy Hayes Photography

1) Touch base with the photographer

As soon as your baby is born, it is a good idea to touch base with your photographer. It’s more than likely they send you a prep guide for your session. If you know what you are responsible for bringing, you can better plan in advance. Are you allowed to bring any personal items to incorporate into your newborn photo shoot? Does your photographer have all the wraps, headbands, rental items, etc. to use during your session? Does your photographer want you to feed before you get to your session or in the studio? Anything your photographer recommends the morning of your session?

2) Coordinate outfits

This is something that can be done as soon as your session is scheduled and before your baby is born. I recommend my clients wear neutral colors with texture for studio sessions. I recommend planning Mom’s outfit first and then coordinating the rest after that.

3) Plan out the morning in advance

Babies rarely follow a schedule at this age, and sleep the days or nights leading up to your session can be very unpredictable. Anything you do in advance will give you extra time the morning of your session in case something doesn’t go as planned. If you lay your outfits out and pack your diaper bag the night before, then you can focus on your baby, yourself, and any other siblings the morning of the session. Packing extra snacks for siblings (and even a little treat) is always helpful!

4) Bathe your baby the morning of your session (or sponge bath)

This does a couple things. First, it will help keep them awake right before you leave for your session. Second, it will clean any dried milk from under their chin or ears, clean any fuzzies from in between their toes, and allow you to apply some lotion or oil to help with any peeling skin afterward.

5) RELAX and enjoy the experience

Easier said than done, but it is so important! Babies can sense if you are nervous. Plus, it isn’t very often that you get newborn photos done so you should enjoy the whole experience! Remember that you have hired a professional and they spend every day soothing, calming, posing and working with newborns. They are trained in newborn safety and know what to do if your little one fusses.

Bonus: Make sure you get the most bang for your buck with your newborn photo shoot and check out these must-do newborn photo poses!