You’ve had your baby, you’ve booked your newborn session, but now you have no idea how to dress your newborn for photos. Don’t stress, it’s way simpler than you probably think! Below you will find 5 tips on how to dress your newborn for photos from an experienced Fort Worth Newborn Photographer, me!
1. Minimize Outfit Changes
*Most* babies HATE having their clothes changed. Like really, they do not like it. It is cold, it is uncomfortable, and it interrupts their sleep. All of which are things that we try to avoid during newborn sessions. Some things are completely out of our control during a session, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do everything in our power to make baby happy. And trust me when I say that minimizing outfit changes will help us make baby happy.
My recommendation is no more than two outfit changes during a newborn session. In addition to potentially upsetting baby, they also take up time. It erupts the flow and can cause unnecessary chaos.
2. Simplicity Is Key
Have you ever tried counting out exact change to pay for your Costco order on a Saturday morning with a mile long line behind you? Probably not because that sounds barbaric. But if you have then you also know what it feels like to try to dress your newborn into a fluffy, frilly, complicated outfit during the middle of their newborn session. It makes everyone flustered and sweaty (and trust me mama, you are already going to be sweating thanks to those postpartum hormones). Have I mentioned how small newborns are? If not, I feel like this is the time and place I should mention that. Therefore, they need SMALL outfits. Not like too small, no crop tops please.
Think dainty, simple, cozy clothes. You will thank me later, I promise.
3. Color Palette Matters
Pink is a really sweet and girly color, butttttttt hear me when I say it just doesn’t work for all newborns out there. Just like some colors don’t look very good on some adults, the same can be said for newborns. I am sure there are some colors out there that just don’t work for you. Personally, I avoid pastel colors because they totally wash me out, especially in the winter. For most newborns, mauve or medium pinks just don’t work. The baby often blends in or it makes the whole photograph look pink (color casting is real).
If you truly can’t bear to not put your precious baby girl in pink, don’t fret, just opt for very soft/pale pinks. These tend to be a bit more forgiving.
While we are on the topic of color, I would also advise against anything super dark or busy. Remember how I said that newborns are little? That matters here too. Dark colors tend to be very overwhelming and can distract from the star of the show – your baby!
4. Check the fit – literally.
Make sure the baby’s outfit is the correct size – ahead of time. I know that this seems like a no brainer, but I can’t tell you how many times I have shown up to a session to hear the parents say that they aren’t sure if the outfit fits. Babies come in all shapes and sizes, and I will be the first to tell you that some babies never fit into newborn size while some (even those who aren’t premature) need a preemie size for a while. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with either of those things. The reality of it is, that most days it doesn’t matter if the outfit is a little bit big or a little bit small. However, in photos you will be able to tell, especially if the outfit is too big.
So, please please please try the outfit on your baby a few days before your session just to be sure!
5. Swaddle, baby, swaddle
*Read to the tune of “Wobble Baby”*
When in doubt, swaddle it out! Seriously, there is nothing quite as classic as a baby swaddled for their newborn photos. There are so many perks of swaddling – it makes deciding what to wear simple, it typically calms the baby, and it’s so cozy and soft. If you haven’t mastered the art of the swaddle, don’t worry – I have done it a time or two 😉. The best swaddles that I have come across are Lou Lou and Company brand. They are soft and stretchy which is the best for getting a nice snug fit. These are the swaddles I have in my client closet.
Now that you know how to dress your newborn for photos, you can decide what you yourself are going to wear! Head to this post for inspiration for the whole family.
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