What to Wear to Your Newborn Session - Parents and Sibling Wardrobe Inspiration

So, you scheduled your newborn session and you listened to me say that you don’t need to worry about the baby’s outfits — the studio is stocked with wraps and cute handmade outfits that will be perfect on your little one.

But then a moment of panic sets in….. what are YOU going to wear?!?! What is going to fit one week postpartum? What’s your husband supposed to wear? What looks good on camera?

Sooooooo many questions, and you’re not alone! All new moms and moms-to-be ask me the exact same questions. That’s why I’m here to make it easy for you as you figure out what to wear to your newborn portrait session.

Whether we’re photographing at the studio or in your home, these tips apply to all families. Read on for lots of great ideas!

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Wear a gown from our studio wardrobe, or a maxi-length dress like the one from your baby shower!

Long dresses are super flattering on new moms, and we have tons of them available at the studio. They elongate your body and are very elegant and classic in portraits.

Always stick to white, cream, and other light neutrals on top. AVOID BLACK AT ALL COSTS.

While everyone always says that black is the most slimming color to wear, it’s really the least flattering option when we’re doing newborn portraits. Because you’ll be holding your baby on your chest, a dark color is going to make the baby’s skin appear rough, red, and shadowy. Stick to light colors that bounce lots of light back on the baby to really illuminate their complexion, and yours!

Lace details are gorgeous! So are any other little details on your outfit!

Lace has such a beautiful texture in photographs, and other lightweight fabrics photograph beautifully, too.

Keep in mind the STORYTELLING DETAILS in your portraits. Have a favorite necklace or a ring with sentimental value? Wear those to your session, and you’ll tell your child the story behind the jewelry for many years as they look back at their portraits.

Lightweight cardigans or kimono tops look amazing on new moms with a tank top underneath, plus they’re super comfy! Choose a neutral, or one with a pretty pattern like the floral one below.

What about the dads?

The most popular colors I see for dads are light blue and gray. These go great with your neutral top or dress, and they coordinate beautifully with any colors that might be in the outfits, too.

If your guy likes button down shirts, wear one! Roll the cuffs to be a little more casual.

If he’s a laid back kind of guy, a solid gray t-shirt looks really nice in photos.

What should the kids/siblings wear?

I love helping with outfits for the big brothers and sisters! I always recommend sticking with neutrals like white, cream, gray, blue, beige, blush pink. Clothing can have patterns on it, but nothing too loud and crazy, and definitely no words or characters/cartoon pictures. The most classic portraits are ones where the outfits don’t compete for your attention, but they’re subtle enough that you can focus on the sweet moments between the new siblings.

And barefoot is always my favorite for the kids!

Bringing Home Baby | Luke's Lifestyle Newborn Session in Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography

Are you ready to see the most adorable baby boy, with an absolutely dreamy nursery that was designed especially for his family?

Meet Luke.  

His parents are head over heels in love with this handsome little boy, and we celebrated his arrival with a lifestyle newborn portrait session at home in Saratoga Springs, NY.

This was the first lifestyle session I've done where the crib was hand-built by the family.  Luke's dad wanted to build his son's first bed, so he bought all of the tools and the wood, and he learned how to build a rustic, barn door style crib for his baby boy's nursery!

The nursery was decorated with a hand-painted mural of a farm scene, which was perfect for this family since Luke's mother works at a farm in VT.  When you look closely at the walls, you'll see a big red barn, fields of carrots, an airplane flying overhead that will have Luke's name written on the banner, and a little dog peeking out from behind the glider that looks just like this family's fur baby, Toga.  

Speaking of Toga, this is their dog!  This 3-year old puppy was one of the most camera-friendly dogs I have ever encountered on a photo shoot.  He always wanted to be in the shot, and would come and position himself right in the middle of everyone and turn towards the camera (most dogs turn away from the camera, haha!). 

I've got the feeling that Luke & Toga are going to be the best of friends as they grow up together.  What a lucky little boy!

Wondering if a lifestyle newborn session is the right fit for your family?

Powerful Love: A beautiful in-home session with newborn twins

Lifestyle photography.

It's exactly what it sounds like.  A private glimpse into your life to capture those moments that happen behind closed doors.  Sometimes those moments are loud and colorful, and sometimes those moments are quiet and calm.  These are moments that are shared with your family.  They shape you and your loved ones, and they are the ones that you'll remember many years from now as some of the happiest and most fulfilling moments of your life.

A cuddle with your newborn baby.

A quiet glance over to your husband, admiring him in this new role as a father.

Reaching down to stroke the soft wisps of hair atop your baby's head.

Sitting back, looking around, and falling in love with this life you've created together.

Kati & Pete dreamed of their babies' arrival for many, many months.  They prepared a beautiful space to welcome their newborn twins home with the most thoughtful touches -- a rustic wooden wall, sweet and simple quotes, pictures from their favorite children's book, photos from their travels around the world, the cutest little elephants, and an adorable handmade mobile.  Their twin sons were born on July 21, 2015.  After spending a little extra time with the doctors and nurses, both boys finally arrived home and they were welcomed with so much love.

One of my favorite experiences of being a newborn photographer is capturing the way that new parents look at their babies.  It's a mix of awe, wonder, and overwhelming love.  It truly is the most incredible moment to capture on camera.

Birth.  Nailed it.  (Cutest onesies ever!)

boston twin photographer

Max & Owen were the sweetest little boys, and being exactly one month old (our session was held on their original due date), they were wide-eyed and wanted to take in everything going on around them.

Is there anything cuter than a little baby yawn?  No, I didn't think so either...

One of the meaningful benefits of a lifestyle newborn session in your home is that it allows us to showcase your family, your love, your personality, and YOUR HOME.  That gorgeous space you've created together that tells your story becomes a living and breathing part of your photos, and it is pure magic.  I absolutely adored this gallery wall in Kati & Pete's home, and the moment I saw it I knew we needed to use it as a backdrop for their family photos.  This wall tells their story, and now their sons will find a spot right there among all of their other memories and loved ones.

Congratulations, Kati & Pete!

What a beautiful family and a beautiful life you are creating for yourselves.

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Are you eagerly anticipating your little one's arrival?  Send me an email by clicking on the "Contact" tab and I'd love to chat with you to plan your baby's newborn session.  We'll talk and discover if a studio session or an in-home lifestyle session is the best fit for your family.

Read more about our newborn sessions here.