First, Congratulations on your growing family! I am so honored you’ve chosen Meagan Nicole Photography to capture these first moments with your baby. My goal is to make your newborn session feel relaxed, stress-free, and enjoyable while creating timeless images your family will cherish forever.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before your session so you feel fully prepared.

Black and white photo of a couple tenderly holding a newborn baby together in a bright studio setting.

Black and white close-up portrait of a sleeping newborn baby wearing a soft knit hat.

Newborn sessions are calm, baby-led, and typically last 1-3 hours depending on your baby’s needs. We allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, diaper changes, and cuddles throughout the session.

Your baby’s comfort and safety always come first.

Sessions are designed to feel relaxed there is never any pressure for your baby to “perform.” Some babies sleep the entire session while others prefer to stay awake, and both are completely okay.

The ideal time in my experience for newborn photos is 14+ days after birth when babies are still very sleepy and naturally curled.

However, beautiful newborn images can absolutely still be captured outside of this time frame.

1. Keep Baby Awake Before Arriving

If possible, try to keep baby awake for about 1-2 hours before the session. A bath, gentle play, or interacting with siblings can help.

A sleepy baby helps achieve those cozy, curled-up poses.

2. Feed Baby Right Before the Session

A full baby is a happy sleepy baby.

If possible, plan to feed your baby immediately

before leaving home or once you arrive at the studio/session location.

If I'm coming to your home a good time to feed is when I first arrive as it will take 15-30 minutes to set up.

Please don’t stress if feeding schedules change we will always pause whenever baby needs to eat.

3. Dress Baby in Loose Clothing

Please avoid tight socks or tight-fitting outfits before the session

since they can leave marks on baby’s skin.

A simple zip-up sleeper is perfect because it can be removed easily without disturbing baby too much.

4. What to Bring

- Extra diapers and wipes

- Pacifier (even if baby doesn’t regularly use one)

- Extra bottles/formula if bottle feeding

- Burp cloths

- Any sentimental items you’d like included

- Snacks/drinks for siblings

5. What to Wear

I recommend soft neutral tones, earth tones, creams, whites, and muted colors for a timeless look. If you will be in the photos.

Avoid:

- Bright neon colors

- Busy patterns

- Large logos/graphics

The focus should stay on your connection and your baby.

As part of my full-service experience, I’m always happy to help guide outfit selections before your session.

Newborn baby wrapped in teal swaddle blanket, alert with open eyes, photographed in soft studio lighting.

Newborn baby swaddled in teal wrap crying on matching teal background during professional newborn photo session.

If shooting in your home please do not stress about perfection.

Your home does not need to be spotless. Your baby does not need to sleep the entire time. Toddlers do not need to behave perfectly.

The most meaningful images come from genuine connection, cuddles, and emotion.

Young siblings are welcome and encouraged to participate.

I recommend bringing a small quiet activity or snack for breaks if needed.

I typically photograph sibling and family images first so younger children can relax afterward.

Sleeping newborn baby girl in white lace outfit and bow headband on pink background.

Newborn baby girl swaddled in cream wrap, sleeping peacefully in fluffy nest surrounded by pink roses.

Relax and enjoy this season!

These first days with your baby pass incredibly quickly, and your only job during the session is to soak in the moment while I preserve it for you.

Newborn baby girl swaddled in peach wrap with cream floral headband, resting on pink fluffy blanket.

FAQ

What if my baby won’t sleep?

A.That’s completely okay! Newborn sessions are baby-led, and I always allow extra time for soothing, feeding, cuddles, and breaks. Some of the
most meaningful images come from awake moments and natural interactions.

What if siblings don’t cooperate?

A.This is extremely common and never something to stress about. I keep sibling photos relaxed and natural rather than overly posed. I also photograph family and sibling images first so younger children can take breaks afterward if needed.

What happens if baby arrives early?

A.No worries at all. Since due dates can change, newborn sessions are scheduled flexibly around your baby’s actual arrival. Simply reach out once baby is born, and we’ll finalize your session date.

Newborn Prep Guide

Welcome