How to Prepare Your Newborn for a Photoshoot: Complete Guide for Parents
If you’re a new parent searching “how to prepare newborn for photoshoot,” “newborn photoshoot tips,” or “what to bring to newborn photography session,” — this guide covers everything you need to know.
As professional newborn photographers in Orange County & Los Angeles, we photograph 5–7 newborns every single day — including newborns up to 40 days old — and we know exactly how to prepare your baby for a safe, calm, and successful session.
Why Proper Preparation Matters for a Newborn Photoshoot
Most parents are surprised to learn that up to 80% of a newborn photoshoot’s success comes from preparation.
A well-prepared baby sleeps deeper, poses naturally, and enjoys a relaxing, stress-free experience.
Our studio specializes in newborn photography safety, wrapped posing, and soothing techniques — but your preparation makes a huge difference.
Parents often search: “Do I need to bring anything to newborn session?”
Here is the complete checklist based on thousands of sessions.
✔ Bottle of Milk (Even for Breastfed Babies)
During a photoshoot, bottle-feeding is faster, more controlled, and keeps your baby sleepy.
Breastfeeding tends to wake babies up and makes the session longer.
✔ 2–3 Pacifiers
Even if your baby doesn’t use pacifiers at home, they often help tremendously during posing transitions.
How to Prepare Your Newborn on the Day of the Photoshoot
Parents often Google:
• “Should I feed my newborn before photoshoot?”
• “Best time to feed baby before newborn photography?”
Here is the expert answer ↓
✔ Feed Your Baby 30 Minutes Before the Session
This gives enough time to:
• burp
• settle
• fall into a natural deep sleep
This is THE ideal state for newborn photography.
✔ How to Dress the Baby for the Photoshoot
Bring your newborn:
• undressed
• wrapped only in a blanket
This allows us to begin swaddling immediately without waking the baby.
What Happens During a Newborn Photoshoot? (Step-by-Step)
✔ Our Team Does All the Work
We specialize in newborn safety, swaddling, wrapping transitions, safe posing, soothing techniques, and workflow management.
You can relax — we handle everything.
✔ Family Photos Included
We safely guide parents on:
• how to hold the baby
• where to place hands
• how to pose naturally
• how to keep baby secure at all times
✔ What If My Baby Cries or Stays Awake?
This is extremely common.
We work with awake and older newborns every day (5–40 days old).
No need to stress — awake babies also photograph beautifully.
