Must-dos Before Your In-Home Newborn Session
Bringing home the newest member of your family is one of the most sacred experiences in life. Those first few hours, days, and weeks where you’re all getting to know each other are unlike any other. I’m a huge advocate for in-home newborn sessions for that very reason. The sweetness of that time should be commemorated and never forgotten! To let yourself fully embrace the haze of baby days, here are my must-dos so your session can go off without a hitch.
Decide where your photos will happen
This is a conversation that can happen with your photographer long before the baby comes home. Knowing what time of day your house gets the best/softest light and where you want your photos taken is essential. Do you want nursery photos? Everyone cuddled on your bed? Playing on the couch? There are so many options, but honing it in before the day of your shoot will help the rest of your prep go smoothly.
Who will be in the pictures?
Letting your photographer know who will be photographed and what kind of photos you want will help them best plan for your session. If you have older kids who will just be in a big group picture and then a sibling picture, that will influence how your photographer plans the session. I’ve also had clients want photos of grandparents with the new baby which can be so sweet and meaningful. There’s no wrong answer to who you have in your pictures, just be sure to let your photographer know and make sure it’s a gathering you can handle. This time is meant to be for you and your babe. You get to decide who’s a part of that and how you want it pictured.
Tidy Up
Nesting has definitely taken over, your house looks amazing…and then the baby comes and maybe it’s not how it looked a couple of weeks ago. GOOD. You’re a Mom now and things should get messy while you step into this amazing new role. The only thing you need to worry about for your session is making sure the session space is tidy in the pictured space. Full disclosure, I’ve taken pictures with literal mountains of laundry piled directly behind me; toys and baby gear tucked in corners; and older kids smearing crackers in the other room. Your house doesn’t have to be perfect. Having your photo session space clutter free only helps focus on the most important thing: you and your baby.
Keep it fresh
Add flowers. Is this essential? No. You’ll still get beautiful pictures without having some flowers or greenery in your space. Why do I recommend it? Because adding that pop of freshness gives the feel of newness, life, and color. It’s a visual representation of how it feels to have a new baby. It testifies to the hope and promises that are ahead for that new precious life. It’s a simple thing that carries so much meaning.
Keep it comfy
Now may not be the time to bring out your formal clothes or really try to go all out with your wardrobe. A simple, comfy dress or a clean/fashionable lounge set will help you feel cute and comfortable, and be able to move. Childbirth is hard on our bodies. Period. No matter how a baby comes, our bodies go through a lot. Letting yourself wear what you’re comfortable in will help ease discomfort and allow you the mobility you have. We don’t want to restrict you in any way or make you feel the least bit uncomfortable.
I hope these ideas are helpful to you as you prepare to capture some of life’s most precious moments. Enjoy those newborn snuggles mama!
