Hey new parents! You’ve just welcomed your new baby into the world. Huge congratulations! And despite caring for your new baby, lack of sleep, and body changes, you’ve taken the step of choosing your newborn photographer and booking your newborn photo session. Now you’re hit with the task of deciding what to wear for a newborn photoshoot.
In this article, I’ll help you choose those all important outfits for each member of your family at your newborn photo shoot.
Whether you’re visiting the studio, or you’ve opted for a lifestyle newborn session from the comfort of your own home, I’ve got you covered.
As a mum of four and photographer, these are the tips that I find work again and again for newborn babies and their family members.
Choose Your Own Outfit First
For new moms, comfort is the single most important aspect of dressing for a newborn shoot, especially if you’re recovering from a c-section or difficult birth. This is why so many photographers recommend that you should choose your own outfit first.
Being confident at your newborn photoshoot is about feeling comfortable in your clothing, something which is so hard for many of us new mamas postpartum!
For this reason, pick an outfit that you know you’ll feel comfortable in. It goes without saying that now is probably not the best time to experiment with new types of outfits. And if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need an outfit that makes nursing easy.
Mom’s outfit ideas:
- A light colored flowing blouse, basic t-shirt, sweater or cardigan paired with maternity jeans
- A maxi dress
- A pretty camisole top with a kimono wrap and an a-line pleated skirt or maxi slip skirt
- Clothes that let you get a skin-to-skin look with your baby, for instance a bandeau top with jeans or soft jersey bottoms
Stockists
Mom’s outfit ideas (L to R):
- H&M Mama Maxi Dress
- Hanalulu Clothing Linen Maxi Dress
- Next Linen Jacket in Pink
- Linen Handmade Studio Linen Wrap Roma Top
- H&M Folded Waist Maxi Skirt
- Envie de Fraise Jumper Fancy Knit
- Vertbaudet Granddad-Style Nursing T-Shirt
- Laura Ashley Neutral Soft Jersey Popper Side Trousers
If you’re conscious about your postpartum figure, like so many women are, then select flowy dresses, skimming tops, and stretchy clothing to help you feel at ease. Many women feel most comfortable in the maternity dresses they wore while pregnant.
To avoid looking too casual, a good rule of thumb to follow is to dress your family as if you were going out for Sunday lunch. Think smart yet relaxed. Things are a little bit different for in-home newborn sessions, where you can be even more relaxed, especially if you locate the shots in the bedroom.
Color is a really important aspect of choosing what to wear for a newborn photoshoot, so let’s talk about that now.
Choosing Colors & Textures
Now let’s think about what colors you should choose for your newborn photoshoot outfit.
For a coherent look between you and your family, pick out two to three solid colors and choose your family’s outfits based on that color scheme. This creates an effortless aesthetic that will stand the test of time.
Think complementary colors, not matching colors and textures.
Colors that Work
Photographers generally agree that soft and muted neutral colors and light colors work best for newborn shoots. Earth tones are also having a moment right now!
However if your family loves bold colors, try using them as accents in small amounts only. You only want a pop of color showing. This is because bright and neon colors usually create unsightly color casts on you or your baby’s skin.
Colors to Avoid
Try to avoid wearing black, as it can attract lint which might show up on the photos (or cause your newborn photographer more editing time before producing the final images).
What about Patterns
By all means choose a pattern for your own outfit. But when selecting outfits for the rest of your family, go for block colors or a subtle pattern. The key is not to have too many different patterns across your family’s outfits.
Focus on Textures
Texture in your outfit adds interest to your choices but doesn’t detract from your face or your baby’s delicate features. Textures add an extra dimension to photography – think knitwear with a delicate neckline, or pretty embroidery on a cardigan.
What Should My Partner Wear to a Newborn Photoshoot?
Now, for the dads. Many dads at newborn photography sessions liked to be photographed with no top on. However, this is not for everybody, so feel free to do what works for you. You can still get a feel for skin-to-skin photography with dad by choosing short sleeves. For a more formal look you can choose a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
It’s worth noting that many photographers recommend avoiding graphic tees with funny words or slogans. Unless they’re a huge part of your partner’s personality, it’s best to choose something less distracting.
Be careful also with too many patterns. If you’ve chosen a pattern for your own outfit, then stick to a solid color or subtle patterns only for your partner and older kids.
Dad’s outfit ideas:
- On top: Button-up shirts, henley top, or a smart polo shirt
- For bottoms: Jeans, light trousers, chinos, or khaki trousers or smart shorts work really well
Stockists
Dad’s outfit ideas (L to R):
- Next Regular Fit Short Sleeve Pique Polo Shirt
- H&M Regular Fit Ribbed Sweater Vest
- Charles Tyrwhitt Pure Linen Shirt Oatmeal
- Hugo Boss Maine Regular Fit Jeans
- Mountain Warehouse Selby Mens Waffle Henley Tee
- Gap White Regular Fit Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt
- Next Ecru White Slim Fit Vintage Wash Denim Jeans
How To Dress Your Newborn
Have you spoken to your newborn photographer yet? Many have an extensive newborn session wardrobe you can tap into – so be sure to ask.
Many photographers prefer to start your newborn photoshoot with your baby wearing a white or pale colored onesie, or maybe just your baby’s nappy and a swaddle blanket. This may seem boring at first, but it’s actually a great idea as it allows the photographer to focus on your baby’s tiny and cute fingers, toes, face, and other details.
After capturing the baby in this simple way, many photographers will use the remaining time to dress your baby up in a second outfit. The second outfit can be something a bit more elaborate and personal. Some newborn clients already have a newborn outfit in mind for their little one – maybe a family heirloom or an outfit you’ve chosen especially for your newborn family photos.
Size to Perfection
Most parents quite rightly size up their baby’s clothes, but when choosing baby’s clothes for a newborn photoshoot, make sure the size is spot on, as clothing that’s too loose can look awkward and obscure your baby’s arms and legs. It goes without saying that clothing that’s too tight can cause your little one discomfort, as can synthetic or irritating textures.
Newborn Outfit & Accessory Ideas
Bear in mind that newborns are really scrunched up, so you can’t always see some elements of their outfit. Keeping your baby girl or baby boy’s outfit simple is a great idea. It’s worth checking that the outfit fits well and would work in the photographs before making your final choice.
A knitted romper, bodysuit, or dungarees look really cute and allow your photographer to capture your baby’s adorable arms and legs. Many parents like to bring a hat, headband, or bow, although make sure that your newborn feels happy wearing something on their head. Have a few practice runs before the photoshoot.
Remember to bring 2 – 3 outfits and extra nappies just in case!
Stockists
Newborn outfit ideas (L to R):
- H&M Textured Knit Romper Suit
- Isla & Fraser Organic Cotton Scallop Knit Baby Bonnet
- H&M Cotton Muslin Romper Suit
- Zara Knit Sweater and Briefs Set
- The White Company Organic Cotton Natural Heirloom Baby Blanket
- Mamas & Papas Short Sleeve Knit Romper
Where to Choose Newborn Clothes and Accessories
- H&M: H&M’s Adorables Newborn range has beautiful and affordable neutral baby clothing
- Isla & Fraser: Soft organic baby knitwear
- Zara: Stylish newborn baby clothes
- Mamas & Papas: Gorgeous natural newborn clothing
- The White Company: Beautiful neutrals
Include Cherished Items
Maybe it’s a hand knitted blanket, or your baby’s first teddy. These items bring a personal touch to the final photographs and ensure they’ll be cherished for years to come.
What Should I Dress My Older Kids In?
For little girls, dresses always look so pretty. Choose a simple dress with delicate details to avoid pulling attention from the baby. If your girl prefers trousers, you could go for a pretty top with leggings.
For boys, jeans and a button down shirt, henley shirt, jeans, chinos, and khakis, all make a great choice.
As with dad’s outfit – for siblings, avoid t-shirts with strong graphic elements or logos as they can be distracting in the final photographs.
Stockists
Siblings outfit ideas (L to R):
- H&M Cotton Muslin Dress
- H&M 2-Piece Linen Set
- Zara Floral Crochet Playsuit
- H&M Pointelle-Knit Cotton T-Shirt
- H&M Henley Top & Shorts
- H&M Twill Chinos
- Next Embroidered Blouse & Trousers
Pulling It All Together
Once you’ve decided on your family’s outfits, gather them all together and take a few shots on your phone. How does it all come together? Can you send this to your baby photographer to get their opinion? This step will help to put your mind at ease and any feedback you get will be super helpful!
Making sure everything is clean, ironed, and any lint removed is the final but essential step on your way to perfect newborn photos to cherish!
Final Thoughts on What to Wear for Newborn Photoshoot
I hope this post has helped you choose the best outfits for your family at your newborn photoshoot.
Check out my other posts in family photography: how to get great shots of your kids in autumn, and the best lenses to use for family portraits.
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Until next time!
Helen
