What to Bring to Your Newborn Photo Session
Preparing for your newborn photo session is an exciting part of welcoming your baby. Many parents wonder if they need to bring anything special or how to best prepare for the experience.
The good news is that newborn sessions are designed to be relaxed and simple. Most photographers provide the wraps, blankets, and props used during the session. However, bringing a few helpful items can make the experience even smoother for both baby and parents.
If you are wondering what to bring to your newborn photo session, here are a few simple things that can be helpful to have with you.
A Pacifier
Even if your baby does not typically use a pacifier, bringing one to your newborn session can be very helpful.
Sometimes babies simply need a moment of comfort while transitioning between poses or settling back to sleep. A pacifier can help soothe baby quickly without needing a full feeding.
Many babies only use the pacifier briefly during the session and do not continue using one afterward.
Extra Diapers and Wipes
Newborn sessions can last a few hours because we take time to keep baby comfortable, allow for feeding breaks, and gently settle them into poses.
With all that time, diaper changes are completely normal. Bringing a few extra diapers and wipes ensures you are fully prepared for anything that happens during the session.
Feeding Supplies
A full baby is often a sleepy baby. Feeding your baby shortly before or during the session helps keep them calm and relaxed.
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, having your feeding supplies nearby makes it easy to pause and feed whenever baby needs it.
If you are bottle feeding, it is a good idea to bring extra milk or an additional bottle, as babies sometimes feed more frequently during sessions due to the gentle handling and repositioning.
Taking breaks for feeding is completely normal during newborn photography sessions.
Sentimental or Meaningful Items
If you have a special item that is meaningful to your family, consider bringing it to your session.
Some beautiful examples include:
• heirloom blankets
• a special stuffed animal
• a family quilt
• a meaningful piece of jewelry
• a handmade item from a grandparent
These personal touches can add extra meaning to your newborn portraits and make your images even more special.
An Heirloom Blanket
Heirloom blankets can create beautiful, meaningful portraits. Many families love incorporating a blanket that has been passed down through generations.
If you have a blanket with sentimental value, it can be used as a soft background or wrapped gently around your baby for a few images.
These heirloom details often become some of the most treasured photographs from the session.
A Relaxed Mindset
One of the most important things to bring to your newborn session is a relaxed mindset.
Newborn photography sessions move slowly and gently to keep baby comfortable. There may be feeding breaks, cuddles, and moments where baby simply needs a little extra soothing.
All of this is completely normal and part of the process.
When parents relax and enjoy the experience, the session becomes a beautiful time to simply slow down and soak in those first precious days with your baby.
Your Photographer Will Guide You
When you book a newborn session with Annabelle Levy Photography, you will receive helpful guidance before your session so you know exactly what to expect.
Most of the styling elements, including wraps, blankets, and posing setups, are provided so you do not have to worry about bringing much at all.
Newborn sessions are designed to feel calm, comfortable, and memorable for your family.
Annabelle Levy Photography specializes in timeless, natural light newborn and family portraits in Woodstock, Georgia and the surrounding North Atlanta area.
If you are expecting and would like to reserve your newborn session, you can learn more here:
AnnabelleLevyPhotography.com
