For a newborn photoshoot, bring what your baby needs for about two hours away from home, plus outfits for yourselves and any family item you want in the photos. That means feeds, more diapers than you think, wipes, a pacifier if your baby takes one and a couple of spare outfits. Many newborn photographers provide the backdrops, wraps and props, but check the profile to be sure. Here is the full checklist, and what to leave at home.
For your baby
Baby essentials
Plan for the session itself plus the trip there and back.
- Feeds. If you breastfeed, bring whatever makes you comfortable: a nursing pillow, a cover, a burp cloth. If you bottle-feed, bring more bottles than usual, plus formula and water if you mix on the go. Babies often feed more than once during a session.
- Diapers. Twice what you would normally pack. Newborns go through a lot when they are being unwrapped and rewrapped.
- Wipes and a changing pad.
- A pacifier, if your baby takes one. It can calm a fussy moment in seconds.
- Two spare outfits. Blowouts happen at the worst moments.
- A going-home blanket for the trip.
- Car seat or stroller. Whatever you use to get around the city with baby.
Dress baby in this
Choose something that opens at the front, with snaps or a zip. Pulling a onesie over a sleeping newborn's head usually wakes them, and once they are awake it can take a while to settle again. Skip anything with tight elastic at the waist or ankles, which can leave marks on a baby's skin that show in close-ups.
For parents
You will be in the photos too, so plan your outfits as carefully as you plan baby's.
- Soft, solid colors. Cream, oatmeal, soft gray, sage, light blue or dusty pink sit beautifully next to a newborn. Avoid logos, busy prints and bright reds.
- Light layers. Studios are usually kept warm for the baby, so most parents end up a bit too warm in heavy knits.
- Nursing-friendly tops, if you are breastfeeding, so a feed doesn't mean a full outfit change.
- Simple underlayers for skin-to-skin photos. If you would like a few photos with baby on your chest, a strapless top or simple tank underneath makes it easy.
- Comfort after birth. Choose stretchy, forgiving clothes. Bring postpartum pads and a small pillow to sit on if you need one.
- Water and snacks for you. New parents forget to eat. Bring something.
- A phone charger.
Many photographers share a color guide after booking, which helps you match outfits across the family.
Family items worth bringing
Personal items make newborn photos feel like yours. Pick two or three, not ten:
- The hospital bracelet or ID card.
- A blanket or quilt a grandparent made.
- A parent's own baby hat or outfit, if it was saved.
- A small stuffed animal that will stay in the nursery.
- Name letters or a birth announcement card.
- A religious or cultural item that matters to your family.
- The ultrasound printout.
Anything near the baby should be soft, clean and free of loose parts. Our post on newborn photo props and safety explains why this matters.
If siblings are coming
- Their outfit, coordinated with yours, and a spare top.
- Snacks that don't stain, for after their part.
- A favorite toy or book for the waiting time.
- Ideally, a second adult to take them out once their photos are done.
Our guide to newborn photos with siblings covers how to prepare older siblings and keep them happy.
What you can leave at home
- Props, wraps and backdrops, if the photographer provides them. Check the profile.
- Headbands and hats from the store, unless they are special to you. Many baby accessories are too tight or too scratchy for newborn skin.
- Big bags of outfits for the baby. Newborns spend most of the session wrapped or in a simple layer. One or two outfits that matter to you are plenty.
- Anything you are worried about. If you would be upset if it got spit up on, keep it home.
The night before, and the session itself
The night before and the morning of
- Pack the bag the night before. Use this checklist and leave it by the door.
- Check your route. Your photographer will send the studio address after you book. Allow extra time for the car seat, the stroller and the first-weeks chaos.
- Try to keep baby awake a little in the hour before you leave, if you can do it gently. A baby who has been awake for a bit tends to sleep more deeply during the session.
- Feed right before you leave, or as soon as you arrive. A full baby is a calm, sleepy baby.
- Warm the car or dress baby warmly for the trip, especially in winter.
- Relax. If you forget something, a good photographer will work around it. Babies are forgiving, and so are experienced newborn photographers.
What happens at the session
Newborn sessions are often 60 to 90 minutes, with feeding pauses built in. Session length, number of edited photos and delivery time vary by photographer, so check the profile. For the full walkthrough, see newborn photography in NYC: what to expect.
Quick answers
Do we need to bring wraps or props?
Usually not, since many newborn photographers provide wraps, backdrops and props. Check the profile, and bring only family items that are personal to you.
How many diapers should I bring?
About twice what you would normally pack for a two-hour outing. Newborns go through more than usual during a session.
What should parents wear?
Soft, solid colors in light layers, since studios are kept warm. Nursing-friendly tops are a good idea if you are breastfeeding.
Find your photographer
Choose a date in your baby's first two weeks and browse newborn photographers in NYC and Long Island, checking what each one provides.