9 Essential tips for a cozy in-home newborn session

Capturing those sweet, fleeting moments with your new baby is priceless. But if you’re looking around your home and wondering how to get ready, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. With a little preparation, you can create the perfect environment for swoon-worthy photos you’ll treasure forever. The following 9 essential tips will make your cozy in-home newborn session a success.

1. Declutter (Don’t Worry, It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect!)

One of the biggest concerns parents have is making sure their home is “photo-ready.” But here’s the good news—we’re not aiming for magazine-level perfection. We’re going for a cozy, lived-in look where love and warmth take center stage.

Focus on decluttering high-traffic areas like the living room, nursery, and master bedroom. Tuck away any distracting items, like laundry baskets or cords. You don’t need to clean every inch of your house; just tidying up the spaces we’ll use during the session is enough.

Pro Tip: Have a big laundry basket handy. Toss any stray items in and hide it in a closet or spare room. Out of sight, out of mind!

2. Maximize Natural Light

Lighting plays a huge role in creating cozy in-home newborn session photos. To make the most of your session, open up curtains and blinds in areas with good natural light. Large windows, in particular, are a photographer’s best friend.

Morning light is often soft and flattering, so sessions scheduled earlier in the day work well. If you’re unsure which areas of your home have the best light, your photographer can help you figure it out once they arrive.

Quick Tip: Turn off overhead lights and lamps. Natural light looks more flattering and avoids creating weird color casts that artificial light can cause.

3. Prepare the Nursery

If you’re planning to capture moments in the nursery, take a few minutes to tidy up and bring the space to life. Make the crib, fluff any pillows, and consider adding a personal touch, like a soft blanket or a favorite stuffed animal.

Keep the décor simple and minimally cluttered. Neutral-colored bedding or décor works beautifully, ensuring your baby remains the main focus in every shot.

4. Plan Coordinating Outfits

Choosing outfits for your cozy in-home newborn session doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep these three concepts in mind while planning your family’s wardrobe:

• Neutral Colors: Whites, creams, grays, and soft pastels photograph beautifully. Avoid bold patterns or bright colors that might steal attention from your little one.
• Comfort: Soft, cozy fabrics work best, especially for your newborn. Think simple swaddles, onesies, or even no clothing at all for those classic baby shots.
• Coordination: Instead of matching, go for complementary outfits. For example, if you’re wearing a soft beige sweater, your partner might wear a light gray shirt. It’ll create a harmonious look without being too “matchy-matchy.”

However, when you choose me as your photographer, you’ll have full access to my client closet, and I will help style your entire family, so you don’t even have to think about this!

5. Create a Comfortable Temperature

Babies love being warm and cozy, and that shows in their photos. Before your session, turn up the thermostat a couple of degrees, especially if you’ll be capturing those adorable shots of baby in just a diaper.

To keep everyone else from overheating, consider dressing in light, breathable fabrics. If you’re using any space heaters, be sure they’re placed safely and won’t create a hazard during your cozy in-home newborn session.

6. Feed the Baby Before the Session

A well-fed baby is a happy baby, and a happy baby makes for smoother sessions. Try to feed your newborn just before the photographer arrives so they’re full and ready to settle into those dreamy poses.

Don’t fret too much about timing. We know newborns run on their own schedules, and breaks for feeding or soothing are absolutely okay during the session.

Pro Tip: If your baby gets fussy or needs to nurse, don’t stress. Those quiet moments of bonding often lead to some of the most heartfelt, candid photos.

7. Include Meaningful Details

Your cozy in-home newborn session is about telling your family’s story. Including meaningful details, like heirloom blankets, special keepsakes, or a favorite book, can make your photos feel even more personal.

What are the little things in your home that mean the most to you right now? Think beyond the nursery! Maybe it’s the rocking chair where you’ve spent hours cuddling, or a knit hat gifted by a grandparent. Whatever it is, your photographer can incorporate it into the session.

8. Don’t Forget About the Rest of the Family

Your newborn is the star of the session, but this is a chance to capture the love and connection of your whole family. Whether it’s parents cuddling baby together or siblings sneaking a kiss on their new brother or sister, those moments are just as important.

To prepare siblings for the session, talk to them beforehand about what to expect. Keep snacks and small rewards (like stickers) handy for encouragement, and have a favorite toy close by to keep them entertained.

For pets, consider how they might fit into the session too. A dog lying protectively near the crib, for example, makes for a heart-melting photo.

9. Relax and Keep It Fun

Here’s the most important tip of all: relax! It’s tempting to worry about how your home looks or how your baby will behave, but trust that your photographer has seen it all before. Crying spells, messy homes, and spit-up are all part of the deal when working with newborns.

Sometimes the best photos come from unexpected moments, whether it’s a yawn, a stretch, or a playful tickle with siblings. These are the real, honest memories you’ll treasure.

Remember, this session is about celebrating your family just as you are right now. Your photographer will guide you every step of the way, so take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and cherish these hours spent capturing your new little miracle.

Final Thoughts: 9 Essential tips for a Cozy In-Home Newborn Session

A cozy in-home newborn session is the perfect way to freeze these tender moments in time. With some thoughtful preparation—from decluttering to opening the blinds to choosing loving details—you’ll set the stage for beautiful, meaningful photos. Remember, this session is about your love, your joy, and your growing family.

Plus, when you work with me, I’ll be with you every step of the way. From planning your photo shoot to hair and makeup services to delivering the final edited images and creating special keepsakes, I strive to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. My goal is to capture genuine, candid moments that truly reflect your personality and style.

Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below

• 10 Tips To Foster A Good Relationship Between Your Baby And Dog
• 6 Tips For Bathing Your Newborn After Their First Bath (Complete Guide)
• The First Year Collective – A gift to your baby’s legacy