Dressing Babies for a Newborn Photo Shoot

September 13, 2024 Ann Marie Grocholski

One of my favorite things about newborn photo sessions is dressing baby! In addition to providing styling for every family, including a client wardrobe for every mom and child, I have a collection of hand-knit outfits and vintage blankets and swaddles just for newborns. I have searched many Etsy shops for hand-made jumpers and sweaters, purchased hand knit sweaters from Hank Knitwear which is based in Australia and uses wool from the owners sheep! I have even gone to antique shops and purchased vintage table cloths to be used for blankets in my baby bassinet! The goal is to create a timeless and natural look that highlights the beauty of every baby while ensuring that they feel cozy and safe.

The Best Colors, Outfits, and Wraps for Babies

When preparing for a newborn photo session, choosing the right outfits for your little one is essential. It’s important to select soft, comfortable clothing that will not irritate baby’s delicate skin. I usually dress every baby in layers. Parents select an outfit from a selection that I have set out just for them. Then we choose a wrap, blanket, and any headbands or bonnets to go with it. As the session progresses, we peel away the layers with little disruption to baby and the family receives a variety of looks in their gallery. The earth toned palette of colors I use for babies coordinates perfectly with the color palette that I use in my overall styling for the entire family! Prior to their session, clients receive a styling board and access to our client wardrobe website from which they can select their favorite dresses. Because baby's outfits coordinate with the rest of the family, the stress of having to choose the right outfit come session day is gone! Dresses and outfits for moms and girls up to age 12 and boys up to age 4, are waiting for them when they arrive at the studio. I select warm, earth toned colors and gentle patterns to create a timeless look that beautifully highlights baby’s features and skin tone.

How I Swaddle Baby

The Right Fabrics:

My Little Fabric Shop has the perfect, earth toned fabrics.

The first step is to choose swaddles made from soft, breathable, stretchy fabrics. I purchase my fabrics in two ways. 1) From small businesses or Etsy shops that provide fabrics and outfits specifically for photographers. Wraps from these providers are specifically designed for use during a newborn photo shoot. They come in a variety of colors and are the exact size and fabric type that is safe for baby’s delicate skin. 2) From fabric stores that sell high quality or organic material fabrics. My Little Fabric Shop is an online fabric shop with the most beautiful fabrics that fit my style perfectly!

Dressing Baby in Layers:

Start with a Base Outfit

You start your session by selecting your favorite outfit from those presented to you when you arrive to the studio. This will be the base layer for baby. By the end of the session, your baby will be wearing this. You can choose from a beautiful jumper to simply hand-knit pants that show off baby’s cute belly and little legs!

2. Swaddle Under-Layer for the Win!

After baby is wearing his or her outfit, I wrap them up in a special swaddle under-layer called a “Swaddle Pro.” This amazing layer makes all the difference! It not only keeps them warm and snug and comfortable, it makes swaddling them with your cover layer very easy! It also prevents baby from being wrapped too tightly by the swaddles that you put on top. And even better, we can change out the swaddle for different ones without disturbing them so they stay relaxed and happy.

This is the under layer called Swaddle Pro. It keeps baby cozy and in place making putting multiple swaddles on easy without disturbing baby!

3. Stretchy Swaddle

Next, we easily wrap baby in a swaddle made from stretchy fabric. These swaddles allow us to snuggly wrap baby without being restrictive. Safety always comes first, and a baby’s temperature can fluctuate quickly. Using baby safe fabrics and the Swaddle Pro insures that they are just snug enough without being too tight or warm.

4. Accessory Blanket for Beauty and Texture

The final step is to add some texture. Clients may choose from a variety of hand made crocheted blankets to drape around baby. This allows for visual interest in your images while baby is sleeping in a bassinet or mom and dad are holding baby. The beautiful draping fabric around your baby creates a timeless and beautiful photographs.

Accessorizing Wisely

Headbands and Hats: Accessories can enhance a photo, but they should be chosen carefully to maintain simplicity. A delicate headband for a girl or a soft knit hat for a boy can add a charming touch without being overpowering.
Blankets: Incorporating cozy blankets can help create a snug atmosphere. I use a range of colors and textures to complement baby’s outfit while also offering a comfortable surface for the baby to lie on.

Keeping Comfort and Safety in Mind

Temperature Control: Babies can quickly become too warm or too cold. The studio is kept at a warm temperature of about 72 degrees. I always dress the rest of the family to accommodate this warmer temp, too, so that they do not feel too hot! During the photo session, if baby becomes upset, we always stop and take a break to do a feeding or diaper change!

Timing and Newborn Session Preparation

Scheduling the photo shoot for early morning or late afternoon is often ideal, as babies tend to be more relaxed after a good feeding and nap. However, there will always be time for you to feed your baby at any time in the studio. I always tell clients, baby rules the show!

Dressing babies for a newborn photo shoot involves a careful balance of aesthetics, comfort, and practicality. Beautiful fabrics, simple styles, wise accessory choices, and maintaining a cozy environment, results in a happy baby and, beautiful photographs to commemorate your family’s journey!