What to Bring to Your Newborn Session

One of the questions parents ask me before their newborn session is what they need to bring, and I completely understand why. Leaving the house with a brand-new baby can feel like packing for a weeklong vacation. Suddenly you are thinking about diapers, bottles, extra clothes, pacifiers, burp cloths and everything your baby might possibly need. The good news is that when you come to my Fort Worth studio for newborn photos, you really do not need to bring half of your house with you.

I have spent years creating a studio that takes some of that planning off parents’ plates. Your newborn session is photographed here in my studio, where I already have the wraps, accessories and pieces we will use for your baby’s portraits. I also have a large client closet with wardrobe options for moms, dads and children, so we can talk about styling before your session and decide what makes the most sense for your family. You certainly do not need to go shopping for an entirely new wardrobe just because you booked newborn photos.

Start With the Things Your Baby Uses Every Day

Your diaper bag is a great place to start. Bring plenty of diapers and wipes, along with whatever you normally use for feeding your baby. If you are bottle feeding, bring more than you think you will need. Newborn sessions can make babies hungry, especially when we are moving them, changing wraps and getting them settled again. If you are nursing, we will simply stop whenever your baby needs to eat.

If your baby uses a pacifier, tuck that into the bag too. Even if your baby only occasionally takes one, it can be helpful for soothing during transitions. There is no expectation that your baby will sleep straight through the session. Feeding, changing and comforting are all part of working with newborns, and I plan our time with those breaks in mind.

What About Sentimental Items?

If there is something meaningful you would love to include, tell me about it before your session. Maybe it is a blanket made by a grandparent or another small item that has a special story behind it. I always want to know about those pieces ahead of time so I can determine whether and how we can safely incorporate them.

You do not need to bring a bag full of props or purchase things specifically for your newborn photos. I want your finished images to keep the attention where it belongs, on your baby and your family. If you have an idea, though, please ask. We can talk through it together before session day.

Don’t Forget Something for You

New parents are very good at packing everything their baby could possibly need and forgetting about themselves. Bring some water and a snack, especially if you are nursing or still recovering after delivery. Newborn sessions allow time for your baby to settle, and I want you to be comfortable during that time too.

This is also your permission to sit down while I work. You do not need to spend the entire session hovering nearby or trying to help me get your baby to sleep. I am very comfortable working with newborns, and part of my job is giving you a chance to settle in while I take care of the photography.

Your Newborn Session Shouldn’t Require a Huge Packing List

If you remember the diaper bag, feeding supplies and anything your baby relies on regularly, you are already in good shape. We will discuss wardrobe and session details beforehand, and my Fort Worth newborn studio is prepared with the pieces I use to create your baby’s portraits.

Those first weeks with a new baby already come with plenty to remember. Your newborn photography session should not add another complicated checklist to your life. My goal is for you to arrive knowing that the big pieces have already been handled, so you can settle in, take care of your baby when they need you and let me take care of the rest.