How to Prepare for your At-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session

Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most magical moments, and capturing these early days through a lifestyle newborn session is a priceless way to preserve those memories. Since these sessions take place in the comfort of your home, preparation is key to ensure everything goes smoothly and the moments captured are natural, relaxed, and meaningful. Here’s how you can get ready for your at-home lifestyle newborn session, from planning feeding schedules to preparing your home and older siblings.

Timing is Everything: Feeding Schedules

To ensure your baby is calm and comfortable during the session, it’s helpful to plan their feeding schedule around the photoshoot. A well-fed baby is often a happy and sleepy baby, which is ideal for capturing those tender moments. Consider feeding your baby just before the session begins so they’re content and relaxed. It’s also a good idea to have extra feeding supplies—whether it’s bottles, formula, or a nursing cover—on hand during the session, in case your baby needs a little top-up.

Choosing the Perfect Spots in Your Home

The beauty of a lifestyle session lies in its authenticity—it’s all about capturing your family in your natural environment. Focus on tidying and preparing these key areas of your home:

• The Bedroom: Your bedroom can be an intimate and versatile space for photos. Soft, cozy blankets and natural light streaming through the windows create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Keep the bed simple with neutral or pastel-colored linens to highlight the focus on your family.

• The Nursery: The nursery is a sentimental location filled with details that tell your baby’s story—the crib, rocking chair, and special decor you’ve lovingly chosen. These little touches make for beautiful, meaningful photographs. Be sure the space is well-lit and free of clutter to keep the attention on your baby.

• The Living Room: If your living room gets good natural light, it can be a fantastic space for family photos. Consider opening curtains and arranging throw pillows or blankets to create a cozy and welcoming vibe. A large couch or wide-open floor space is great for capturing candid interactions.

  

Preparing Older Siblings

Involving older siblings in the session is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of your growing family, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips for getting them ready:

• Talk to them about the session ahead of time, so they know what to expect and can get excited about being part of the photos.

• Let them pick out an outfit they feel comfortable in, but guide them toward softer, neutral tones for a cohesive look.

• Consider having small snacks, drinks, or a quiet activity on hand to keep them occupied during moments when they’re not directly involved in the photos.

• Reassure them that it’s okay to be themselves—whether it’s cuddling with their new sibling or showing off their playful personality.

  
  

Other Important Tips

• Clothing Choices: For the whole family, choose soft, neutral tones and avoid busy patterns or logos. Coordinated outfits with a harmonious color palette create a timeless look.

• Declutter Select Spaces: While your home doesn’t need to be spotless, clearing away distractions (like laundry baskets or toys) in the areas you’ll use for photos can make a big difference.

• Lighting: Natural light is a photographer’s best friend. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible, and consider scheduling your session for the time of day when your home is brightest.

• Be Flexible: Babies can be unpredictable, and that’s okay! Whether they need an extra feeding or a diaper change, the session will move at your family’s pace. Embrace the chaos—it’s part of what makes these moments so special.

Relaxed and Memorable Session

The best part of a lifestyle newborn session is that it’s designed to capture your family as you are—natural, authentic, and full of love. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy the process and create beautiful memories in the place that means the most: your home. So relax, snuggle up with your little one, and let the magic unfold.