How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Session

An in-home newborn session is a beautiful way to capture your baby’s first days in the place that means the most. Some might be hesitant to do an in-home session because they worry about the house being pretty or clean enough, but I promise you, it is! I will show you how to prepare for your in-home newborn session so that you have a stress-free, enjoyable experience. The best part? There’s no need to pack up and leave your house! These sessions are relaxed, intimate, and focused on real life, candid moments.

Here are 6 tips to help you prepare for your in-home newborn session!

How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Session

1. No Need to Deep Clean—Just Tidy Up Key Spaces

This is something I really want all my clients to know – You do not need to have a perfectly spotless home for your session! I promise, I’m not here to judge your laundry piles or dishes in the sink. The last thing I want is for you to be stressed out cleaning! Instead, focus on tidying up just a few key areas where we’ll likely take photos. Notice that I said, “tidy” not “deep-clean”!

The nursery is one spot I will definitely photograph! Even if we decide not to use the space for pictures of your little one, I still always love including nursery photos so that you have memories of this special room where you poured so much love and thought into. For the nursery, I recommend picking up the floor and the areas near the crib and rocking chair.

Other rooms that usually have good light that we use for in-home sessions are the master bedroom and living room. The bed creates a great cozy spot for family snuggles as well as the sofas in the living room! Usually these areas have larger windows that provide beautiful natural light! I’ve even taken some beautiful photos in the kitchen! However, don’t feel like you need to clean all these spaces “just in case”. We will discuss what rooms to use before the session so you will know ahead of time where we will likely spend most of our time!

So what exactly do I mean by tidy? Just clear out any clutter by moving it out of the frame. Make the bed and do a quick sweep of surfaces to remove extra distractions, like like water bottles, tissue boxes, or phone chargers. That is all you need!

6 tips to help you prepare for your in-home newborn session by Newborn Photographer in plano, TX

2. Let Natural Light Be Our Guide

One of the biggest advantages of an in-home session is the soft, natural light. To maximize the light in your home, open up all the blinds and curtains to let in as much daylight as possible. Before your session I’ll ask what rooms you think get the best light and where you’d like to shoot. If you’re not sure which rooms get the best light, or what areas will be best, I’ll have you send me photos of those rooms. That way we can determine which spaces will be best and ensure there will be enough light!

If you have rooms with lighter colored walls along with natural light, even better! No matter what, we will find the perfect spot! During your in-home newborn session, we won’t use overhead lights, as they can create a harsh look in the photos, which is why we will mostly rely on windows for a light and airy, natural feel.

mom holds newborn over shoulder by the window to create light and airy newborn images.

using natural light in your in-home session and other tips to help you prepare for your in-home newborn session by Newborn Photographer in plano, TX

3. Keep Outfits Simple and Neutral

For a timeless and cohesive look, choose soft, neutral tones for the whole family. Think whites, creams, grays, pastels, or earthy tones. These colors help keep the focus on your baby and create a soft, dreamy aesthetic.

For your baby, a simple swaddle or neutral onesie is perfect. I will also have both with me, just in case! We can also do some diaper-only shots to capture those tiny features and precious details. If we are including parents and siblings in the photos, plan for comfortable, coordinating outfits. Think soft textures like knits or cotton, while avoiding bright colors, busy patterns, or large logos that can be distracting.

However, please know that I am here for you! If you’re unsure what to wear, I’m happy to give recommendations! I also have a full client wardrobe available for you to use full of comfy, neutral outfits for the whole family.

PReparing for your in-home newborn session by Plano, TX newborn Lifestyle photographer

newborn girl lays on white bed with pink bow wrapped around her

4. Keep the Room Warm and Cozy

Newborns love warmth, so I recommend setting the thermostat a little higher than usual, especially if we plan on capturing some diaper-only shots. A warm, cozy baby is a happy baby, and that makes for peaceful, sleepy photos.

newborn girl sleeps while swaddled in white blanket and wearing pink headband

5. Plan for a Well-Fed, Happy Baby

This tip goes for all kids! When babies (and toddlers) have a full belly they are more calm and content during the session. I suggest trying to time a feeding just before our session starts. Then, your little one is sleepy and relaxed. However, I know that newborns get hungry and need to eat often, so please don’t worry if they get hungry mid-session. We will pause for feeding and extra cuddles!

6. Be Ready to Go with the Flow

Babies (and toddlers) run the show, and that’s totally okay! Some babies sleep the entire session, while others stay wide awake. Both are beautiful, and provide wonderful photo opportunities. Either way, I’ll adjust to your baby’s needs. If that means extra snuggles, a feeding break, or a little time to settle – no problem! I always follow the baby’s lead and keep the session revolving around them to ensure they are comfortable.

At the end of the day, your in-home newborn session isn’t about a perfectly styled house or a baby who follows a schedule! It’s about capturing the love, connection, and little details of this fleeting season in your life. The tiny fingers wrapped around yours, the way your baby snuggles into your chest, the peaceful moments, and even the fussy ones are all worth remembering.

My goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience so you can focus on what truly matters: soaking in these early days with your little one. The best images often come from the simple, in-between moments! So, don’t stress about your house, the light, or whether your baby will sleep the whole time. Together, we’ll create beautiful, heartfelt images that will bring you right back to this moment every time you look at them.