In-Home Newborn Session for First-Time Parents

There is something so incredibly special about bringing your first newborn home. It is exciting, beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting – sometimes all of the above in the same five minutes. Those first few weeks are filled with figuring out feeding schedules, diaper changes, sleep (or lack thereof), and simply learning how to be a new family. This is one of the many reasons I love an in-home newborn session for first-time parents.

From my own experience, I remember feeling much more stressed with my firstborn when it came to leaving the house. I wanted to make sure I had everything I could possibly need for every outing. Add in a newborn who needs to eat frequently, and suddenly a simple trip out of the house can feel like a major production. This can be very overwhelming for a new mom.

In-home lifestyle sessions remove so much of that pressure, because everything you need is within reach. You don’t have to pack a diaper bag, load the car, or worry about being on-time or forgetting something. In fact, there is no need to worry about time at all, because we always run on baby’s schedule. If you’re preparing for your first in-home newborn photography session, here are a few things I recommend doing ahead of time.

Tips To Prepare For an In-Home Newborn Session for First-Time Parents

Don’t Stress About A Perfect Home

Having a clean home is probably the biggest concern parents have regarding in-home sessions. Please hear me when I say, you don’t need your entire house to be spotless. For one, the last thing I want is for you to be stressed, and two, we likely will only use one or two rooms!

If you’re unsure which spaces in your home will work best, I’m more than happy to help! We can set up a FaceTime call or consultation before your session so I can take a look at the natural light in your home and help us decide which rooms will photograph best. Once we know where we’ll be spending most of our time, you can simply tidy those areas instead of wasting your energy on areas we will never see!

And when I say tidy, I mean clearing off a nightstand, putting away the laundry pile, or moving a few things off the kitchen counter. You do not need to deep clean your house. Closets and dressers are your friend here and are the perfect places to stash away any items you want to remove from view.

My goal is for you to spend your energy enjoying your baby, not cleaning your house for me.

Feed Baby and Change Their Diaper

If possible, I love for baby to be fed and have a clean diaper before we begin. This doesn’t mean you need to rush through the feeding! When I first arrive, I’ll spend time photographing the nursery details allowing you plenty of time to finish feeding and changing your baby. Take your time and try not to stress if things aren’t running on time. This is exactly why I allow 2 hours for in-home newborn sessions.

Outfit Tips for Baby and Parents

I suggest dressing baby in simple outfits, like swaddles, onesies, or knotted gowns. Those elaborate lace outfits, tiny suspenders, and fitted outfits are adorable, but the harder and scratchier the outfit is the more likely the baby will be unhappy. If you do have a special outfit you want photos in that is probably going to cause a little fuss, I suggest waiting until the very end to change into that outfit.

Parents should also choose comfortable clothes as well! You want to feel comfortable and like yourself, but I also recommend choosing clothing that photographs well in the natural light of your home. For moms, I love long, flowing dresses because they always look amazing and photograph beautifully. Dads, if this means mom needs to order 10 dresses off amazon – let her! Seriously, though, postpartum bodies are going through so much change. Choose something that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident.

Have Meaningful Items Ready

I am not a very prop heavy photographer, but I absolutely love incorporating meaningful little details into your newborn portraits. If there is a special book, stuffed animal, heirloom, blanket, or nursery item that you want photographed, simply have it nearby, so they can easily be incorporated into the portraits. Also if there are special nursery items or details you want documented, let me know ahead of time and I’ll be sure to capture them while I am photographing the nursery when I arrive.

Be Ready to Take Breaks

With any newborn session, I always suggest having a bottle on standby, or being prepared to breastfeed. Babies are unpredictable and sometimes they cluster feed in the early weeks, so if we need to take several breaks that is 100% okay and expected. Their comfort comes first always. A pacifier, if you use one, is also helpful to have on hand. Mom also needs to be taken care of, so make sure you have a full water bottle and snacks nearby!

Embrace The Moment

The most important advice I can give is to relax and embrace the moment. Soak it all in!! You are a new parent!! This is an amazing and monumental moment in your lives – enjoy it.

I want you to look back on these pictures and feel the joy, love, and wonder of these moments. These photos will take you back to those early newborn days as you remember the tiny fingers and features, and all the little squeaks and sounds they made. I love capturing real authentic moments between new parents and their baby.

Ready to Document Your First Days at Home?

If you’re expecting your first baby in Bulverde, TX, or beyond in the Texas Hill Country, and looking for a relaxed, natural in-home newborn lifestyle session, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels comfortable for your new family. Reach out today to schedule your session!