10 Tips to Prepare for an In-Home Newborn Photography Session

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most special moments in life — and capturing those first days at home is something you’ll treasure forever. As a professional Jacksonville, FL newborn photographer, I specialize in relaxed, beautiful in-home newborn portraits that preserve the magic of your baby’s early days in a way that feels natural and true to you.

To help you get the very best out of your newborn photo session at home, I’ve put together 10 tried-and-true tips that will help your baby stay sleepy, calm, and photo-ready — and ensure your experience is stress-free and enjoyable. 

Contact me to discuss further!

Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, here’s how to prepare for a successful session in the comfort of your own home:

1. Feed Baby About Two Hours Before I Arrive

One of the most important tips for a smooth newborn session is to feed your baby around two hours before the session begins, then hold off on the next feeding until I arrive. This allows us to do a full, unhurried feeding just before we begin — helping baby fall into that deep, sleepy state that makes those sweet, curled-up poses possible.

2. Keep Baby Awake After Feeding

After that pre-session feeding, do your best to keep your newborn awake until I arrive. I know — it’s not always easy! But things like a warm bath, playtime, un-swaddling, or gently tickling their feet can help. A sleepy baby is the goal, but we want them to get all their tired energy out right before the session so they’re content and calm during photos.

3. Loosen the Diaper an Hour or Two Ahead

To help avoid diaper lines on baby’s tummy or back, loosen their diaper slightly about 1–2 hours before I arrive. We’ll be photographing baby without a diaper for some parts of the session, and this small step makes for cleaner, smoother images.

4. Wash or Clean Baby’s Hair That Morning

A little sponge bath or shampoo the morning of your session can go a long way! Fluffy, clean baby hair photographs beautifully, while oily or matted hair can be more distracting in close-ups. This tip is especially helpful for babies born with a full head of hair.

5. Have Extra Bottled Milk or Formula Ready (If You Use It)

Although we typically aim for baby to sleep through most of the session, sometimes a quick top-off can make a world of difference. If you’re comfortable with it, have a small bottle of breastmilk or formula ready just in case. This is especially helpful if baby has trouble settling or gets fussy mid-session.

6. Keep a Pacifier Nearby

Even if your baby doesn’t usually take a pacifier, it can sometimes help soothe them during the session. If you're open to using one, have it close by — we may not need it, but it can be a game-changer for fussy moments.

7. Skip Lotion the Morning of Your Session

This one may sound surprising, but baby lotion can actually make your little one’s skin look shiny in photos. Dry patches are completely normal and easy to retouch — shininess, not so much! It’s best to skip any lotion or oil that morning.

8. We May Turn Up the Heat Slightly

During colder months, I may ask to raise the temperature in your home to around 80° to keep baby comfortable — especially if we’re doing nude or swaddled shots without layers. Warm babies are happy babies! In the summer, this is rarely necessary, but it’s something to keep in mind if your home runs chilly.

9. Tidy Just One or Two Areas (Not the Whole House!)

You absolutely do not need to deep-clean your entire house before your in-home newborn session — I promise. Choose one or two naturally bright rooms (like the living room or master bedroom) and focus on those. Clear clutter off nightstands or dressers, open blinds to let in natural light, and make the bed with a simple, solid blanket if possible. I’ll handle the rest!

10. Choose Simple, Comfortable Outfits

When it comes to clothing, neutral, soft tones work beautifully for the whole family. Think ivory, beige, gray, soft blues, or muted pastels. Avoid bold patterns or bright colors that might distract from your baby. And most importantly — wear something you feel good in. We’ll be capturing you snuggling your newborn, so comfort is key.

Why In-Home Newborn Photography in Jacksonville Is So Special

There’s something truly timeless about newborn photos taken at home. Your baby’s first crib. Your favorite chair. The soft morning light in your bedroom. These details tell a story that no studio ever could. And what I loved so much about this session is how Mama incorporated her own mother into her newborn portrait session. One of my favorite images from this session was this image of Mama and her own mother, holding her third baby boy. It's such a special image that I know they will treasure for generations.

My goal with every in-home newborn session is to create an atmosphere where you can simply relax and enjoy your baby — no stress, no rigid posing, no rushing out the door. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, I come to you with everything needed to capture your baby’s story naturally and beautifully.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

If you're looking for a Jacksonville, FL newborn photographer who specializes in in-home newborn portraits, I’d love to serve your family. These early days go by so quickly, but with thoughtful planning and gentle direction, we’ll preserve them in a way you’ll cherish forever.

Now booking newborn photo sessions at home in Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas.

👉 Contact me here to reserve your spot — or reach out with any questions!