Preparing for your newborn session doesn’t need to feel like another thing on your already full plate.

The whole reason I come to you is so you don’t have to pack up your baby, rush out the door, or bring half your house with you. I bring everything we need, and I guide you through it all.

There are just a few simple things you can do beforehand that make a big difference to how smoothly everything runs — and how relaxed you feel on the day.

When to Start Preparing

I typically photograph newborns when they’re around 2–3 weeks old.

At this stage, your baby is still beautifully tiny and naturally sleepy, but also a little more settled into feeding — which makes the whole experience feel easier for you.

That said, I always work around your baby and your recovery. There’s no pressure if things shift.

Sessions usually run for around 2 hours, sometimes a little longer if needed. We go at your baby’s pace the entire time — feeding, settling, cuddling. Nothing is rushed.

What You Actually Need to Have Ready

Very little.

You don’t need to go out and buy anything, and you don’t need to pack a bag like you’re leaving the house.

Just have your usual essentials nearby:

• Nappies and wipes
• Extra feeds (if you’re bottle feeding or expressing)
• A dummy if you use one

That’s it.

I bring all the wraps, blankets, and everything we’ll use during the session.

If you have something sentimental you’d love included (a blanket, a soft toy), you’re welcome to have it ready — but absolutely not essential.

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What Your Baby Should Wear

Keep it simple.

Dress your baby in a zip-up onesie (no buttons if possible), something easy to take off without disturbing them too much.

About 20–30 minutes before I arrive, loosen their nappy and clothing slightly.
This helps any little marks fade so their skin looks nice and smooth in your photos.

I bring all clothing for your baby with me! Once I arrive, I’ll take over and wrap/style baby in a way that photographs beautifully and keeps them comfortable.

What Parents and Siblings Should Wear

his is where I take a lot of the pressure off you.

You’ll have access to my client wardrobe, and I’ll help you choose something that photographs beautifully — so you’re not standing there wondering what works.

If you’re choosing your own outfits, keep it simple:

• Soft, neutral tones (creams, whites, beige, soft blues)
• No logos or busy patterns
• Flowy, comfortable pieces for mums

The most important thing? You feel good in what you’re wearing.

Also — the house will be warm for baby, so dress in light layers.

Preparing Your Home for an In-Home Session

Please don’t clean your whole house.

I promise you, I am not coming to inspect anything.

All I need is one or two spaces with good natural light, usually:

• Your bedroom
• The living room

What makes the biggest difference:

• Clear surfaces (bedside tables, coffee tables)
• Simple, neutral bedding if possible
• A quick declutter of anything visually distracting

That’s it.

I’ll walk in, find the best light, and move things around if needed. You don’t need to figure that out.

If Siblings Are Joining

This part is always a little unpredictable — and that’s completely fine.

Have a few snacks and maybe a quiet activity ready for them. There will be moments where they’re involved, and moments where they’ll need to wait.

I always include sibling and family photos early on, so we can then let them relax.

No pressure for “perfect behaviour” — I work with whatever they bring.

Keeping Your Baby Calm and Sleepy

The best thing you can do?

Feed your baby just before I arrive, or as I arrive.

A full baby = a calm, sleepy baby.

Some parents try to keep baby awake beforehand, but honestly, don’t stress about it. Babies do their own thing, and I work around that.

We will pause as many times as needed for feeds, cuddles, and settling.

This is a baby-led session. Always.

What to Expect on the Day

It’s slow. Calm. Unrushed.

Newborn sessions are relaxed and baby-led. Your baby may need several breaks to feed, have a nappy change, or cuddle. That is expected. I will guide you gently and work around your newborn's needs. You can sit back, stay calm, and follow their lead.

Newborn photography works best when everyone is relaxed. Do not worry if your baby wakes or needs extra cuddles. Sessions are planned with plenty of time for breaks.

You don’t need to entertain me.
You don’t need to host.
You don’t need to be anything other than exactly where you are right now.

Conclusion

You don’t need to prepare perfectly.

You just need to show up, be present, and let me take care of the rest.

Because years from now, these photos won’t be about how tidy your house was or what you wore.

They’ll be about how tiny they were.
How you held them.
And what it felt like in those early days.

And that’s what I’m there to capture for you.