You've set up a professional photo shoot for your newborn, or you're planning to take your own pictures, and the next step is figuring out what baby should wear! Here's how experts and moms suggest baby should dress for memorable and stunning shots.
Consider Something Sentimental
"A professional newborn photographer will have plenty of outfits, wraps, and props for your baby to wear at their session. If you have a special outfit that you want to remember — a family heirloom such as a christening gown, or something that was handmade for your baby — bring those to the session! Trendy props and hats will eventually become dated, but these special items are ones you want to remember and will cherish through photographs." — Laura Stennett, Laura Stennett Photography, Anchorage, Alaska
Pick a Bunch
"Because newborns tend to spit up and have accidents, you're going to want to choose a few special outfits for your newborn shoot — not just one! The bulk of newborn photos tend to be taken while a baby is sleeping, so try to avoid clothing that is difficult to remove or put on — like a sleeper with 25 snaps up the front. You or your photographer are likely going to be changing the baby's clothes for different poses, and the less work you have to do to dress them while sleeping, the more likely they'll stay in dreamland!" — Jeanne Sager, Jeanne Sager Photography, Sullivan County, New York
Keep It Simple
"Dress the baby very simply for a newborn shoot. Less is more. Just a muslin swaddle and matching headband for girls or a bow tie with matching bottoms for boys."
Don't Worry Too Much About Clothes
"I suggest keeping the baby in a diaper with a cute diaper cover, since their skin is soft and has lots of cute baby rolls! I like the idea of revealing their small and adorable baby body rather than covering it with clothes."
Bundle Them in a Blanket
"If it's in the middle of winter and you don't want the baby to be cold, you can do just a swaddle blanket or baby blanket. I always like the idea of getting a cute naked tushie shot, as well! Also, I know a lot of people are fans of having their baby be asleep in the photos, but I personally like it better when they reveal their adorable baby eyes, and you occasionally get a smile or a cute facial expression that you would miss out on if they are sleeping. If you can do both sleeping shots and awake shots, that's golden!"
Have a Vision -- & Options!
"My photographer said she had everything but ended up not having everything. Bring multiple cute outfits and have an idea — maybe a Pinterest page! — of what you're looking for. I wish I had brought baby books, which had meaning to us. I also wish I had brought more diaper covers. But my favorite photo is one for which we brought an outfit and a skateboard. It came out very unique and cute!"
Research Styles Online
"Go online and look at styles you like, and show your photographer in advance. Every mom has different taste — just do what makes you happy!"
*Disclaimer: The advice on Cafemom is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
