How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session

Babies have their own schedules, need extra cuddles, and sometimes decide they have completely different plans than the rest of us. That’s perfectly okay! If you’re wondering how to prepare for your newborn session, these simple tips will help you arrive feeling confident and ready for a relaxed, enjoyable experience at Arcadian Photography.

The Most Important Thing to Remember:

Please don’t stress.

These tips are simply guideposts, not rules. If your baby skips a nap, refuses a feeding, has a blowout in the car seat, or arrives wide awake, don’t worry. Newborns are wonderfully unpredictable, and after photographing babies for more than 17 years, I’ve seen it all.

Your only job is to get yourself, your baby, and your family to the studio.

Once you’re here, I’ll take it from there.

Studio Address

Arcadian Photography
2319 State Street
Salem, OR 97301

Before You Leave the House

A little preparation before you leave can help your session start smoothly, but remember: these are helpful suggestions, not requirements.

Feed Baby Before You Leave

If possible, please give your baby a good, full feeding right before heading to the studio.

A full tummy often leads to a sleepy baby, and many newborns drift off during the car ride. When that happens, I can often transition them right into posing with minimal interruption.

Dress Baby in Something Easy to Remove

Please dress baby in a simple zip-up or snap-front sleeper.

Avoid outfits that need to be pulled over baby’s head, as removing them can sometimes wake a sleeping baby. The goal is to move baby from the car seat to the beanbag with as little disruption as possible.

Try for Some Awake Time

If your baby is willing, try to give them a little awake time before leaving for the studio.

Some ideas include:

• A warm bath
• Tummy time
• Lying on a blanket wearing only a diaper
• Gentle playtime or cuddles
• A diaper change and some interaction with mom or dad

This can help baby feel ready for a longer nap during the session, which is ideal for those sleepy, curled-up newborn portraits.

Don’t Stress If It Doesn’t Happen

Some babies sleep all morning. Some babies are wide awake. Some babies decide to change their schedule entirely on session day.

That’s normal.

Please don’t worry about trying to keep your baby awake during the car ride. The goal is simply to encourage a little awake time before you leave the house. Once you arrive, I’ll follow your baby’s lead and adjust the session as needed.

If baby seems hungry when you arrive, that’s completely fine. We can always pause for a feeding before we begin.

What to Expect at the Studio

Expect a Warm Studio

The studio will be warm, usually around 75-80 degrees.

I know that sounds hot!

The warmth helps babies stay comfortable and sleepy while being photographed, especially during those sweet wrapped and unwrapped poses. While the adults may be feeling a little warm, most newborns are perfectly content.

Plan for a Relaxed Morning

Most newborn sessions last 2-3 hours.

That may sound long, but much of that time is spent feeding, soothing, diaper changes, cuddling, and settling baby back to sleep. We move at your baby’s pace, not on a strict timeline.

There is no need to rush through feedings. Take your time and focus on giving baby a good, full feeding whenever they need it.

Be Ready to Feed Often

One of the easiest ways to encourage a sleepy, content baby is simply to feed them whenever they want to eat.

Newborn sessions are not the day to worry about schedules or stretching time between feedings. Think of it as a morning devoted entirely to keeping your baby happy, comfortable, and full.

If you’re nursing, expect to nurse several times during the session. If you’re bottle-feeding, plan to bring extra milk or formula.

Many parents are surprised by how much their baby wants to eat during a newborn session, and that’s completely normal.

Over the years, I’ve photographed babies who wanted to eat every 30 minutes and babies who slept straight through the session. Both are completely normal.

What to Bring to Your Newborn Session

Bring a Change of Clothes

Newborns are adorable. Newborns are also unpredictable.

It’s always a good idea to bring a spare shirt or change of clothes for yourself, just in case of spit-up, diaper leaks, or other newborn surprises. That way you’ll have something clean to wear in photos and on the drive home.

Consider Bringing a Bottle

Even if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, having a bottle available can sometimes be helpful.

Occasionally, a baby settles more quickly with a small top-off feeding while staying comfortably posed on the beanbag. It’s not required, but it can be a useful tool if needed.

Bring a Pacifier

Please bring a Soothie-style pacifier (the soft, flexible green or blue hospital-style pacifier) or something similar.

Even if your baby doesn’t regularly use a pacifier at home, I encourage parents to bring one for the session.

Sometimes a pacifier is all that’s needed to help a baby settle, stay comfortable, and drift back to sleep between poses. A few minutes of soothing can make a big difference in keeping the session relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

If you don’t have one, don’t worry. I also keep unopened pacifiers available in the studio.

Parents

You Are Part of the Story

While newborn portraits are all about your baby, some of the most meaningful images from your session are the ones that include you.

The way your baby fits in your arms, the way they curl up on your chest, the way you look at them during these first few weeks—those are the moments you’ll treasure years from now.

Please plan on being photographed, even if you’re feeling tired or haven’t quite felt like yourself since delivery. I promise these images will be worth it.

What to Wear

Simple, neutral-ish, and coordinating is always the best choice.

Colors that photograph beautifully at a newborn session include:

• White
• Cream
• Beige
• Soft gray
• Light denim
• Soft pastels
• Earth tones

Look for clothing with soft textures and minimal patterns.

Try to avoid:

• Bright colors
• Plaid
• Large patterns
• Logos
• Graphics or text on clothing

When putting together for the whole family, think of coordinating rather than matching. Choose colors that work well together instead of everyone wearing the exact same color.

Check out my What to Wear / Newborn board on Pinterest.

A Few Helpful Notes for Mom

• You’re welcome to borrow from my studio wardrobe.
• Consider having your nails done or polished, as your hands will be featured in many images.
• For professional photographs, makeup tends to photograph best when applied slightly heavier than your everyday look.
• Most parent portraits are photographed from the waist up, so don’t stress too much about shoes or the bottom half of your outfit.

Most importantly, choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Siblings

Including older siblings in your newborn’s portraits creates some of the sweetest images from the session.

Helping Siblings Have a Great Experience

The sibling portion of the session typically happens first while everyone is fresh and excited. After we finish family and sibling portraits, younger children are welcome to relax while I focus on baby-only images.

To help siblings stay happy and entertained, the studio includes:

• Books
• Toys
• Snacks
• Drinks

You’re also welcome to bring:

• A favorite stuffed animal
• Small comfort items
• Extra snacks if your child has favorites

Don’t Worry About Perfect Behavior

Young children are wonderfully unpredictable, and that’s completely normal.

I’ve photographed hundreds of siblings over the years and know plenty of tricks for getting natural smiles and sweet interactions. Your job is simply to bring them. I’ll take care of the rest.

For more tips, be sure to read my guide on including siblings in newborn photos.

Get Excited!

This is your chance to relax and really enjoy your new baby.

One of the things parents tell me most often after their newborn session is that it felt like a little break.

During your session, you’re welcome to sit back, relax, and make yourself at home. After years of working with newborns, I’m very comfortable soothing, settling, and posing babies safely, so you don’t need to feel like you have to be “on” the entire time.

While I’m photographing your baby, feel free to:

• Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea
• Read a book or magazine
• Scroll social media
• Answer emails
• Chat with your partner
• Bring snacks and settle in

The session will last approximately 2-3 hours, so come prepared to get comfortable.

If You Need a Break

If older siblings need to burn off some energy, McRae City Park is just a short walk from the studio.

And if you’re ready for lunch after your session, some local favorites nearby include:

• Wild Pear (best coconut curry soup in all the land)
• Ritter’s
• Venti’s Cafe (the most kid-friendly from this list)
• Cascadia Pizza
• Jade Dumpling and Noodle House
• Isaac’s
• Azul’s Taco House

What Happens Next?

My goal is to have your proofed gallery ready for viewing approximately 7-10 business days after your session.

You’ll receive an email when your gallery is ready, and you’ll be able to view your images and choose the collection that best fits your family.

I hope you feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for during your time at the studio.

These first days with a new baby pass by so quickly, and it is truly an honor to document this chapter of your family’s story.

I can’t wait to meet you and your sweet little one.