How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session with Me

First of all, congratulations on the arrival of your little one! The early days with a newborn are some of the most precious and fleeting moments of parenthood, and I’m honored to be part of capturing those memories for you. If you’ve booked a newborn session with me, I want you to know that I’m here to make this experience as calm, easy, and enjoyable as possible. My approach is all about going with the flow—because we all know that babies don’t follow a schedule!

In this blog, I’m going to share some of my best tips for preparing for your newborn session. By the end, you’ll feel completely ready for the session, knowing that I’ll be there to guide you through every step of the process, making sure you’re relaxed and at ease the entire time.

1. Trust the Process and Go with the Flow

Newborn sessions are all about capturing your little one’s natural beauty, and let me tell you—no two sessions are ever the same! I always recommend parents go into the session with a flexible mindset. Babies tend to do their own thing, and that’s totally okay. Whether they need a nap, a feeding, or a diaper change, we’ll work around whatever your baby needs to make sure they’re comfortable and happy.

Tip: The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be, and that will allow us to capture the most authentic, precious moments.

2. Keep it Simple: Choose Soft, Neutral Colors

When it comes to clothing, my advice is to keep it simple and choose soft, neutral tones. This will allow the focus to remain on your newborn, rather than on busy patterns or bright colors. Neutral colors like blacks, whites, creams, and light pastels work wonderfully and help create a serene, timeless look. For parents, these colors allow the natural beauty of your baby to shine through, rather than drawing attention away from them.

Remember, this is all about the connection you share with your baby, and you’ll want to look relaxed and natural in the photos. If you have a favorite outfit or something sentimental that you’d like to bring, feel free to do so! We can always incorporate special items to personalize your session.

3. Bring Baby Essentials (But Don’t Overpack)

I always recommend bringing the essentials for your baby to ensure they’re comfortable during the session. This includes things like:

• Diapers and wipes – A few extras go a long way!
• Feeding essentials – Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, be sure to bring whatever your baby needs to stay calm and content.
• Extra outfits – Newborns tend to have accidents or need a quick change, so it’s good to have a couple of options just in case.
• Pacifier or soothing items – If your baby uses a pacifier, or if there’s something else they find comforting, don’t hesitate to bring it along.

The key is to bring what you know your baby needs, but you don’t have to overdo it. I’ll provide plenty of props to help with posing and comfort.

4. Be Ready for Breaks (And Feedings!)

One thing you can always count on during a newborn session with me is that there will be breaks for feedings, diaper changes, and baby snuggles. The best part? This is totally normal, and it’s part of what makes the session so relaxed and natural. I want both you and your baby to feel comfortable, so there’s no rush. We’ll take breaks when we need to, and we’ll go at a pace that feels right for your family.

Tip: Sometimes, the best moments happen during breaks—so don’t worry if your baby needs some extra time. It’s all part of the experience!

5. Feel Free to Bring Special Props

While I provide a variety of props, hats, wraps, and blankets to help style the session, I love when parents bring something special to incorporate into the shoot. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom, a special blanket, or a favorite stuffed animal, these items add a personal touch and make the photos even more meaningful.

Tip: Keep things simple and timeless when choosing props, as we want the focus to remain on your beautiful baby.

6. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

This is your time to enjoy these precious early moments with your newborn. I’m here to guide you through the process and make sure everything runs smoothly. The best photos come from relaxed, natural moments, so don’t worry about “posing” too much. Let’s just take it slow, enjoy the experience, and capture those beautiful memories of you and your baby.

Tip: If you ever feel stressed or uncertain, just take a deep breath. I’m here to help, and my goal is to make you feel completely at ease.

7. Know That It’s Okay If Things Don’t Go as Planned

We all know that babies have a way of doing their own thing, and it’s important to remember that not everything needs to go according to plan for a session to be a success. Some babies are wide awake and curious, while others might want to sleep through the entire session. It’s all part of their journey, and I’m here to adapt to their needs. My calm, go-with-the-flow approach ensures that everything runs smoothly, even if things take a little longer than expected.

I want your newborn session with me to be a relaxed, enjoyable experience that leaves you with stunning images of your newborn and family. By following these tips, you’ll feel prepared, and we’ll be able to take things slow, creating a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere for both you and your baby. I’m here to help make this moment special and stress-free, and I can’t wait to capture these memories for you to cherish for years to come.

For more details or to book your newborn session with me, visit www.nicoleansariphotography.com today!