What You Need for a Baby Photoshoot

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most precious moments, and capturing those early days through a professional newborn photoshoot is something many parents treasure for years to come. At The Studio, based in Middlesbrough, we specialise in creating stunning, soft, and timeless images that highlight the innocence and beauty of new life.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need for a smooth and successful newborn baby photo session, from choosing the right time and outfits to understanding how to help your baby settle on the day. 

• When to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot

• How to Prepare at Home Before the Session

• What Should Baby Wear to the Photoshoot?

• Props, Blankets and Keepsakes: What to Bring

• Feeding, Soothing and Settling Your Baby

• Key Takeaways for Newborn Photography

When to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot

The ideal time for a newborn baby photo session is between 5 and 14 days after birth. During this brief window, babies tend to be sleepier, naturally curled, and more easily posed in those soft, classic positions that define newborn photography.

Many parents choose to book their session during the second trimester of pregnancy. This gives us plenty of time to pencil in a tentative date and adjust it if needed once your little one arrives.

What If Your Baby Is Older?

While the first two weeks offer the best chance at achieving curled-up sleepy shots, older babies can still be beautifully photographed. At 4–6 weeks, your baby may be more alert, giving us a chance to capture meaningful eye contact and expressive details.

How to Prepare at Home Before the Session

On the day of the photoshoot, we want the session to run as smoothly as possible to ensure we capture the most timeless pictures of your baby in their newborn phase. There are ways you can prepare at home to get you and your baby ready for the photoshoot:

Rest and Relaxation the Night Before

A calm and rested baby makes for a smoother photoshoot. Try to rest the night before — and yes, that can be easier said than done! Even a short nap can help you feel more relaxed and ready.

Encourage Some Awake Time

On the morning of the shoot, try to keep your baby awake for a little while before heading to the studio. A bath, a bit of play, or gentle stimulation helps your baby feel naturally ready for a good sleep when the shoot begins.

Feed Just Before You Arrive

A full tummy helps your baby feel content and sleepy. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, aim to do this just before arriving at the studio or when you first settle in. We always allow time for feeds before and during the session, so there's no pressure.

What Should Baby Wear to the Photoshoot?

One of the most frequent questions we hear is: what should a baby wear to photoshoot sessions? The best answer is: as little as possible! Most newborn photoshoots focus on the baby’s natural beauty, so outfits are minimal. 

We often use soft wraps or photograph your baby in just a nappy with a blanket. You're also welcome to bring an outfit that’s meaningful to you — just let us know so we can incorporate it gently into the session.

Soft, neutral colours such as cream, beige, light grey and pastel shades tend to photograph best. These tones complement every skin type and keep the focus where it belongs — on your baby’s face, hands and tiny toes.

We recommend dressing your baby in loose-fitting clothes before the session to avoid any marks or indentations on their skin. Sleepsuits with zip or popper fastenings are perfect because they’re easy to remove without waking or disturbing your little one.

Props, Blankets and Keepsakes: What to Bring

Some parents like to bring sentimental props such as:

• A special toy

• A family heirloom

• A handmade blanket. 

These touches can create wonderfully personalised images and often become focal points in your final gallery.

Our studio is fully equipped with safe and hygienic wraps, cushions, baskets, soft blankets and wooden props. Every item is carefully selected for both safety and aesthetic, ensuring your baby is always supported, comfortable and relaxed.

If you have a specific idea or item in mind — perhaps a name plaque or matching sibling outfit — just let us know before the session. We’re always happy to help bring your vision to life in a natural, artistic way.

Feeding, Soothing and Settling Your Baby

Every baby is different. Some settle easily, while others need more time to feed or be soothed. Our sessions are completely baby-led, which means we follow your baby’s natural rhythms, pausing whenever necessary.

Most baby photoshoots last 60 to 90 minutes. This gives us plenty of time for feeding breaks, nappy changes, and cuddles — and it also means that parents don’t feel rushed or stressed. Some of the best images happen during these little pauses.

Essential Items to Bring

Please bring along your baby’s usual bottles, dummies, and comforters. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll have complete privacy and a peaceful space to feed as needed. We also have soft background noise and warm lighting to create a calming environment.

Key Takeaways for Newborn Photography

• The ideal time for a newborn photoshoot is within the first two weeks of life for the best results.

• Keep your baby awake for a short while before the session to encourage sleepiness when it matters.

• Dress your baby in soft, loose-fitting clothes in neutral colours and avoid anything that leaves skin marks.

• Bring sentimental items if you’d like, though The Studio is fully equipped with props and outfits.

• Sessions are relaxed, baby-led, and designed to move at your little one’s natural pace.

Newborn Photoshoot FAQs

When is the best age for a newborn photoshoot?

The best age is between 5 and 14 days old. During this time, babies are usually sleepier and more amenable to posing gently. That said, we’ve had great success with babies who are a little older — especially when we aim for more natural, candid images rather than posed ones.

What should I bring to a newborn baby photo session?

Besides your baby, we recommend bringing bottles (if bottle-feeding), a dummy or comfort item, a change of clothes, spare nappies, and anything meaningful you'd like to include in the shoot, such as a special blanket or toy. Don’t worry about outfits — we have plenty!

How should I dress my baby for the photoshoot?

Dress your baby in something loose and easy to remove — a soft sleepsuit or vest is perfect. Avoid anything that might leave marks or indentations on their skin. Keep colours neutral and soft for the best photo results.

Capture Sweet Newborn Photos with The Studio North East

A newborn photoshoot is one of the most treasured ways to capture those first fleeting weeks of your baby’s life. With gentle planning and a relaxed approach, your session at The Studio in Middlesbrough can become a beautiful memory in itself. Our warm, welcoming environment is designed to help your family feel calm, supported, and proud of the images we create together.

If you're ready to book your baby photoshoot, have questions, or want to discuss outfit ideas and personal touches, visit our Newborn Photography page or Contact Us today. We’d love to be part of this special chapter in your story.