Newborn Session Prep Checklist (Baby-Led, Stress-Free)

Editor’s note (Updated August 2025): This newborn session prep checklist is part of our Orange County newborn experience from our luxury Tustin studio—full service with styling, hair & makeup, and custom artwork. Start with our Orange County newborn photographer page for the baby-led studio flow.

Welcoming a new baby is joyful—and a little chaotic. This newborn session prep checklist was designed to make your day simple, calm, and beautifully photographed. From feeding and naps to what to pack and what to wear, we’ve thought through every detail so you can just exhale and enjoy. Our Orange County studio in Old Town Tustin is warm, peaceful, and fully stocked with everything you need. The entire process is baby-led: we pause for feeds, follow sleepy cues, and keep posing safe, supported, and comfortable.

Whether this is your first time in front of the camera or you’re coming back with baby number three, the steps below will help you feel prepared and excited for a relaxed, luxury experience.

Feeding & Sleep: Set Up a Calm Start

• Feed on arrival (and as needed). A full tummy helps your baby drift into those cozy, sleepy poses. If you’re bottle-feeding, bring extra bottles and a bit more milk than you think you’ll need.

• Don’t stress nap schedules. We work with baby’s natural rhythm, not against it. If baby snoozes on the drive—perfect. If not, we’ll swaddle and settle once you arrive.

• Bring a pacifier, even if you don’t usually use one. It’s a helpful tool for brief settles between poses and can make the session smoother for everyone.

• Gentle burping + gas relief. Pack gas drops if you use them. A quick burp between setups keeps baby comfortable.

Pro tip: If possible, loosen diapers about 20 minutes before your session to reduce marks on baby’s skin. We’ll smooth any tiny imprints as needed during editing.

What to Bring: A Minimal, Mighty List

You don’t need much—our studio is stocked. This shortlist covers your bases while keeping your bag light:

• For baby: diapers, wipes, extra swaddles if you have favorites, a pacifier, and any small heirlooms (hat, blanket, lovey) you’d like included.

• For feeding: bottles + extra milk or your nursing essentials (water, snacks, nursing cover if preferred).

• For siblings: simple snacks that won’t stain (pretzels, puffs), a favorite quiet toy, and a tablet/book for downtime.

• For artwork planning: quick cell phone photos of your walls (taken straight-on, landscape orientation) with a sheet of paper for scale. This helps us design wall galleries to exact size.

Optional keepsakes: Ultrasound printout, hospital bracelet, or a small item with family meaning. We’ll weave these in thoughtfully.

Parents’ Wardrobe & HMU: Polished and Effortless

Our sessions are styled to feel soft, timeless, and elevated—with choices that flatter on camera and keep the focus on your connection.

• Palette: creams, warm whites, soft beiges, pastels, and gentle earth tones. Avoid heavy black or neons.

• Textures: cotton, linen, ribbed knits, and chiffon photograph beautifully. Shinier fabrics reflect light and are less forgiving.

• Silhouettes: for mom, choose dresses or tops that skim rather than cling; for partners, button-downs or simple knits.

• Hair & Makeup: we offer professional HMU so you feel camera-ready with minimal effort. Keep nails neutral and jewelry delicate.

• Undergarments: bring skin-toned pieces and a strapless bra for versatility with studio wardrobe options.

**Studio wardrobe is included. We’re size-inclusive and can style the whole family to coordinate without matching.

Siblings: Happy, Quick, and Fun

We love including big brothers and sisters—grace and flexibility are the name of the game.

• Arrive with full tummies (no blue or red lollipops!) and plan comfy outfits that coordinate with the palette above.

• Expect movement. We’ll guide gentle “big helper” prompts and cuddly poses so interactions feel natural and sweet.

• Keep it short. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually perfect; then they’re free to play or head out with a caregiver.

• Bring a change of clothes. We have a park across the street that kids love. A change of clothes is always a good idea!

 

The Studio Flow: What Actually Happens

Our Orange County newborn session is intentionally unhurried (plan on ~2–3 hours with breaks). Here’s the rhythm:

1. Welcome & settle. We’ll warm the studio, finish HMU if booked, and confirm styling for everyone.

2. Baby-only portraits. Safe, supported poses with swaddled looks first. We watch tiny cues and pause for burps, changes, or snuggles.

3. Details. Tiny hands, lashes, back rolls, and profile close-ups.

4. Mom with baby. Natural, connected posing that flatters—cuddles, kisses, and quiet moments in soft light.

5. Dad with baby. Big hand holds and supported poses.

6. Family photos. The first family portraits with your newest member.

7. Wrap-up & next steps. We’ll schedule your ordering appointment to choose favorites, design wall galleries to-scale using your wall photos, and plan albums or framed pieces. We also offer white-glove delivery and installation so your artwork is placed perfectly at home.

 

Safety, Comfort & Cleanliness

Your baby’s safety is our highest priority. We never force poses and stick to a more natural, lifestyle approach. The studio is sanitized between sessions, and wraps/blankets are freshly laundered. If baby has flaky skin, baby acne, or a healing belly button—no problem. We retouch gently to keep skin natural while minimizing temporary marks.

Timing & Logistics (So the Day Feels Easy)

• When to schedule: Most families come in within the first 7–14 days, but baby-led posing works beautifully a bit later, too. If you’ve passed the “two-week mark,” don’t stress—reach out and we’ll guide you.

• Arrival time: Plan to arrive on time as we have ample free parking in the back of our building; once you’re here, we’re on baby time.

• What to expect afterward: Your ordering appointment typically happens within 1–2 weeks. From there, we handle retouching, printing, framing, delivery, and (if desired) installation.

 

Quick Checklist

• ☐ Feed on arrival; pack extra milk or nursing essentials

• ☐ Pacifier (even if “just for the session”)

• ☐ Diapers, wipes, swaddle or heirloom blanket

• ☐ Neutral outfits for parents; studio wardrobe available

• ☐ Snacks + quiet activity for siblings

• ☐ Cell photos of your walls (landscape, straight-on, include a sheet of paper for scale)

 

FAQs

How long is a newborn session?

Plan for 2–3 hours with plenty of time for feeds, changes, and cuddles. We keep the pace calm and unhurried so baby leads.

When should we schedule—do we have to come in within 2 weeks?

The first 7–14 days is common, but baby-led posing works beautifully later, too—especially for families who need more recovery time. If you’ve passed the “two-week mark,” reach out; we’ll guide you.

What if my baby is fussy or wide awake the whole time?

Totally fine. We swaddle, settle, and pause as needed. Awake, well-settled babies photograph beautifully too; we lean into natural, connected posing.

Can you include breastfeeding or bottle-feeding photos?

Absolutely—quiet, tasteful moments only if you want them. Just let us know your comfort level.

Do I need to bring outfits or wraps for baby?

Nope. The studio is fully stocked with soft, neutral wraps, layers, and simple pieces. Bring a sentimental item if you’d like it included.

What should parents wear?

Keep it soft, light, and timeless—creams, warm whites, pastels, gentle earth tones. We offer a size-inclusive studio wardrobe plus hair & makeup for mom so you can just show up.

How many outfits should I plan for?

For parents, one primary look (plus a simple backup) is perfect. For baby, we rotate wraps and minimal pieces in-studio.

Can siblings join? What’s the plan for them?

Yes! We highly recommend that dad arrive later in the session with older siblings (after mom is finished with hair and makeup). This way they’re not overly stimulated too early in the process. As for wardrobe, simple, comfy outfits in the same soft palette work best.

Can grandparents be in a few photos?

Yes! we’re happy to include one quick set with grandparents. Please give us a heads-up so we can plan the flow.

Do you photograph twins or NICU graduates?

Yes. For twins, we keep posing supported and simple with extra settling time. For preemies/NICU, we coordinate your go-ahead from pediatric guidance and move at baby’s pace.

I’m recovering from a C-section—will I be comfortable?

We prioritize your comfort with seated/standing options, frequent breaks, and flattering, gentle posing. Hair & makeup are available so you can feel cared-for without lifting a finger.

I’m self-conscious about postpartum skin/shape. Do you retouch?

We retouch gently—softening temporary marks (baby acne, flakes), under-eye shadows, and minor distractions—while keeping everyone natural and true to life.

What if baby has jaundice, baby acne, or a healing umbilical stump?

All common and completely fine. We pose safely and retouch lightly, so the focus stays on connection.

How warm is the studio?

We warm the room for baby’s comfort and keep parents comfortable with small breaks. If you tend to run cool, bring a light layer.

Do you use props?

We favor clean, baby-focused styling with soft wraps, textures, and minimal props. If you bring an heirloom or small item, we’ll incorporate it thoughtfully.

Can we include our dog?

Absolutely! But please by prior arrangement only. When including a pet, we’ll schedule that portion at the start or end for a quick, calm set.

Where are you located and is parking easy?

Our studio is in Old Town Tustin with convenient parking at the back of our building or on the street. We’ll send parking tips and arrival details in your confirmation email.

What happens after the session?

We schedule your ordering appointment (usually within 1–2 weeks) to select favorites, view to-scale wall designs using your wall photos, and plan albums or framed pieces.

When will our artwork be ready?

Typical timelines (after you approve designs):

• Framed pieces: ~6-8 weeks
• Albums: ~4–6 weeks
• Installation: with a qualifying investment and scheduled at your convenience once artwork arrives

Do you help with installation?

Yes—delivery and installation are available with a qualifying purchase so your artwork is hung perfectly and stress-free.

Do you offer digital files?

Yes. Most clients choose printed artwork for their home and add digital files. We’ll review options during your ordering appointment.

What’s the investment?

We’ll walk you through everything at the ordering appointment. Most newborn clients invest around $2,500 on custom artwork that’s designed for their home.

What if someone is sick?

Please let us know and we’ll reschedule—no worries. The studio is sanitized between sessions and soft goods are freshly laundered.

How far in advance should we book?

3-4 months in advance is ideal (weekends go first). If baby arrives early/late, we simply adjust—your date has built-in flexibility as we only take on a very limited number of sessions each month.

 

When you’re ready, we’ll take care of everything—from styling and HMU to custom artwork design and installation. Inquire here to reserve a date, or start with our Orange County newborn photographer page for full details and the baby-led studio flow. 

Ready to book? Let’s chat!