What to Wear and How to Prepare for Your Newborn Lifestyle Session
Mother and father cradling newborn at home session by Erin E Gallagher Photography in Staunton, VA
Welcoming a new baby into your family is such a beautiful, emotional whirlwind. These early days—where time somehow feels both impossibly slow and fleeting—are filled with moments that deserve to be remembered: the tiny yawns, the sweet stretch of their fingers, the way they fit perfectly into your arms.
When I come into your home for a newborn lifestyle session, my goal isn’t to create perfection. My goal is to capture your story—your connection, your love, your family—just as it is, in this beautifully real moment. So let’s talk about two of the most common questions I get:
“What should we wear?”
“How should we prepare?”
The answers are simple: be comfortable, be yourselves, and let your story unfold.
What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
Mother cradling newborn at home session by Erin E Gallagher Photography in Richmond, VA
For Baby:
Your baby is already perfect. No fancy outfits required. A simple white or neutral onesie is ideal, and at some point, we’ll likely capture a few photos of them in just their diaper. This keeps the focus right where it should be: on their tiny features, soft skin, and perfect newness.
If you have a favorite blanket, swaddle, or heirloom piece, absolutely bring it out! Otherwise, keep it minimal. Babies are the stars of the show just as they are.
Father cradling newborn at home session by Erin E Gallagher Photography in Central VA
For Mom:
You just had a baby, which officially makes you superwoman in my book. You get to decide exactly how you want to look and feel for your session.
Do you want to get your hair and makeup done? Go for it.
Do you feel best in a comfy dress or soft leggings and a tee? Perfect.
Rocking your favorite pair of maternity jeans? Love that for you.
Whatever helps you feel comfortable and beautiful is the right choice. Nobody is expecting perfection here, least of all me. My hope is that when you look back at these photos, you see a woman who was radiant in her love, strength, and grace.
If you’re unsure about colors, neutrals and soft tones (cream, taupe, blush, sage, dusty blue) tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family connection.
Mother holding newborn at home session by Erin E Gallagher Photography in Central VA
For Partners and Grown-Ups:
Comfort is key here too. Jeans, khakis, soft t-shirts, flowy blouses (whatever feels like you). Try to avoid everyone wearing the exact same color (the “all white shirts and jeans” look can feel dated), but do aim for coordination. Think complementary tones rather than identical ones.
Skip neon colors or busy prints—they can be distracting in photos. The focus should always be on you, not your outfit.
And makeup? Entirely up to you. If a little eyeliner makes you feel great, go for it. If you’d rather skip it, that’s perfect too.
Father rocking newborn at home session by Erin E Gallagher Photography in Central VA
For Kids:
If you’ve discovered the secret to keeping kids spotless, please share it. I have yet to meet anyone who’s cracked that code! Clean is good, perfect is unnecessary. A dress, a soft sweater, play clothes that look nice enough, whatever they feel happy in. Their comfort (and cooperation!) will always photograph better than a perfectly pressed outfit.
Remember: years from now, you’ll remember the way they fit in your arms and the sound of their laughter—not whether there was a tiny grass stain on their knee.
toddler and newborn baby play on the ground during a in-home newborn session in Central Virginia.
For Pets:
Pets are always welcome! If your dog or cat is part of the family, let’s include them. Just keep in mind: if having your furry friend in photos will cause stress because you’re worried about how they’ll behave, it’s perfectly okay to skip or limit their time in front of the camera.
The theme of the day is simple: no stress allowed.
family dog during newborn pictures on the front porch in Central VA
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session
Let’s take the pressure off—there’s really not much you need to do.
Your baby doesn’t have to be fed right before I arrive, dressed in anything special, or even in the “perfect” mood. I’ll capture them just as they are. We’ll take breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or soothing as needed—it’s all part of the flow.
A few quick tips that can help the session feel relaxed and smooth:
Tidy up the spaces we’ll photograph in (nursery, bedroom, or living room), but don’t stress over perfection. I’m not here to photograph your laundry pile!
Open the blinds and curtains—natural light is my best friend.
Have a few small items ready that feel meaningful to you: a favorite swaddle, a handmade quilt, a storybook, or something personal.
Take a deep breath. The goal isn’t to perform—it’s to simply be.
These photos are a time capsule (a glimpse of what life looked and felt like during those first magical weeks at home). You’ll look back years from now and see the love, exhaustion, and joy of this chapter… and that’s exactly how it should be remembered.
Mother rocking and kissing newborn at home session for newborn pictures by Erin E Gallagher Photography in Central VA
Final Thoughts
Your newborn session is not about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about the way your baby’s hand wraps around your finger, the way your partner looks at you with quiet awe, and the peaceful rhythm of a family settling into a new kind of love.
So wear what makes you comfortable, prepare as little or as much as you want, and let me take care of the rest. I promise—your story will shine through beautifully.