Lifestyle newborn sessions are low-stress!

The baby is here! You’re full of excitement and hormones and so much love you can barely wrap your head around it. I know the first few weeks after having a baby are full of visitors as well as trying to get your feet under you with the new routine as well as healing. It’s definitely a chaotic time. This is why I love lifestyle newborn sessions so much. These types of photoshoots are set in your home, your comfort zone, your favorite place. They take very little planning and are so relaxing and have minimal stress. They do take a teeny bit of prep work though, so here is what you may need to do!

What rooms will be used:

Lifestyle newborn sessions generally take place in only a few rooms. While you don’t need to deep clean everything, nor spend a ton of time sweeping or getting dirt up (though I know it made me feel better directly postpartum to have it all done), having clutter gone is important. These photos will be around hopefully forever, so you don’t want to have little peaks of random things in them. Of course, on the day if there is still a little bit around that I can’t photoshop out, I have no problem moving them out of the way for you. I’ve had families make little piles of toys or other things just out the room that are moved back later. Don’t stress about it, we can figure it out!

Usually the nursery is the first place we’ll use. You’ve undoubtedly spent hours and hours shopping for all the adorable items to fill the room, as well as time putting everything together just right. I’ll spend some time getting photos around the room with just the baby as well as any other family members. Including any furry family you may have. I know you will probably not be using the crib yet, but make sure there are some sheets on the mattress and the room looks generally set up.  

Sometimes we will use the master bed for a few family cuddle photos. For this room, the most important place to keep clear is any side tables. Depending on how the room is set up, sometimes either side of the bed should be clear as well. The bed should be made as well. Other than that, you can just move the laundry (we’ve all got it!) over to the other side of the room.

Prep for the family

For the baby, make sure that their belly is full, they have a clean diaper on (though you will very likely have to change them again a few times) and you’ve got a cute outfit you like. For girls, usually a few headbands are ideal. Also get a cute swaddle blanket you want to remember. I’ll wrap the baby up for a few photos, especially details of little hands and toes. 

For you mom, you will likely be a huge part of the session. I know it’ll be exhausting to get ready, but you’ll want to look collected. You don’t have to have a full face of makeup on, but get as ready as you are comfortable with. I’ve had mom’s that put on a lot of makeup and the hormones and all made her want to tear her face off, so she removed it all. Don’t make yourself miserable curling your hair and spending hours on your makeup. A better idea would be a very long and relaxing shower with candles and whatever you can do to relax. I usually recommend wearing a loose and comfortable dress. Nobody freshly postpartum wants to struggle into jeans. 

For dad, he’s pretty easy. I usually suggest a button down shirt. Casual dress (nobody wears a tux at home), but still dressed up a little. He’ll be our helper a lot of the time, but I’ll also get some specific photos of him and the baby all snuggly. One of my favorite photos is a newborn hand holding Daddy’s finger. It melts my heart.