What Should My Baby Wear For Newborn Photos?

One of the most common questions I receive from parents before their newborn session is:

"What should my baby wear?"

With so many adorable newborn outfits available online, it's easy to assume you'll need to spend time shopping before your session. The good news is that for my newborn sessions, you don't need to buy a thing.

Everything your baby needs for their portraits is provided.

Over the years, I've carefully curated a collection of newborn wraps, knits, bonnets, blankets and handmade outfits sourced from talented makers around the world. Each piece has been selected specifically for newborn photography, allowing me to create a timeless and cohesive gallery while taking one more thing off your plate during those busy first weeks of parenthood.

Why Simplicity Works Best In Newborn Photography

When parents first begin planning a newborn session, they're often surprised by how simple the styling is.

That's because newborn photography is not really about the outfit.

It's about your baby.

Their tiny fingers.

Their delicate eyelashes.

The way they curl naturally into your arms.

The details that seem impossible to forget, yet somehow change so quickly.

Simple styling ensures those details remain the focus of every image.

While trends come and go, photographs centred on connection, emotion and beautiful simplicity tend to stand the test of time.

What Colours Photograph Best?

Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and help create a calm, timeless feel.

Creams, whites, oatmeal tones, soft greys and earthy colours all work particularly well in newborn photography.

These colours complement a baby's natural skin tones and create a gallery that feels cohesive from beginning to end.

Bright colours, large logos and busy patterns can draw attention away from the most important part of the photograph - your baby.

This is one of the reasons I carefully select every piece in my newborn collection. The colours and textures work together beautifully while allowing your baby to remain the centre of attention.

Do Newborn Photos Need Multiple Outfits?

Not at all.

In fact, many newborn galleries are created using just a small selection of wraps, knits and styling pieces.

The variety in a gallery comes less from changing outfits and more from different poses, angles, family combinations and meaningful moments.

Keeping things simple also helps maintain a relaxed flow throughout the session, allowing more time to focus on your baby rather than constant outfit changes.

What Should Partners & siblings Wear?

While everything is provided for your baby, parents will need to choose their own clothing.

The same principles apply. Simple is best.

Soft neutral tones, natural fabrics and minimal patterns tend to photograph beautifully and help create a timeless look.

Colours such as cream, beige, white, soft browns and muted earthy tones work particularly well.

The goal is not for everyone to match exactly, but rather to complement one another.

For siblings, comfort is just as important as appearance.

Simple dresses, knitwear, linen and soft neutral tones all photograph beautifully.

Rather than choosing outfits that compete for attention, I encourage families to choose clothing that feels natural and allows the focus to remain on the connection between siblings and their new baby.

Some of the most meaningful images from a newborn session come from these early sibling interactions.

What About Mothers?

I know finding something to wear after having a baby isn't always easy.

That's why mothers have access to my small client wardrobe, featuring carefully selected pieces that photograph beautifully and work well with the overall styling of a newborn session.

Many mothers find this takes a huge amount of stress out of preparing for their session.

What If I Need Help Choosing Outfits?

You're not expected to figure it all out on your own.

As part of the newborn experience, I provide styling guidance for the entire family.

Mothers also have access to a small client wardrobe, helping take some of the stress out of preparing for the session.

Many families send through photos of potential outfits before their session, and I'm always happy to help coordinate colours and pieces to ensure everything works beautifully together.