What to Bring (and What You Can Leave at Home)
If you’re preparing for a newborn photo session, you might be wondering: What do we need to bring? Here you will find the complete newborn session checklist.
Between feedings, sleep schedules, and simply getting out the door with a newborn, it’s easy to overthink this part. The good news is that you don’t need nearly as much as you think.
This simple newborn session checklist will help you feel prepared without adding more to your mental load. If you’re preparing for a newborn photo session and want a calm, full-service experience, you can learn more about my Cleveland newborn photography experience here.
While this checklist focuses on what to bring for your newborn session, you may also find this bringing baby home guide from HealthyChildren.org helpful for newborn care and routines.
The Most Important Thing to Bring: Your Baby
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying first: your baby doesn’t need to “perform.”
Newborn sessions are designed around your baby’s natural rhythms. Crying, feeding, snuggling, and soothing are all part of the process and completely expected.
Everything else is secondary.
What to Bring to Your Newborn Session
1. Extra Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re nursing, bottle-feeding, or doing a combination of both, plan to bring:
- Extra bottles or pumped milk (if applicable)
- Burp cloths
- Pacifiers (even if your baby rarely uses one)
Feeding breaks are normal and encouraged during newborn sessions.
2. Diapers and Wipes
Bring more than you think you’ll need. Newborn sessions involve outfit changes, cuddling, and warmth, which can lead to extra diaper changes.
3. A Simple Outfit for Parents
For lifestyle newborn photos, parents are often included, and comfort matters.
Great options include:
- Soft, neutral tops
- Comfortable pants or jeans
- Layers that feel good postpartum
Avoid anything tight, itchy, or fussy. You should feel like yourself.
4. Sentimental Items (Optional)
If you have something meaningful you’d like included, feel free to bring it:
- A special blanket
- A hat or heirloom item
- Something handmade by a family member
If you’re unsure whether to bring it, bring it anyway. You don’t have to use everything.
What You Don’t Need to Bring
Props and Outfits
If you’re booking a full-service newborn photographer, props, wraps, and baby outfits are typically provided.
Simple, timeless styling photographs best and keeps the focus on your baby.
A Strict Schedule
Newborn sessions are baby-led. There’s no need to worry about naps, wake windows, or timing things perfectly.
Flexibility is built into the session.
Pressure for Perfection
Babies cry. Parents need breaks. Siblings may need snacks or attention.
All of this is normal and accounted for.
How to Prepare the Morning of Your Session
A few simple things can make the day smoother:
- Dress baby in a loose sleeper before arriving
- Feed your baby shortly before the session, if possible
- Bring snacks and water for yourself
- Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushed
Final Thoughts: Less Is More
Newborn sessions aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection, comfort, and preserving this fleeting season.
If you’re ever unsure about what to bring, the best rule of thumb is this:
If it helps you feel calm, bring it. If it adds stress, leave it at home.
Your photographer will guide you through the rest.
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