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How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session

Writer: Jaclyn Kushner PhotographyJaclyn Kushner Photography

Preparing Your Home

&

Family for Your Newborn Session



Welcoming a new baby is an incredible,

whirlwind experience

equal parts exhaustion,

emotion, and joy. 


I know this season can feel chaotic,

so I want to make your

newborn session as relaxed

and stress-free as possible.


Here are my top tips to

prepare your home and family 

so we can capture this special time

in a way that feels natural, timeless,

and authentically you.




Let in the Light


Natural light is every photographer’s best friend

—and the more, the better!



To create a bright, airy feel for your photos:


✔️ Open all blinds and curtains.


✔️ Pay attention to when different rooms get the best light

(typically late morning to early afternoon).


✔️ Don’t stress about where to take photos

—I’ll help find the best-lit spots once I arrive.



Favorite locations often include:


🍼 The nursery


🛏️ The primary bedroom


🛋️ The living room




Getting Your Space Ready


I know firsthand that

life with a newborn is messy

—so don’t worry about having a perfectly clean house!


But a little prep can go a long way

in creating a polished, distraction-free look:


✔️ Turn up the heat before your session

—warmer temperatures help keep baby cozy and sleepy.


✔️ Clear any excess clutter in the main photo areas

(think: nightstands, coffee tables, changing tables).


✔️ No need for a deep clean — just tuck away

anything that might be visually distracting

in the background.




What to Wear for Your Newborn Session


Your wardrobe should feel

comfortable, timeless, and effortless.



Parents & Siblings:


Stick to soft neutrals, pastels, and muted tones 

that complement your home’s color scheme.

Avoid busy patterns and dark colors

that might take attention away from baby.



Baby:


Less is more!

Simple, classic pieces

—like a solid onesie or a soft swaddle

—keep the focus on your little one.



Pro Tip:


Have a backup outfit (or two!)

ready for everyone

—because babies (and life)

can be unpredictable.




Dress for Confidence & Comfort


Newborn sessions are meant to be intimate and cozy,

so I recommend choosing outfits

that feel good and

allow you to move freely 

while snuggling up with your baby.


Most of my clients go barefoot

and wear dressy-casual, relaxed clothing

—think flowy dresses, soft knits, or neutral loungewear. 


Once you pick your outfit,

you can coordinate the rest of

the family’s looks around it.




Feed Baby Right Before Your Session


A full belly = a happy, sleepy baby,

which makes the session

run more smoothly for everyone.


✔️ Plan to feed baby right before I arrive.


✔️ Be prepared for snack-sized feedings 

throughout the session, as needed.


✔️ I’ll capture baby awake, asleep,

and everything in between

—whatever feels most natural in the moment.




Preparing Older Siblings


Including older siblings

is such a special part of newborn sessions!

To help things go smoothly:


✔️ Avoid scheduling the session

during nap or snack time.


✔️ Talk to them ahead of time

about what to expect

and how special this is.


✔️ Let them be themselves

—I’ll guide them through fun,

natural interactions with their

new baby sibling.




Let’s Capture This Beautiful Chapter!


Your newborn session should feel

calm, intimate, and joyful

—a true reflection of your growing family’s love.

I can’t wait to document these sweet moments for you!



📸 Ready to book your newborn session? 

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