Preparing for your newborn session shouldn’t feel stressful — it should feel calm, simple, and supported. Whether you choose a studio session or an in-home lifestyle session, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you feel confident and relaxed on the day of your photoshoot.

As a Wisconsin newborn photographer specializing in soft, neutral, baby-led imagery, I’ve crafted a workflow that keeps babies happy, parents comfortable, and sessions peaceful.

This guide covers:
• what to bring
• how to prep baby
• what parents should wear
• studio vs. in-home setup
• feeding tips
• how long sessions take
• and how I keep everything baby-led and safe

Let’s make your newborn session a beautiful experience from start to finish.

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⭐️ Section 1: Before the Session — What You Can Do

1. Keep Baby Awake Before the Session

A little awake time (30–60 minutes) helps baby sleep more peacefully during the session.

2. Give Baby a Full Feeding Right Before Arrival

A full belly = a sleepy, content baby.
If baby arrives hungry, we’ll simply pause for a full feed.

3. Loosen Their Diaper

20–30 minutes before the session helps avoid diaper lines on skin.

4. Dress Baby in a Zip Sleeper

Make undressing easy without waking baby.

5. Bring Only the Essentials

• extra milk
• pacifier (even if baby doesn’t typically use one)
• burp cloth
• diaper + wipes

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⭐️ Section 2: What Parents Should Wear

Choose soft neutrals:
✔ cream
✔ beige
✔ ivory
✔ champagne
✔ oatmeal
✔ light brown

These tones complement newborn skin and keep your images warm and timeless.

Avoid:
✘ bright colors
✘ logos
✘ busy patterns
✘ harsh blacks

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⭐️ Section 3: Studio Newborn Sessions (Rio, WI)

What to Expect

My studio is warm, quiet, and designed for newborn comfort.
You’ll find:

✔ soft wraps
✔ textured blankets
✔ white noise
✔ warm temperatures
✔ cozy seating for parents
✔ neutral, minimal setups

Studio Benefits

• perfect lighting
• clean and simple backdrops
• controlled temperature
• curated newborn styling
• calming environment

Studio sessions are ideal if you want soft, minimal, timeless newborn portraits.

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⭐️ Section 4: In-Home Newborn Sessions

What to Expect

I travel to your home for cozy lifestyle images that capture your family naturally in your environment.

In-Home Tips:

• open blinds for natural light
• tidy just the rooms we’ll use
• turn off overhead lights
• keep baby warm
• keep outfits neutral

In-Home Benefits

• relaxed, personal environment
• perfect for parents who want candid and documentary-style images
• easier for families with siblings

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⭐️ Section 5: During the Session — Baby-Led Always

Newborn sessions are never rushed.
If baby needs:
• feeding
• changing
• soothing
• breaks

We pause.
We comfort.
We follow their lead.

This is why sessions take 1.5–2.5 hours — babies set the pace, not us.

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⭐️ Section 6: Safety First

Your baby’s safety is always my top priority.

You’ll never see your baby placed in unsafe positions.
Everything is done with gentleness and intention.

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⭐️ Section 7: What Happens After the Session

You’ll receive:
✔ a proofing gallery
✔ the option to select your images
✔ an option to upgrade to the full gallery
✔ access to prints + heirlooms

Most parents choose the full gallery — newborn photos are too precious to choose between.

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Your baby’s first days are fleeting — but I’d love to help you preserve them beautifully.
➡️ Book a Newborn Session
➡️ Join the Baby Plan