Congratulations on your precious little one
Discover the complete Newborn Session Prep Guide from Urso Photography, a trusted Chattanooga newborn photographer serving Chattanooga, North Georgia, and surrounding communities. This detailed guide walks parents through exactly how to prepare for a successful newborn photography session, including what to wear, how to prepare baby, feeding and sleep tips, sibling preparation, and what to expect in the studio. Designed to help families feel confident and relaxed, this newborn prep guide ensures timeless, professional newborn portraits in a cozy studio environment.
Studio Address
1456 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia 30742
I am so looking forward to creating beautiful artwork of your sweet bundle of joy. Please follow these 10 helpful steps to insure that we have the best, smooth flowing session possible.
Top Ten Tips
1. Avoid Spicy Foods
If nursing, avoid eating spicy foods (ie. pizza, hot sauce, Mexican etc) or anything that will cause gas and might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset.
2. Remove All Bandages
Please remove any bandages from baby’s skin, including those from recent vaccinations, at least one hour before arriving at the studio. These cannot be edited out during retouching and will be visible in your final newborn portraits if left in place.
3. Keep Baby Awake
Try to keep baby awake and engaged for about an hour before arriving so they are nice and sleepy for the session. Gentle stimulation, like a bath beforehand, can be a helpful trick to encourage deeper sleep during newborn portraits.
4. Feed Baby Before Leaving Home
Please plan to feed baby immediately before leaving for the studio so they arrive with a full tummy. Arriving after a small feeding often means baby will need to eat again upon arrival, which can fully wake them and make it harder for them to settle into a deep, restful sleep. A full feeding right before you leave, combined with a stimulating morning, gives us the best chance for a sleepy, content baby during the session.
5. Bring Baby in Only a Diaper
Please bring baby dressed in only a diaper. If the weather is cold, pre-heat your vehicle and wrap baby in soft, warm blankets for the drive. Once the session begins, baby will be gently undressed, and removing clothing while they are sleepy can easily wake them. If traveling in just a diaper feels uncomfortable, choose an outfit that buttons or zips in the front. Avoid clothing that must be pulled over baby’s head.
6. Keep Baby in the Car Seat
When you arrive, please leave baby in the car seat while bringing them into the studio. Baby will be carefully and slowly removed to minimize disturbance and help maintain that sleepy, relaxed state.
7. Bring a Paci
Please bring a pacifier, as it can be very helpful during posing. Even for breastfed babies, a pacifier is often useful for brief soothing throughout the session and typically does not cause issues when used minimally. If one is forgotten, a clean spare will be available at the studio.
8. Be Open to Feeding on Demand
Please be open to feeding on demand during your newborn session. Extra feedings are very common and help keep baby content and sleepy. If bottle feeding, bring a few extra bottles. If breastfeeding, plan for additional feedings. Bringing a bottle or two of expressed milk can also be helpful to have on hand.
9. Come Ready for Photos and Dress in Layers
Please arrive photo-ready and dressed in layers. Family and sibling portraits are typically done at the beginning of the session. The studio is kept warm for baby’s comfort, so layering allows you to adjust if you begin to feel too warm during photos.
10. Siblings
If younger siblings are joining, family and sibling portraits are typically done first so toddlers can finish their portion while they are happiest and most cooperative. Once their photos are complete, the focus shifts to baby’s individual newborn images in a calm, quiet environment.
Depending on their age, planning ahead can be very helpful. If possible, some families choose to arrive separately so one parent can take older siblings home after their portion is finished. If that is not an option, that is completely fine. There are nearby dining options where one parent can take siblings for a quick meal or break while baby’s photos are completed.
Bringing snacks, drinks, and a quiet activity is always encouraged to help keep older siblings comfortable and happy during the session.
Family and Sibling Portraits
Family and sibling portraits are a wonderful way to capture your newest addition with everyone you love. I recommend taking these photos at the end of your newborn session so everyone is relaxed and comfortable. This will be your first family portrait with your newest little one—a memory you’ll treasure forever!
Dad
For Dad, I suggest a simple, solid-colored shirt. Neutral or earth tones work beautifully and keep the focus on your baby and family connection. Comfortable and classic clothing ensures timeless images.
Mom
For Mom, a soft-colored dress or top is ideal. Choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident—if you feel pretty in it, it will photograph beautifully. Neutral and earth tones are preferred, but the most important thing is that you feel like yourself.
A Special Note to Mama
I know you may not feel completely yourself right after giving birth, but I strongly encourage including a few portraits of you with your newborn. These early moments pass so quickly, and having them captured is truly special. I’ll work with flattering angles and gentle posing, so you can feel confident. Even if you decide you don’t love every image, your baby will still have this precious moment documented forever.
Siblings
For siblings, simple, soft colors work best. Bring snacks, drinks, and small activities to keep older children occupied during the baby’s portion of the session, which can last over an hour. We often start with family photos so the older siblings can participate happily and then enjoy their own little break while we focus on baby.
