Tips for a Perfect Maternity & Newborn Session: What to Wear & How to Prepare

Pregnancy and those first few weeks with your newborn are some of the most fleeting, beautiful moments of your life. A maternity and newborn session is a perfect way to capture these milestones and create lasting memories. But if you’re wondering, What should I wear? How do I prepare? What will the session be like?—you’re not alone!

As a motherhood photographer specializing in timeless maternity and newborn photography, I want your experience to feel effortless and meaningful. These expert tips will help you prepare, feel confident, and enjoy the process while preserving this incredible season of life.

How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session

A maternity session is all about celebrating your growing belly, the anticipation of meeting your baby, and the love between you and your family. Here’s how to make it a seamless and enjoyable experience.

1. Book Your Session at the Right Time

The best time for a maternity session is between 28 and 34 weeks, when your belly is beautifully round, but you’re still comfortable enough to move and pose easily. If you’re expecting twins, plan your session a little earlier (around 26–30 weeks).

2. Choose a Timeless Wardrobe

Your outfit plays a huge role in the overall feel of your maternity photos. Here’s what works best:

Soft, flowing dresses – These highlight your bump and create a dreamy, elegant look.
Neutral and earthy tones – Soft whites, creams, beiges, and pastels photograph beautifully and ensure a timeless feel.
Delicate textures and fabrics – Lace, chiffon, and knits add depth and movement.
Form-fitting options – A fitted gown can beautifully showcase your bump if you want a more dramatic look.

💡 Bonus: When you book a maternity session with me, you get access to my client closet, filled with hand-selected gowns designed for maternity photography in sizes small through 2X!

3. Style Your Family to Complement You

If your partner and/or children will be included, choose outfits that coordinate without matching exactly. Soft, neutral tones and classic pieces work best. Avoid bold patterns, logos, or anything too trendy that might feel outdated in a few years.

4. Pamper Yourself Before the Session

Treat yourself to:

A fresh manicure (neutral nails look best!)
Professional hair and makeup (if you love that polished look)
A relaxing day before your session so you feel refreshed and confident

5. Trust the Process & Enjoy the Moment

I guide you through gentle, natural posing that captures real connection and emotion. Focus on your baby, your partner, and this exciting time—you’ll love how effortless it feels!

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session

Those early newborn days are a blur of snuggles, sleepy smiles, and sweet baby stretches. Your newborn session is designed to preserve all of that in a relaxed, cozy way. Here’s how to make the most of it.

1. Book Your Session Early

Newborn sessions take place within the first 7–21 days of life while your baby is still super sleepy and curly. Because spots fill up fast, it’s best to book while you’re still pregnant!

2. Keep Baby Comfortable & Cozy

To ensure a peaceful session, follow these tips:

Feed baby right before the session for a happy, sleepy little one.
Keep the room warm (if at home) to mimic the womb and keep baby comfortable.
Dress baby in something easy to remove (like a soft sleeper) to avoid waking them up when changing outfits.

3. What to Wear for a Newborn Session

For a seamless, timeless look, here’s what I recommend:

For Baby:
✔ Soft, neutral onesies or simple swaddles
✔ No loud patterns, logos, or bright colors
✔ Bare baby feet for the sweetest detail shots

For Parents & Siblings:
✔ Neutral, soft colors (cream, beige, taupe, soft pastels)
✔ Simple, comfortable outfits
✔ Flowy dresses or cozy knits for mom
✔ Soft linen shirts or neutral henleys for dad

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid black or bright white clothing, which can cast harsh tones on baby’s skin.

4. Keep It Relaxed & Stress-Free

Unlike posed studio setups with stiff props, my newborn photography is all about organic, natural moments—baby snuggling in your arms, their tiny fingers grasping yours, soft yawns, and sleepy stretches. You don’t need to worry about perfection—just soak in the moment!

5. Incorporate Meaningful Details

If you have heirloom blankets, a special swaddle, or baby’s first stuffed animal, we can include them in a natural, unobtrusive way. The goal is to make your images feel like you.

Why Maternity & Newborn Photos Matter

Your baby won’t always fit in your arms this way. Your belly won’t always be round with new life. These moments are incredibly brief—and once they pass, you can’t get them back.

That’s why investing in maternity and newborn photography is about more than just photos. It’s about preserving the emotions, the anticipation, and the love of this season so you can relive it forever.

Ready to Book Your Maternity & Newborn Session?

If you want a stress-free, beautifully styled maternity and newborn session that captures your motherhood journey in the most heartfelt way, I’d love to work with you! My sessions are designed to be easy, comfortable, and full of genuine emotion.

✨ Limited spots available—book now to reserve your due date!✨

📩 Contact me here to start planning your session!