Newborn Session Checklist; Everything You Actually Need at the Studio

Nov 5

You’ve booked your newborn session — congratulations, mama! ✨ This is such a special milestone, and I know how much love, anticipation, and exhaustion fills these early days. My goal is to make your time in the studio calm, effortless, and memorable, so you can simply soak it all in while I capture every tiny detail of your little one’s story.

If you’re wondering what to pack for your newborn session, this guide will walk you through everything you actually need, no overpacking, no stress, just simple essentials that make your experience seamless and comfortable.

For Mama

You just did one of the hardest and most beautiful things in the world….now it’s time to focus on comfort and connection.

Here’s what I recommend bringing:

Nude bra + underwear (perfect for soft fabrics and wardrobe changes)
Spanx or shapewear (optional) for extra support
Makeup for touch-ups
A sentimental item — heirloom blanket, tiny booties, or a letter for baby
An extra hand — whether it’s dad, grandma, or your best friend, having someone to help carry or comfort baby makes the experience smoother

And remember, you don’t need to stress about what to wear. The studio wardrobe is stocked with neutral, flattering dresses and cozy pieces that photograph beautifully and allow you to move and relax.

For Baby

Your little one doesn’t need much……..just the basics and a few comfort items.

Pack:

Pacifier (even if baby doesn’t always take one)
Extra bottles + formula or milk (if not exclusively nursing)
A white long-sleeve onesie
A couple of diapers + wipes
A burp cloth or two

That’s it! Everything else….. wraps, swaddles, headbands, etc… are ready and waiting for you in the studio. You can show up with your baby and a diaper bag, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Before You Arrive

Here are a few little tips to make your session day easy and enjoyable:

Feed baby right before leaving home (if you’re close by).
If your drive is longer than 30 minutes, plan to arrive early for an in-studio feeding.
Pack your bag the night before. Trust me — this will help your morning run so much smoother.
Arrive early. Those early newborn days are unpredictable, and that’s okay! We’ll take our time and keep things relaxed

During the Session

Once you’re here, it’s your time to exhale.

I’ll guide every pose, adjust your hands, remind you to lift your chin, and tell you how beautiful you are every step of the way. There’s no need to worry about angles or experience — I’ve got you covered.

Your session will include family portraits, sibling shots (if applicable), and individual photos of baby in a variety of soft, timeless setups.

If siblings are joining, we’ll start with them first so they can play or head out after their part is done. And don’t worry…I’m fully stocked with patience.

For Families & Siblings

If this isn’t your first baby, this experience will feel even more precious — but it can also be a little more chaotic (and that’s okay!).

We’ll start with family and sibling photos while everyone’s energy is high, then we’ll let the little ones take a break while we focus on baby. I’ll guide everything, and we’ll keep expectations low and joy high.

Bonus tip: bring a snack, small bribe, or plan for dad or grandma to take siblings for a treat afterward — ice cream, playground time, or a short outing nearby.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your newborn session isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

It’s about remembering how tiny their fingers once were, how they fit perfectly on your chest, and how full your heart feels in this season.

Come as you are. I’ll take care of the rest — from the styling and posing to the quiet reminders that this fleeting season is worth slowing down for.

Your only job is to love your baby. Everything else? I’ve got covered.

At Studio Brae, I would be honored to help you hold onto this chapter, not just with words, but with photographs that preserve the beauty, the chaos, and the sacred in-between. Because one day, when the house is quiet and your babies are grown, these images will bring you right back to the love that changed everything.

Let’s create something beautiful together. ✨
Contact me here to book your session