Are you looking into booking a newborn photo session in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area? If you are about to book a newborn session or already have, one of your top questions as you prepare is likely “What am I going to wear for the newborn photo session?” or “What should my baby wear?”. Most of my newborn sessions are done within the comforts of your home (because temperature regulation, easy diaper changes, toddlers/siblings are more comfortable, etc). If you are an outdoorsy person or love the look of outdoor photos, that’s totally on the table as well.

So let’s talk about some tips and tricks on what to wear for your newborn session to hopefully make you feel as beautiful as you are. I would recommend starting with planning what you/mama should wear first.

DO’S + DON’T OF WHAT TO WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS

DO: COMFY! During this session, you likely just had your baby less than a month ago. That means postpartum bod is still in full swing. I know I personally still looked like I was pregnant for awhile after delivery, so I wanted something that was flattering and comfortable. A maxi dress is a great option to check those boxes. If you want to wear pants, a flowy shirt or sweater can be super cute too.

DO: MIX TEXTURES + MATERIALS.

Examples of materials and textures that are beautiful to photograph include: linen, knits/crochet, lace, leathers, corduroy, jean/denim. I am obsessed with knits for baby! These textures really make a difference especially for closer/detail shots as they make things more interesting to look at! i.e. this checker swaddle added a fun combo to the knit outfit (and is an option to add variety/different looks without a complete outfit change for babe). I am personally a huge neutrals fan, so I love neutrals as they are so timeless.

DO: DRESS LIKE YOURSELF! If you love everything colorful, then do that for your session. You should look back at these photos and feel like they are authentically you. A great place for use to feel out what feels like you is through a shared Pinterest board.

DON’T: MATCHY- MATCH. Instead complement! If your partner or other children are part of your maternity photo session, avoid all matching! Ok, sometimes there is an exception if you have some super cute jeans for some mommy and me matching, but in general it is not the 90s (white tees and jeans for everyone!). I have photographed people with the same exact pattern for example, and it just looks like one blob (don’t do it!). Matching also applies to the shapes/overall outfits. For example, if there are 3 people all in shirts and jeans. Swap that out for a romper, overalls, a skirt or a dress. If everyone wants to wear pants, no problem! Just vary the shape or material.

DON’T: LARGE DESIGNS/PATTERNS. This may be a personal opinion, but also based on what photographs well. If you love florals, go for the more subtle ditsy floral style vs large flowers etc.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR BABE:

To swaddle or not to swaddle-this is up to you and baby of course. During the session, swaddling can provide comfort and calm to baby (so we might do it out of need). We can plan to swaddle baby if you know ahead of time this will be a good idea. A knot gown can be super cute (and easier for a diaper change if need be).

Naked/skin to skin: some parents really love the look of a *tasteful* nude (ok we are not here to do a full frontal or anything!). Skin to skin can be super special and intimate (for either Fresh 48 or Newborn photos). Diapers are always welcome or a little bloomer if you want a middle ground. I ask clients on my questionnaire so we are all on the same page.

Some people love these tips on what to wear for newborn photos. They read them and run. If you are a mama that read this and still feels lost, no worries! That’s where I come in. I can create a personalized moodboard based on your style, vision etc. Or I can make suggestions or even create a shopping list for you. Some of my favorite stores to look for baby clothes are local Iowa City/Cedar Rapids shops such as 223 Baby Co (Iowa City) and Purple Wagon Girls (Marion). For online shopping I love Quincy Mae, Mebie Baby, Jamie Kay. For more budget friendly, Amazon has some great options as well as Old Navy or H & M.

Do you have your own Pinterest board going? This is a great way to exchange or collaborate on vision/inspiration with your photographer (here’s mine by the way)

Are you an expecting mama in the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area? I would love to hear from you! Connect with me here