A simple, stress-free guide for the weeks leading up to your in-home newborn session.


There’s something really special about in-home newborn sessions.


No rushing out the door. No packing the diaper bag. No trying to keep a brand new baby content in an unfamiliar space. Just you, your baby, and the home you’re learning them in.


And the best part? You don’t need to do much to make it beautiful.


Here’s exactly how to prepare, broken down into simple, doable steps.

One Month Out: Set the Foundation


This is the time to think big picture, not details.


1. Choose a few key spaces in your home

We typically use:


  • The master bedroom
  • The nursery
  • The living room


Look for areas with the best natural light (big windows are your best friend). Don’t stress if your home isn’t “perfect”. I promise, I see light first, not perfection.


2. Keep styling simple and true to you

Neutral tones, soft textures, and timeless pieces always photograph beautifully. Think:


  • Creams, whites, soft earth tones
  • Flowy dresses for mom
  • Simple outfits for baby (onesies, swaddles)


If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help you plan outfits which is part of the experience.


3. Do a gentle declutter (not a deep clean)

This isn’t about making your home look like a magazine.


Just start paying attention to surfaces:


  • Nightstands
  • Dressers
  • Coffee tables


We’ll clear anything distracting day-of, but doing a little ahead of time helps everything feel lighter.

close up detail shot of baby boy ear and hair during in home newborn session

One Week Out: Light Prep, No Pressure


At this point, keep things minimal and manageable.


1. Wash and set aside outfits

Have everything clean and in one place:


  • Baby’s swaddles + backup outfit
  • Your outfit(s)
  • Partner’s outfit


Wrinkle-free is helpful, but perfection is not required.


2. Notice the light in your home

Take a few moments during the day to observe:


  • Which rooms feel brightest
  • What time of day the light feels softest


This helps you feel more confident going into your session; like you already know your space.


3. Gather meaningful details (optional)

If there’s anything sentimental you’d love included, set it aside:


  • A handmade blanket
  • A heirloom piece
  • Something from your pregnancy or baby shower


If not, truly, less is more.


4. Give yourself permission to not “have it all together”

This season is tender, emotional, and often a little blurry.


Your only job right now is to care for yourself and your baby. Everything else will fall into place.

photo of a beautiful baby boy with clear skin laying in the arms of his mom while sleeping

The Night Before: Set Yourself Up for a Calm Morning


No late-night stress spirals allowed.


1. Do a quick tidy of main spaces

Focus only on the areas we’ll likely use. Think:


  • Clearing surfaces
  • Tossing laundry into a basket
  • Making the bed (loosely is fine)
  • Making sure closet doors close


Nothing deep. Nothing overwhelming.


2. Lay out everything you need

Have these ready:


  • Outfits for everyone
  • Diapers + wipes
  • Swaddles
  • A pacifier (even if baby doesn’t always take one) or something that calms them if needed


The goal is to remove decision-making in the morning.


3. Plan for a slow start

If possible, give yourself extra time in the morning.


Feed the baby. Open the blinds. Ease into the day.


No rushing. No pressure to be “on.”


4. Trust that your baby sets the pace

There is no such thing as a “perfect” newborn session.


We will pause for feeding.

We will pause for diaper changes.

We will follow your baby’s lead the entire time.


The magic isn’t in perfection, it’s in the in-between moments.

 

A Final Note


You don’t need a perfectly styled home.

You don’t need a perfectly content baby.

You don’t need to feel perfectly put together.


You just need to show up.


Hold your baby.

Stay close.

Let the moments unfold.


I’ll take care of the rest.