How to Prepare for an In-Home Newborn Session | West Michigan Newborn Photographer

One of the most common questions I receive from expecting parents is:

"What does my home need to look like for an in-home newborn session?"

The short answer? Much less than you think.

One of the reasons I love lifestyle newborn sessions is because they tell your family's story in the place where so many of your baby's first memories will happen. Your home does not need to look like it belongs in a magazine. The goal is to capture genuine moments with your growing family in a space that is meaningful to you.

If you're preparing for an in-home newborn session, here are my favorite spaces to use, simple preparation tips, and guidance on what to wear.

The Best Spaces for an In-Home Newborn Session

The Nursery

The nursery is often the heart of an in-home newborn session.

You spent months preparing this room, choosing the perfect crib, artwork, books, and tiny outfits. Including the nursery helps preserve all of those thoughtful details that make your baby's space unique.

Some of my favorite images are captured while parents rock their baby by the window, cuddle in the nursery chair, or admire their little one in the crib.

The Primary Bedroom

Your primary bedroom is one of the most popular locations during a newborn session.

Large beds create the perfect space for snuggling together as a family. The clean lines, soft bedding, and natural interactions make for timeless images that focus on connection and emotion.

Don't worry if your bedroom isn't huge. We can often create beautiful photographs with just a small area near a window.

Rooms with Large Windows

Natural light is one of the most important elements of a lifestyle newborn session.

When I arrive, I'll typically look for rooms with large windows and soft natural light. This might be your living room, nursery, primary bedroom, or even a hallway.

You may be surprised by which spaces end up working best. My goal is to find the light and create beautiful images around it.

How to Prepare Your Home

Declutter the Main Spaces

The biggest preparation tip I can offer is simple: declutter, don't deep clean.

Focus on the areas we'll likely use:

• Nursery

• Primary bedroom

• Living room

Clearing off nightstands, dressers, countertops, and floors helps keep the focus on your family rather than distracting items in the background.

There is no need to stress about cleaning every room in your home. I promise I won't be opening closets or photographing spaces we aren't using.

Warm Up the House

Newborns are happiest when they're warm and cozy.

I recommend turning the temperature up a few degrees before the session begins. This helps keep baby comfortable, especially if we photograph them in a swaddle, diaper, or simple outfit.

A warm baby is typically a sleepy and content baby, which makes for a smoother session.

Feed Baby Before the Session

A full baby is usually a happy baby.

If possible, try feeding your little one shortly before I arrive. That said, newborn sessions are baby-led, and we always allow plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, soothing, and diaper changes throughout the session.

There is never any rush.

What to Wear for Your Newborn Session

For Dad

Neutral sweaters, henleys, button-downs, and simple t-shirts work wonderfully.

Stick to:

• Cream

• Tan

• Gray

• Light blue

• Earth tones

For Mom

Soft, flowy dresses or comfortable knit outfits photograph beautifully.

Consider:

• Cream

• Ivory

• Beige

• Soft blues

• Light sage

• Dusty pinks

Choose pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident.

For Siblings

Simple is always best.

Neutral colors, soft textures, and clothing without large logos or busy patterns help keep the attention where it belongs: on your family's connection.

For Baby

I typically recommend:

• Neutral swaddles

• Simple sleepers

• Knitted outfits

• Diaper-only images wrapped in a blanket

The less distracting the outfit, the more timeless your photographs will feel.

Why Families Love In-Home Newborn Sessions

There is something incredibly meaningful about documenting your baby in the place where you are building your life together.

The nursery you carefully designed. The bed where you spend early mornings snuggling. The living room where your older children proudly introduce their new sibling.

These are the spaces where your family's story unfolds.

As a West Michigan newborn photographer serving Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Hudsonville, Zeeland, Jenison, Muskegon, and surrounding communities, my goal is to create a relaxed experience that allows your family to simply be together while preserving this beautiful season of life.

If you're expecting and considering an in-home newborn session, I would love to help document these first memories with your growing family.