What to Wear for a Studio Newborn Photography Session: 2026 Guide
What to Wear for Newborn Studio Photos | Newborn Photography Outfit Guide
“What should we wear?” is easily the number one question I get as a newborn photographer — and honestly, it should be. The right outfits can take your photos from cute to frame-it-on-every-wall amazing.
There are about a million outfit guides for in-home newborn sessions online, but surprisingly few that talk about what to wear for newborn studio photos. Studio sessions photograph differently, the lighting is different, and yes — your outfit choices matter.
Good news: as a studio newborn photographer, I’ve photographed enough sleepy babies and tired parents to know exactly what works (and what absolutely does not). These simple tips will help you feel confident, comfortable, and look incredible in your newborn portraits.
Choosing Colors for Your Newborn Studio Session
Usually my newborn studio photography sessions are photographed on a clean, white background. This style keeps your baby as the main focus while creating timeless, modern images that won’t feel dated five years from now.
When planning outfits for your newborn photo session, I recommend choosing:
Neutrals
Muted pastels
Soft earth tones
These colors photograph beautifully, flatter every skin tone, and create a soft, cohesive look throughout your gallery.
You truly can’t go wrong with classic tones like white, cream, beige, gray, or black. They’re timeless, easy to coordinate for the whole family, and they keep the attention exactly where it belongs — on your brand-new baby (not Dad’s neon golf polo from 2007).
What NOT to Wear for Newborn Photos (Yes, This Matters)
I absolutely want your newborn photo session to feel like you — personality included. But there are a few wardrobe choices that consistently fight against beautiful, timeless newborn portraits.
Think of this less as rules and more as gentle guidance from someone who has seen… things.
Skip Logos and Graphic Shirts
Logos, large graphics, and branded clothing pull attention away from the connection in your photos. Instead of noticing your sweet new baby, your eye goes straight to a brand name across someone’s chest.
They also date your photos fast. What feels trendy now will scream “2026” later — and not in a nostalgic way.
For timeless newborn family photos, simple always wins.
Avoid Large Patterns and Bold Florals
Big patterns might look fun in real life, but in studio newborn photography, they tend to create visual chaos.
Large florals, busy prints, and bold patterns:
Compete with faces
Distract from emotion
Make images feel cluttered
Smaller, subtle patterns work beautifully. Anything loud enough to demand attention? Hard pass.
No Neon Colors (Your Photographer Begs You)
Neon colors reflect light back onto skin — and unfortunately, they don’t do anyone any favors.
Bright neon clothing can create strange color casts on skin tones, especially delicate newborn skin. That soft, dreamy look you love in newborn photos? Neon absolutely ruins it.
If it glows under a black light, leave it at home.
Keep Accessories Simple
Newborn sessions involve lots of holding, snuggling, and adjusting a tiny human who does not care about your outfit coordination.
Too many accessories — chunky necklaces, scarves, oversized hats, or stacks of jewelry — can:
Get in the way of safely handling your baby
Distract from connection
Quickly date your photos
Simple jewelry is perfect. Think minimal, comfortable, and timeless.
What Should My Baby Wear for Newborn Photos?
Here’s my professional opinion after photographing countless newborn sessions:
Your baby doesn’t need much.
Teeny tiny newborns are already perfect. The less we add, the more we get to focus on their little details — squishy cheeks, curled toes, flaky newborn skin, and all the tiny features you never want to forget.
For newborn studio photos, my favorite options are:
A simple diaper with a soft diaper cover (provided at the studio)
A classic white onesie
Wrapped up in a neutral swaddle (provided at the studio)
If you’d like your baby photographed in a white onesie, please arrive with baby already dressed in it to keep them cozy and settled when we begin.
If you’d like your baby photographed in just a diaper, please arrive with them dressed in an easy-to-remove outfit that won’t leave marks on their skin — think a simple zip or snap sleeper with nothing underneath. This lets me gently undress baby without too much disruption (aka: hopefully keeping them asleep).
As adorable as tiny jeans, shoes, and fancy dresses are, they make it much harder to safely pose your baby and capture all those sweet newborn details. Save the cute outfits for your next outing — newborn photos are all about simplicity and snuggly perfection.
Do I Need To Bring a Blanket to our Newborn Photo Session?
I have several white and cream blankets that we can use to snuggle your baby in from a light swaddle for comfort, a cozy knit for texture, and a fun gauzy blanket for draping.
I also understand that you might want to bring your own blanket for your baby. If this is the case:
Bring a swaddle blanket in a neutral color. It is important to have a blanket like this to help comfort and sooth your baby if they are uncomfortable.
Also consider a knit blanket for extra coziness and texture and depth for your photos.
Outfits for Older Babies (6-12 Months):
With older babies (6-12 months) I do think starting off with a cute outfit is a great idea. Just be sure it is an outfit that your baby is comfortable in and won’t cause them to be itchy or upset. You can even consider dressing your baby in a sentimental outfit or one that has a special meaning to you.
I do eventually like getting your baby just in their diapers at this older stage as well. That we can capture all their cute little rolls and belly buttons!
What Mom Should Wear for Newborn Photos
The most important thing? You need to feel like yourself in what you’re wearing. How you feel in your outfit matters just as much as the outfit itself.
Choose something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed. When you feel good in your clothes, it shows in your photos — and that confidence makes all the difference.
What To Wear for Newborn Photos for Dad:
Keep it simple! Honestly what I think looks best for dad is a nice pair of jeans or chinos with a fresh t-shirt or button up. Casual but classy!
What Older Siblings Should Wear for Newborn Photos
As a mom of three myself, I fully understand that getting multiple kids dressed and out the door can feel like an Olympic event. When choosing outfits for older siblings, keep things simple and comfortable.
Coordinate — don’t match.
Choose outfits with similar colors or styles rather than putting everyone in identical clothing. Coordinating looks natural and timeless, while “matchy-matchy” can feel a little forced.
Comfort matters more than perfection.
Make sure outfits aren’t itchy, too tight, or overly warm. A comfortable child is a happy child — and happy siblings make for the sweetest photos.
Skip the shoes.
Don’t stress about footwear. I love photographing bare feet and tiny toes, and we usually won’t see much of shoes anyway. Barefoot always feels softer, more natural, and perfectly kid-approved.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Utah County?
If you’re searching for a newborn photographer near you, chances are you want more than just pretty photos — you want a calm, stress-free experience during one of the most exhausting (and emotional) seasons of life.
My newborn studio photography sessions in Utah County are designed to be simple, relaxed, and completely baby-led. You don’t need to worry about props, complicated outfits, or knowing how to pose. I guide you through everything — from styling your family to safely posing your newborn — so you can actually enjoy the experience.
My studio serves families throughout:
Spanish Fork
Provo
Springville
Mapleton
Payson
and surrounding Utah County areas
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, newborn photos should feel easy. Show up, snuggle your baby, and let me handle the rest.
Because one day those tiny stretches, wrinkly toes, and sleepy newborn cuddles won’t feel so fresh anymore — and you’ll be incredibly grateful you documented them.
Ready to book your newborn studio session?
Reach out early (ideally during your second trimester) to reserve a spot on my calendar. I accept a limited number of newborn sessions each month to give every family a personalized experience.
More Information on Newborn Sessions:
Why I Don’t Use Props in My Newborn Photography