What to Wear for Newborn Photos

When it comes to newborn photos, your baby is always the focus. That said, many families choose to include parent, sibling, or full family photos as part of their newborn session. What everyone wears plays a bigger role in the final images than most people expect, especially for studio newborn photography.

If you’re in the final days of pregnancy or you’ve just had a baby and are running on very little sleep, planning outfits for your photo session is probably the last thing on your mind. I’ve written this guide to answer a very common question: what should we wear for our newborn photos? The goal isn’t perfection or a perfectly styled look. Thoughtful clothing choices help create clean, timeless images and keep the focus on your baby and your family’s connection. Below, I’ll walk you through what photographs best, what to avoid, and how to keep outfit planning simple for your newborn photography session.

Studio Wardrobe Options for Newborn Photos

Clients of Kelli Dease Photography have access to a curated studio wardrobe, with selections available for the whole family. All pieces are chosen in neutral tones that photograph beautifully during studio newborn sessions.

Wardrobe options for moms and little girls include soft, feminine details and comfortable fabrics. Adult sizes range from XS to XL, and children’s sizes start at 0-3 months.

Wardrobe options for children five and older are more limited, so if you’re hoping to use the studio wardrobe for older siblings, it’s best to review options ahead of time.

If you prefer to wear your own clothing, that’s absolutely fine. I’m always happy to help you decide what will photograph best for your newborn and family photos.

Outfit Inspiration for Newborn and Family Photos

Coordinate Colors (Don’t Match)

Outfits that coordinate tend to photograph better than outfits that are perfectly matched. Instead of dressing everyone in the same color, choose a palette of two to four complementary tones and build outfits around that range.

Simple, neutral colors work best for newborn photography, including whites, creams, soft browns, taupe, muted pinks, and other light, earthy shades. These tones photograph well together and help create a cohesive look across family images.

What Your Baby Will Wear

For family and sibling photos, babies can be swaddled in a soft, textured blanket or dressed in a neutral onesie or knit. The goal is to keep babies warm and calm and create a clean, timeless look in newborn photos.

There’s no need to bring outfits for your baby unless you have something sentimental you’d like included. I provide a variety of wraps, blankets, and newborn knits in the studio, all selected to coordinate with the overall style of my newborn photography.

Keep It Simple (Especially for Siblings)

My goal is to capture relaxed, authentic newborn and family photos. Choose clothing that reflects your personal style and feels comfortable rather than overly formal or outside your comfort zone.

With siblings, especially toddlers, simple clothing makes a big difference. Little ones typically sit for a very short amount of time, and the more adjusting and fussing with clothing or accessories, the easier it is to miss the moment altogether.

The guidelines below are meant to help, not restrict.

What to Wear for Newborn Photos

For Moms

• Simple, neutral clothing in soft, muted tones such as white, cream, taupe, soft brown, or light pink

• Bohemian or peasant-style midi or maxi dresses with subtle texture, like lace or gauze

• Flowy, comfortable pieces that allow you to move easily and feel at ease

For Dads

• Chinos or casual pants in light, neutral tones

• Solid-colored tops such as a Henley or t-shirt in soft neutrals

• Layers photograph well, such as a t-shirt or Henley under a sweater

For Kids

• Little girls: Neutral dresses or rompers with soft texture or feminine details. Bloomers are important so diapers or underwear don’t show. A textured sweater works well in cooler months.
• Little boys: Linen or cotton shirts paired with soft chinos or shorts. Suspenders can add layering without feeling formal.

What Not to Wear for Newborn Photos

Certain items tend to distract or don’t photograph well in newborn and family sessions. I recommend avoiding:

• Logos, graphics, or bold patterns

• Black or very dark clothing

• Athletic shoes

• High-collared shirts

• Large hair bows or oversized accessories

• Business or formal attire like dress shirts, blazers, or ties

Shopping Links and Outfit Ideas

If you’d like help sourcing clothing for your newborn photos, I’ve put together this shopping section with outfit suggestions and links to pieces that photograph well and align with my studio’s neutral, timeless style. You can find more options in my ShopMy storefront.

This section may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share items and brands that align with my style and that I would confidently recommend to my own clients.

Outfits for Baby

Outfits for Siblings

Outfits for Mom

Outfits for Dad

Final Thoughts

Wardrobe planning is, hands down, the part parents stress about the most, and it’s also where I get the majority of questions. That’s exactly why I offer a studio wardrobe, a detailed planning guide after booking, and personalized guidance for every client. The goal is simple: clothing that feels comfortable, coordinates well, and keeps the focus on your newborn and your family where it belongs.

If you’re still early in the planning process and want a broader look at how style, pacing, and overall approach all come together, Your Guide to Timeless Newborn Photography walks through the full experience and what makes a natural, simple style work so well for newborn photos. And if you’re wondering how sessions actually unfold—from arrival to feeding breaks to the overall flow—What to Expect During a Studio Newborn Photoshoot goes into more detail about how sessions are structured and what you can expect on the day itself.

Of course, if you have questions or just want a second opinion on outfits, you can always reach out. Making this part feel easier and less overwhelming is very much part of the job.

More From the Blog