One common concern many of our Bella Baby families share is they don’t feel prepared to have photos taken. Our team excels at creating stunning newborn portraits with as little as a blanket and a white hospital sheet. However, we understand that many families prefer to personalize their experience. We based this guide for what to bring to a Fresh 48 photoshoot on over 15 years of experience providing in-hospital newborn photography to families across the country. We hope it leaves you feeling prepared to celebrate your little one’s arrival in style!
Outfits
- Solid-colored outfits in neutral tones are best for a baby’s first photoshoot. Neutral tones like brown, grey, black, and white look great in color and black & white. They also eliminate the risk of creating unattractive color casting on the surrounding elements of the photograph.
- Items with large logos or busy patterns can be distracting. Consider bringing a solid-colored swaddle if you choose a patterned outfit. This will allow your photographer to capture a variety of adorable photos without having clashing patterns that distract from your beautiful baby.
- Bring a spare outfit in case of accidents. Sometimes accidents happen. A baby might spit up or have a blowout all over their photo day outfit. That’s why we recommend families bring at least one backup outfit to the hospital.
- Consider bringing outfits in different sizes. Many doctors give expectant parents an estimate of the size of their baby as they approach their due date. However, this is based on a few factors and might not be accurate. We recommend bringing a spare outfit in another size in case your baby is larger or smaller than expected.
- Be mindful of materials. Some fabrics may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. If you are sensitive to the fabric or find it “itchy,” it may not be the right fit for your newborn.
- Choose a simple outfit for the easiest clothing experience. Gowns that tie at the bottom, or sleepers with a zipper are cute and practical for a Fresh 48 photoshoot because baby can be changed quickly. Outfits with snaps, buttons, or several pieces can be time-consuming and may cause your baby to become upset.
Swaddles
- Printed blankets make a great swaddle and can double as a prop or backdrop. A blanket printed with your baby’s name is a great way to add a personal touch to their first photoshoot. Milestone blankets are a great addition to a session because you can compare your new arrival’s newborn photos to the milestones at each stage for a visual timeline of their growth.
- Muslin or cotton muslin swaddles are best for photos because they are often larger than a traditional receiving blanket. A larger muslin blanket will give the photographer freedom to style a variety of stunning, creative images for you and your family to treasure for years to come. Plus, you’ll get to use this blanket for a bit longer as your baby grows.
- Jersey knit swaddles provide more stretch in case your newborn is a swaddle escape artist. The added flexibility will allow your photographer to create a nice, snug swaddle to keep your baby peacefully bundled up for their pictures.
- Consider your baby’s picture outfit. If you have a patterned outfit you may want a solid-colored blanket, or vice versa, to avoid clashing patterns. You will also want to think about the color palette. Does the color of your baby’s blanket compliment the color(s) of their outfit? Is there enough separation in the shades that your baby will stand out from the blanket?
Props
- Plaques/letterboard signs with the baby’s name, birth date, weight, and length are a favorite among Bella Baby families. Not only are these a favorite among families, but our photographers love them too! These signs make a great prop because you can personalize your session and commemorate the details of your baby’s birth in one special image.
- Consider bringing items that are special to your family. When choosing items for the session, consider the size/complexity of the object. If it is too large to set up on a couch or bed, it may not be right for a Fresh 48 session. Photographs, a rosary or religious medallion, and items like a hat, or special book don’t take up much space in your hospital bag and won’t take the attention away from your beautiful baby.
- Flowers, balloons, and other gifts from visiting family members also make great props. If you don’t want to bring additional items to the hospital, consider allowing your photographer to use any gifts you receive during your hospital stay. It’s a great way to commemorate the special gifts of congratulations sent by close friends and family members.
- Safety first! Please do not bring baskets or hanging props for your in-hospital session. Your photographer will be unable to use these items since they pose a potential safety risk.
Make it your own!
While you don’t need to bring anything at all, some families prefer to have their own clothing and swaddles for a Fresh 48 session. Whatever you choose, make it your own and don’t forget to relax and enjoy the moment. We hope this guide on what to bring for a Fresh 48 photoshoot will help you prepare for your baby’s first photoshoot.
Looking for more tips? Read The Process: Common Questions About Newborn Photos for the answers to all your pressing photo day questions and check out Sibling Love: Preparing Older Children for Newborn Photos for our tips to create a positive family experience.
