Preparing for your Newborn Session
Let’s make the day calm, cozy, and full of memories.
Feeding & Arrival Tips
A well-fed baby is a sleepy baby, and sleep is the secret to those snuggly, curled-up newborn portraits.
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Please feed your baby right before the session—either at home or as soon as you arrive at the studio.
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A full belly, clean diaper, and warm environment help your little one settle into that sweet, sleepy state.
Clothing on arrival:
Dress baby in a simple, zip-up onesie (footed or layered for colder months). Avoid anything that pulls over the head, as this can wake them and lead to fussiness during undressing.
- Skip tight socks, elastic headbands, or clothing that leaves marks on the skin.
- Even if you haven’t introduced a pacifier yet, please bring one just in case—it can be a soothing lifesaver if needed.
Time Management & Session Flow
Newborn sessions are wonderfully slow-paced and baby-led. Expect your session to last up to three hours, allowing time for:
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Feeding breaks
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Diaper changes
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Cuddles and soothing
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Gentle transitions between poses
If you're breastfeeding, bring extra bottles/pump if you use one. If formula feeding, please bring extra bottles just in case.
PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS RIGHT BEFORE A SESSION OR RIGHT AFTERWWARDS. Avoid scheduling anything immediately afterward—this time is meant to be relaxed, not rushed.
For Baby:
Your baby’s best outfit might just be their Birthday Suit! I have a large collection of cozy and adorable newborn accessories:
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Outfits, bonnets, wraps, headbands, and more
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Soft, neutral tones that photograph beautifully
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All sanitized and studio-ready for your session
Let me know what feels right for your family—some parents love a fully styled look, while others prefer minimal and natural.
For Parents & Siblings:
If you're planning to be in the photos:
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Coordinated, not matching: Choose outfits in complementary tones—think soft neutrals or earthy hues
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Darker tones (like black, navy, gray, or brown) work wonderfully postpartum and help you feel confident
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Avoid busy prints and logos that may distract from your connection
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Bring your outfits with you and change at the studio—it's kept very warm for baby’s comfort
Dress light for your arrival—our studio stays toasty warm for baby’s comfort and sleepiness.
Poses, Props & Personal Touches
I offer a curated selection of props to create beautiful, timeless setups, including:
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Beds, baskets, crates, textured layers, wraps, hats, headbands, and more
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Natural tones and organic materials that complement your baby's skin and features (vibrant colors, patterns, and textures are also available)
Want to personalize your session? Absolutely! If you have:
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A special family heirloom
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An item related to a hobby, sport, or career
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A sentimental blanket or outfit
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Nursery theme
…just let me know ahead of time, and we’ll creatively incorporate it into the session in a meaningful way.
Managing Expectations
The truth about newborns? They run the show—and that’s exactly how it should be.
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It’s perfectly normal for babies to cry, fuss, or need extra snuggles/feeding during the session
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I work with their rhythm, not against it, and never rush a baby through a pose or moment
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Every baby is different, and flexibility is key to a successful session
My top priorities are always your baby’s safety, comfort, and emotional well-being.
We’ll take our time, follow baby’s lead, and capture beautiful images no matter what the day brings.
Honored to be named one of the Top 20 Best Chicago Newborn Photographers from 2016–2025.
Are you looking for a Chicago newborn photographer? I would love to work with you! I offer a fun and unique experience in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago in Wheeling, IL. I also service surrounding areas, including Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, Vernon Hills, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Glenview, Des Plaines, and other surrounding Chicago suburbs. To book your session, use this form.