Capturing your baby’s first days with a professional newborn photo shoot is a special experience. While the focus is on your little one, parents and siblings often feature in some of the images, creating beautiful family memories. Choosing the right outfits ensures that everyone looks great and helps to create timeless images you’ll love for years to come.
1. Keep It Neutral & Soft
For parents and siblings, soft, neutral tones like white, cream, beige, pale grey, and pastels work beautifully in newborn photography. These colours help keep the focus on your baby while creating a light, airy feel in your images.
2. Coordinating vs Matching Outfits
You don’t have to match exactly, but coordinating colours help create a cohesive look. A great approach is to pick a colour palette (such as soft blues and greys or warm beiges and blush tones) and have each family member wear a variation of those shades.
– Keep it simple – jeans and a plain top or a flowing dress for mum can work beautifully.
– If one parent wears a pattern (such as a delicate floral or subtle stripe), keep the others in solids to avoid clashing.
3. What Should Mum Wear?
Comfort is key, especially in the early days of postpartum recovery. A loose-fitting dress, a soft jumper with leggings, or a flowing top can be flattering and comfortable.
– If you’re having skin-to-skin shots with your baby, a strapless or off-the-shoulder top works well.
– Soft makeup and natural hair styling complement the relaxed, intimate feel of a newborn shoot.
4. What Should Dad Wear?
Dads look great in simple, neutral-coloured t-shirts or button-up shirts paired with jeans or chinos. Avoid heavy branding or patterns colours that can feel too distracting against a newborn’s delicate features.
– A light-coloured shirt with the sleeves rolled up creates a relaxed yet polished look.
– If wearing a polo or button-up, avoid stiff collars as they can look overly formal in newborn shots.
5. What Should Siblings Wear?
For siblings, comfort is essential. You’ll want outfits that allow them to move freely while still looking great in photos.
– Little girls often look lovely in soft, flowy dresses in pastel or neutral tones.
– For boys, a simple t-shirt or collared shirt with soft trousers works well.
– Bare feet often look best in newborn photography, keeping the images natural and timeless.
6. Avoid These Common Mistakes
– No Bright Colours or Logos These can reflect onto baby’s skin and distract from the final image.
– No Uncomfortable or Itchy Fabrics Kids may fidget or look uncomfortable in restrictive outfits.
Final Tips for Picture-Perfect Family Photos
– Bring a spare top if you’re holding the baby – little accidents happen!
– Stick with soft, neutral underwear to avoid harsh lines or dark straps showing through.
– Relax and enjoy the session – natural smiles and genuine interactions make the best photos!
By keeping your outfits simple and coordinated, your newborn photos will have a timeless, elegant feel that highlights the love and connection between your family.
Newborn Photography in East Grinstead
Newborn photo shoots are best when your baby is between 5 and 10 days old—this is when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest, perfect for capturing those beautifully serene images. To ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant—we’ll set a provisional date for a week after your due date and adjust if needed once your baby arrives.
Your session takes place in my warm and cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed for your baby’s comfort. The shoot is relaxed, unrushed, and includes three digital images of your choice, all for £95. There’s no sales session—just a private online gallery where you can view and select your favourites at your own pace.
