What To Wear For Newborn Photos
Keep the clothes simple
A newborn does not need much for a portrait session.
What your baby wears — and what the family wears around them — should support the photograph rather than become the photograph.
Simple clothing gives me more freedom to concentrate on your baby, your hands, your faces and the way you fit together.
The clothes should never become more important than the people wearing them.
What should your baby wear?
Very little is often best.
Depending on the photographs we are making, your baby might wear:
- a plain onesie
- a simple romper
- a soft wrap
- something from your family or culture that matters to you
- nothing at all
Avoid large logos, slogans, novelty outfits and clothing with lots of decorative detail.
A newborn is already quite interesting enough.
You do not need a special newborn outfit
There is no need to buy something specifically for the photographs.
Babies grow out of newborn clothing remarkably quickly, and an outfit that fitted when you packed the hospital bag may already sit differently by the time you come to the studio.
Bring a couple of simple options if you have them.
We can decide what works when I see your baby.
What should parents wear?
I often suggest starting with black.
It works particularly well with my lighting and black background, keeps the photograph simple and allows skin and the baby to stand out.
Other simple clothing can work too.
Choose pieces that fit well, are comfortable and do not draw attention through logos, graphics, strong patterns or unnecessary detail.
You may be holding your baby for quite a few of the photographs, so think about how the neckline, sleeves and fabric look when you are sitting, standing and moving rather than only how an outfit looks in a mirror.
You should be able to forget about what you are wearing.
Skin-to-skin photographs
You do not have to undress for a newborn session.
But if you would like skin-to-skin photographs, we can make them discreetly.
A bare shoulder, chest or back can be enough.
It is not about exposure. It is the scale and physical closeness between you and your baby.
What should brothers and sisters wear?
Keep their clothing simple too.
They do not need to match.
The aim is for everybody to sit comfortably together without one person's clothing demanding all the attention.
For more detailed family wardrobe guidance, including coordinating rather than matching and choosing clothing that photographs well, you can read my general portrait wardrobe guide.
They belong together. Their clothes don't need to prove it.
Bring a spare
Newborns are newborns.
Milk happens.
Nappies happen.
Things emerge from surprisingly small people. 🤣
Bring a spare top for yourself and spare clothing for your baby if you have room in the bag.
It is much easier to have it and not need it.
A final check before you leave home
Look at the clothing in good light.
Check for marks, pilling, stretched necklines, loose threads and anything else that will become more noticeable in a finished portrait.
Then stop worrying about the clothes.
They are there to do a supporting job.
Your baby is the reason we are making the photographs.
Ready when you are
If you are preparing for a newborn session, you can also read more about how I photograph babies with their parents and what happens during the complete experience.
Natural newborn poses with parents →
View newborn portrait portfolio →
View the newborn portrait experience →
Contact me →
JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.