How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Session | Dallas Newborn Photographer

Bringing a Dallas newborn photographer into your home for a session sounds dreamy—snuggling your fresh little love in your own space, no need to pack a diaper bag or wrestle a car seat. But then the overthinking kicks in: Is my house too messy? What if the baby won’t settle? Will my dog try to adopt the photographer? Take a deep breath, mama. We’ve got you.

As the lead NBP photographer in Dallas, Kelli has photographed plenty of in-home newborn sessions, and I promise you—it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to prep baby, your home, and yourself for a stress-free, joy-filled session.

Prepping Baby for a Smooth Session

1. Give Baby a Bath – A warm bath before the session isn’t just for that fluffy, perfect baby hair (though, let’s be honest, it’s a major perk). The gentle stimulation also helps baby settle into a deep sleep, making it easier to get those dreamy, squishy newborn images without a lot of mid-session wake-ups. Think of it as a pre-game warm-up—but with bubbles.
2. Keep Their Tummy Happy – A well-fed baby is a content baby. If possible, time a feeding right before we start so they’re full, sleepy, and ready to snuggle.
3. Dress Baby in Something Simple – A plain onesie or swaddle in a neutral color works beautifully. We’ll capture those tiny details—wrinkly feet, soft hands, and sleepy yawns—without anything distracting from the focus.

Setting Up Your Home

1. Plan a Handwashing Spot – First things first, we like to wash our hands when we arrive—it’s a small thing, but we’re handling your precious newborn, and we want to keep everything fresh and clean. A clear spot at the sink with soap and a towel is perfect. No need to stress if there are dishes in the sink—we’re here for the baby, not to judge your post-coffee chaos.
2. Choose Your Rooms (But Stay Flexible!) – Think about the spaces you’d love to use—the nursery, primary bedroom, or living area are great options. However, we always make adjustments based on the best natural light, so don’t stress if plans shift!
3. Declutter, But Don’t Deep Clean – No need for a Pinterest-perfect home! A quick tidy-up of surfaces and removing clutter from backgrounds is all that’s needed. Lived-in and cozy is the vibe we’re going for.
4. Have Special Items Ready – If there’s a sentimental blanket, heirloom, or meaningful detail you want included, have it set aside so we can easily work it into the session.

Prepping Pets & Siblings

1. Introduce Us to Your Dog – If your pup is part of the family (of course they are!), we’re happy to include them in the session! But dogs sometimes need a minute to warm up to new people, so it’s helpful to introduce us before we jump into photographing. A few ear scratches and a who’s a good boy?! go a long way in helping your pup settle before we start.
2. Plan for Siblings – Big brothers and sisters bring so much joy to newborn sessions! Having a small activity or a favorite snacky close can help keep them happy between their turns in the spotlight.

Making the Most of Your Session

At the end of the day, an in-home newborn session is about capturing your family, in your space, during this fleeting season. If you’re thinking about booking, or already have a session coming up, I hope these tips help you feel prepared and relaxed! If you’re looking for a Dallas newborn photographer, reach out to the NBP team—we’d love to document these first sweet days in your home.