What to Wear for Newborn Photos: New Mom’s Complete Guide Houston

What Should New Moms Wear for Newborn Photo Sessions?

As a Houston newborn photographer, one of the most common questions I receive from new moms is, “What should I wear for our newborn session?” I completely understand the anxiety behind this question. You’re navigating a postpartum body, potentially breastfeeding, and wanting to look beautiful in photos that will hang on your walls for years to come. What to wear for newborn photos doesn’t need to be a stress on your mind, as all you need is a little guidance from your photographer.

After photographing hundreds of new families, I’ve learned exactly what works best for moms during newborn and family sessions. The key is finding pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and coordinated with your family while flattering your changing body.

Best Postpartum Outfits for New Mom Photo Sessions

The postpartum period brings unique considerations for choosing photo session outfits. Your body is healing, potentially different than before pregnancy, and you need clothes that accommodate breastfeeding if you’re nursing. Here are my go-to recommendations that consistently photograph beautifully:

Flowing tops and dresses are your best friend during this time. A-line silhouettes, empire waists, and wrap-style tops create elegant lines while providing comfort and easy nursing access. Avoid anything too tight around your midsection, as this can create unflattering lines and make you uncomfortable during the session.

Maxi dresses offer the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. Look for styles with empire waists or wrap designs that flatter your changing figure. The flowing fabric photographs beautifully and creates graceful movement in images. 

Some places that are great for dresses like this are Morning Lavender, Asos, Anthropologie, Pink Blush, Baltic Born, and Petal Lush to name a few. 

Nursing-Friendly Outfits for Breastfeeding Moms During Photos

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. Many elegant pieces work perfectly for nursing while looking stunning in photos. Wrap tops and dresses provide easy access while creating a flattering silhouette. Button-front shirts in soft fabrics can be left partially unbuttoned for a relaxed, feminine look.

Best Colors and Patterns for New Mom Photo Sessions

Neutral tones and soft pastel colors are incredibly flattering for new moms in photos. Soft creams, gentle blushes, sage greens, and warm grays create a timeless look that won’t distract from the emotion and connection in your images. Light floral patterns are also very pretty as well. These colors also coordinate beautifully with most nursery décor, ensuring your photos will complement your home.

Avoid busy patterns or bold prints that can overwhelm the frame. If you love patterns, choose subtle textures like soft florals, delicate lace details, or gentle geometric prints. Remember, you want the focus to be on the love and joy of your new family, not on competing visual elements.

Solid colors in soft, muted tones photograph consistently well across different lighting conditions. They also allow more flexibility in editing, ensuring the most flattering final results.

How to Feel Confident and Comfortable During Newborn Photos

Above all else, choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re constantly adjusting your clothing or feeling self-conscious, it will show in your photos. The most beautiful images capture genuine emotion and connection, which happens when you feel relaxed and comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Consider the physical demands of a newborn session. You’ll be sitting on floors, holding your baby in various positions, and potentially moving outdoor to your porch or patio. Choose fabrics that move with you and shoes you can easily slip on and off.

Don’t forget about undergarments. A well-fitting, supportive bra makes an enormous difference in how your clothes fit and how confident you feel. If you’re nursing, invest in a good nursing bra that provides proper support without visible lines under your chosen outfit.

Coordinating Family Outfits for Newborn Photo Sessions

Your outfit should complement, not match, your partner’s and any older children’s clothing. If your partner is wearing a button-down shirt in light blue, you might choose a dress or blouse with light blue florals or cream. The goal is coordination, not identical styling.

You also want to stay away from everyone wearing a different color, for example using the pastel color palette and having one person wear blue, one pink and one yellow. This approach ends up creating a color block look that separates everyone more than joins them together. Instead, create visual difference with different shades, incorporating florals or a soft, not bold, stripe. 

Consider the overall mood you want for your photos. Casual, relaxed sessions call for softer fabrics and more relaxed fits. For example you may want a flowy top with linen pants instead of a dress, and a soft cotton tshirt for men and boys rather than a button down, light colored jeans instead of khakis, etc. If you prefer a more polished look, choose structured pieces with clean lines, but still prioritize comfort and functionality.

Professional Styling Tips from a Houston Newborn Photographer

After years of photographing new families, here are my insider tips for looking your best in newborn and family photos:

Choose clothes that fit your body as it is right now, not as you hope it will be or as it was before pregnancy. Properly fitting clothes always photograph better than clothes that are too tight or too loose.

Consider professional hair and makeup if it’s within your budget. Even simple, natural-looking makeup can make a significant difference in how you feel and how you photograph. Many makeup artists specialize in photography makeup and understand what works best on camera.

Pay attention to sleeve length and necklines. Three-quarter sleeves are universally flattering and work well for most body types and seasons. V-necks and scoop necks tend to be more flattering than high necklines, especially in photos where you’ll be holding your baby close to your chest.

How to Plan the Perfect New Mom Photo Session Outfit

Start planning your outfit a few weeks before your session. If you’re ordering anything online, allow extra time for shipping and potential returns. I recommend ordering multiple options and keep a few that you like so that you have options for your changing body at the time of the session and feel confident in your choices.

Consider the practical aspects of your outfit choices. Will you be comfortable sitting on the floor? Can you easily hold and position your baby? Are there any small buttons or delicate details that might snag on baby’s tiny fingers?

Think about the longevity of your clothing choices. While trends come and go, classic, timeless pieces ensure your photos will still look beautiful years from now. Invest in quality pieces that you’ll love wearing again and again.

I always recommend to start with your outfit first and plan the rest of the family around your outfit. Lay everything together on the bed to see how it visually goes together. 

Your newborn session is about celebrating this incredible time in your life. Choose outfits that help you feel beautiful, comfortable, and authentically yourself. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that joy and confidence shine through in every single photo.

Remember, these photos are documenting one of the most precious times in your family’s life. Taking a little extra time to plan outfits that focus on comfort, coordination, and confidence will give you results you’ll love for years to come.