Newborn Session Preparation Guide
Newborn Session Styling Guide & Inspiration | Melbourne Baby Photographer
A SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
Tips For Tired Mums (And Parents Running On Coffee and Zero Sleep)
Let’s Be Real — I know a preparation guide can feel a little overwhelming. But honestly, if you make it out the door with everyone dressed (bonus points for matching shoes), you’re already winning. Breakfast too?
Congratulations - you’re basically Superhuman!
This Preparation Guide is your Newborn Session Survival Kit: simple Prep Tips to help you feel organised, keep baby settled, get Siblings dressed (mostly), and keep Parents Semi-Sane on whatever sleep the Newborn Gods have allowed!
Use what Helps, Skip what doesn’t, Abandon the Overthinking, Do your Best, and Remember: You Bring The Baby, I’ll Do The Rest.
A Little Planning goes a long way. It helps your Session run smoothly, keeps baby calm and settled, and gives us the best chance of capturing those dreamy, picture-perfect moments you’ll treasure forever.
I’m so excited to help capture the precious moments of your newest little love. As a mum of two myself, I truly understand just how overwhelming those early newborn days can be. That’s why I’ve created this simple, stress-free guide to help you feel prepared and relaxed ahead of your session. Let’s make it a beautiful, calm experience from start to finish. 💕
Hair & Makeup Services:
Please note: Hair and makeup services are not included, so you’ll need to arrange this prior to your session. I’ve listed a few trusted professionals below for your convenience.
👉 Hair and Makeup - Recommended Artists
Why a Dummy Can Be a Total Game-Changer for Your Session?
Grab a pacifier even if you don’t plan on using one long-term. Dummies help soothe babies and keep the session flowing smoothly. If your baby becomes unsettled in a pose, a dummy can often calm them enough to continue without needing to fully reposition or restart the setup.
I also have brand-new, sterilised Tommee Tippee dummies available in the studio. These are shaped like a nipple and adjust comfortably to your baby’s mouth.
Little Girls’ Dresses – Studio Options & Recommended Boutiques
Looking for the perfect dress for your little girl? I have a beautiful selection available in-studio for little princesses aged 1–6 years. You’re also very welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
For something extra special, these boutiques are lovely options:
👉 CocoBlush
👉 SHEIN
🎉Welcome and Congratulations🎉
📋Session Day Information📋
Session Day Essentials & Notes
📌 IMPORTANT STUDIO NOTES
• Newborn sessions are usually scheduled for 9am start at my Clyde Studio.
• Plan ahead by using google to calculate the distance from your home to my studio and add additional traffic conditions for peak hours etc.
• Your session is exclusive to TWO adults only.
• Due to limited studio space and session policies, we request that all other friends and relatives stay at home
🕘 SESSION DAY ESSENTIALS
• Please ensure you feed bubs RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. it’s important to wake them for a quick top-up feed even if they are not due. This helps them arrive in a sleepy, settled state ready for the session. That said, if thiings dont go exactly to plan, that’s okay — there’s always time built in for extra feeds and snuggles 🥰
• Give baby a sponge bath the morning of your session and don’t forget a little lotion to help with dry or flaky skin. Avoid Nappy Cream and Baby Powder.
• If your baby falls asleep in the car - perfect! If your drive is under 15 minutes, a slightly longer route can help them settle. But don’t stress if they stay awake - it just means more cuddles for me (and trust me, I’m not complaining!)
• Please dress your baby in a slightly larger zip-up onesie, ideally one that zips at the front - it’s the easiest to remove without disturbing them.
• Avoid singlets or clothing that needs to be pulled over the head, as this can unsettle your baby before the session begins.
• If your baby is in a capsule car seat, please bring them into the studio still in the capsule. If not, carry them in wrapped snugly in a blanket and held close to your body to help keep them calm and settled.
🎨Session Planning🎨
Styling, Setup & Inspiration
If there are images from Alana Taylor Photography that you love, please send through 5–8 favourites from my portfolio. This helps me understand the style you’re drawn to, the setups you love most, and allows me to plan a session that feels beautifully tailored to you — resulting in timeless images and a gallery you’ll genuinely love.
I provide everything needed for your newborn session, including backdrops, props, wraps, hats, headbands, and styling pieces. Pinterest inspiration is absolutely welcome too, however please keep in mind that not every pose is safe or achievable for every baby. Your baby’s safety and comfort will always come first, and I’ll always stay true to my signature style when creating and editing your final images. Every photographer’s work looks different — so while your gallery may not match outside inspiration image-for-image, it will be consistent, professional, and perfectly suited to your baby.
Because I prepare and set up your session the day before, it’s important I receive your chosen favourites at least 2 days before your booking.
🌼Why We Follow A Set Workflow and Plan Ahead🌼
Changing setups or adding new requests during the session usually isn’t possible. I follow a carefully structured newborn workflow designed to keep your baby calm, settled, and comfortable — and once we move past certain stages, it isn’t realistic (or fair on baby) to go backwards.
The best way to achieve the poses and styling you’re hoping for is to send through everything you love ahead of time, so I can plan and prepare your session properly.
⌛Session Timing⌛
Siblings, Family Photos
When siblings are included, a little planning goes a long way in keeping the session calm and enjoyable for everyone. This part of the guide explains how sibling and family photos fit into the overall session flow, why newborn images are captured first, and how timing plays a big role in helping little ones stay happy and cooperative. It also sets realistic expectations around sibling photos (because toddlers are wonderfully unpredictable) and shares a few practical tips to help make this part of the session as smooth, relaxed, and successful as possible — bribes very much included.
💛 SIBLINGS & SESSION FLOW
• If siblings are joining the session, please note that newborn photos will be captured first. Sibling and family photos are typically scheduled around 1.5 hours into the session, depending on how settled baby is.
• To achieve the best results and get the poses and setups you're hoping for, it's important to start with the naked/unwraped photos first.
• If we wrap the baby for family/sibling photos beforehand, bubs is less likely to cooperate for the naked/unwrapped shots later on.
• I recommend dropping Mum and baby off at the studio and taking siblings to a Park, McDonald's, or a Play Center.
• Waiting in the studio for too long can leave toddlers or siblings feeling restless and bored. By the time it’s their turn for photos, they may have lost interest and be less cooperative, making it harder to capture those perfect moments.
👧 SIBLING & FAMILY PHOTOS
• Sibling shots are absolutely cherished, but they’re not always guaranteed. Toddlers can be unpredictable, and it's important to remember they’ve also been through a big emotional shift in the past few weeks.
• We’ll do everything we can to capture those special sibling moments, but try not to stress - little ones can pick up on tension, and a relaxed approach often leads to the best results.
• Please bring along a few “bribes” (aka their favourite snacks or treats) to help keep things fun and encourage cooperation when it’s time for their photos.
🌿What To Expect🌿
Session Flow, Safety & Comfort
Your newborn session is designed to be calm, unhurried, and completely baby-led. From the moment you arrive, the focus is on creating a warm, safe, and relaxed environment where your baby can settle naturally and parents can truly switch off. This section walks you through how the session flows, what you can expect on the day, how I prioritise your baby’s safety and comfort at every step, and why there’s absolutely no pressure to rush, perform, or “help”. Simply put — this is a gentle, well-paced experience built around your baby’s needs… with plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and a well-earned break for you too.
📸 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SESSION
• Newborn sessions usually last about 2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and changing setups to keep everything calm and relaxed.
• As a full-service studio, I’ll handle nappy changes, clean-ups, and settling your baby, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
• The studio is kept warm (around 24°C to 26°C) to keep your baby comfortable, especially during nude poses. Please dress in light, comfortable clothing — you’ll be able to change into your outfit for family photos when needed
• I take great care in positioning every tiny finger and toe to create beautiful, natural images of your little one. Your baby's comfort and safety are always my top priority. With over 15 years of experience, thousands of newborns photographed, and professional training in safe newborn handling and posing, you can feel confident your baby is in expert hands.
• Just a heads up: Your baby will probably pee or poo on my props — and quite possibly on me too. Honestly, it happens daily in the studio, and my washing machine and dryer are basically part of the team at this point. No stress — it’s all part of the newborn experience!
• No need to bring any outfits for your baby. Most clothes tend to overwhelm newborns, and I believe the true beauty lies in capturing their pure, natural innocence.
💤 SAFETY, COMFORT & BABY-LED POSING
• Every session is completely baby-led. While I aim to capture a beautiful variety of setups and poses, it’s important to remember that every baby is different. Some drift off easily and settle into poses without a fuss, while others may need a little more time, cuddles, and flexibility. I work gently, patiently, and always follow your baby's cues - allowing them to guide the flow of the session in a way that keeps them calm, comfortable, and happy.
• I will only ever place your baby in positions that are completely safe and comfortable so no matter what pose you may have seen or hoped for. Their wellbeing always comes first.
• I will never persist in trying to achieve a specific pose if your baby shows signs of discomfort.
• With over 15 years of experience, I’m able to read and understand your baby's cues and movements, and I always let them guide what we do to ensure they stay safe, relaxed, and happy throughout the session.
☕ TAKE A BREAK - YOU DESERVE IT!
This is your time to sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance during the session as I have my own trained assistant on hand. Many parents use this time to enjoy a moment of peace - read, reply to emails, scroll Instagram... I’ve even had parents sneak in a nap on the couch (no judgement - I’d do the same!).
🎒What To Bring🎒
Session Must Haves & Essentials
Packing for your newborn session doesn’t need to be complicated — a few thoughtful essentials can make a big difference to how smoothly the session runs. The items below are designed to help keep baby settled, parents comfortable, and siblings happy (or at least distracted). Bring what you can, don’t stress if you forget something, and remember that flexibility is key on the day. I’ll take care of the rest — this list is simply here to make the experience as calm, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Makeup Touch-Up Kit
• Just in case you need a quick refresh before your photos. Studio lighting can sometimes pick up shine or smudges, so it’s great to come prepared.
Spare Clothes for Parents
• Babies are adorable… and unpredictable. Change of clothes is always a good idea in case of little accidents during cuddles or feeding.
Lotion or Baby Oil
• If your baby has dry or flaky skin, a small amount of gentle lotion can help soften those spots before we start.
Snacks & Drinks
• Sessions can run for a few hours, so bring snacks to keep your energy up.
Entertainment for Sibling's
• iPads, books, colouring pads - anything that will keep them happy and occupied while they wait for their turn.
Sibling Bribes (Yes, Really!)
• Think lollies, small toys, or anything they love. These little “rewards” can work wonders when it comes time for sibling shots.
🍼 DON’T FORGET BOTTLES & BACKUPS
Bring Backup Feeds
• Bring extra bottles and formula if you are formula feeding. Babies often feed more than usual during the session due to the warmth of the studio and all the extra activity.
Flexability Is Key
• A full baby is a sleepy baby! Be open to demand feeding - babies often need extra feeds during the session to stay settled and sleepy
Bottle Feeding / Mixed Feeding
• If breastfeeding, try to avoid spicy or gas-inducing foods the day before.
• If possible, bring a bottle of expressed milk as a backup - or formula if you are mixed feeding
🍼 DUMMIES ARE YOUR SECRET WEAPON
• Even if you’re not planning to use a dummy long-term, I recommend bringing one or I do have brand-new, sterilised Tommee Tippee dummies.
• Dummies can help settle your baby quickly, keeping the session flowing smoothly without needing to fully rewrap or reposition.
• Some poses may not be possible if we’re unable to settle your baby at the right moment — a dummy often makes all the difference in achieving those sweet, sleepy setups you see in my portfolio.
☂️What To Wear☂️
Family Styling Guide
Choosing what to wear for your session doesn’t need to feel overwhelming — promise. The goal isn’t matching outfits or chasing trends, but creating a soft, timeless look that keeps the focus where it belongs: on your family and those beautiful connections between you. Simple, neutral tones photograph beautifully, feel effortless on camera, and stand the test of time. This guide is here to take the guesswork out of styling, help you feel confident and comfortable, and make getting dressed one of the easier parts of your session day (which, let’s be honest, is a win).
Remember - Simplicity is Chic!
• For your family images, nothing looks more beautiful than white and cream — they’re timeless, soft, and elegant. I also love beige and taupe for their warm, neutral tones. These shades photograph beautifully and create a clean, cohesive look that keeps the focus on your family. While these are my personal favourites, you’ll find a full list of recommended neutral colours below to help guide your outfit choices.
Dress to Impress:
• Typically we only photograph your top half so dont stress too much about what you are wearing on your bottom half.
Shoes:
• Shoes aren’t needed unless you’d like full-body family images. Most parent and family photos are typically photographed from the waist up, so footwear usually won’t be seen in your final gallery. If you do want full-length images, feel free to bring along a clean, neutral pair of shoes. Siblings are photographed barefoot.
Avoid:
• Logos, Patterns, Graphics, Bold Florals and Bright/Neon colours.
Recommended Neutral Colour Ideas:
• Cream / White
• Greys
• Oatmeal/Beige
• Sage Green
• Olive
• Taupe
• Dusty Blue
• Denium Blue
• Dusty/Blush Pink, Mauve , and Soft Peach
👔Tips For Parents👔
What To Wear
What you wear plays a big part in how your images feel, but it doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful. For parents, the focus is on choosing outfits that feel comfortable, photograph beautifully, and allow you to relax and be present with your baby. Soft fabrics, neutral tones, and simple styles work best on camera and help create a timeless, cohesive look across your gallery. This section will guide you through what works best for both Mum and Dad — with comfort, confidence, and real life very much in mind.
👚Tips for Mum - What To Wear
When it comes to dressing for your session, comfort and confidence are key - soft fabrics like cotton, linen, or light knits photograph beautifully. I recommend starting with your outfit first, then coordinating the rest of the family around it. This ensures you feel confident and comfortable, while creating a cohesive and polished look for your photos.
I typically photograph from the waist up, especially for new mums who may still have a postpartum belly - so no stress about what’s on the bottom unless you want full-body family images
Tops:
• Plain Tshirt or Top, Soft Blouses, Off-the-shoulder or Wrap-style tops are especially flattering and photograph beautifully
Dresses:
• Always a great choice—opt for flowy maxi or midi styles with sleeves or relaxed straps. Wrap or empire waist dresses are perfect for shaping gently without clinging.
Bottoms:
• Aren’t usually needed, as I mostly photograph from the waist up, but if you prefer, leggings or soft skirts are ideal.
💕 Gentle Note to Mum:
I know you may not feel quite like yourself just yet — and that’s completely normal. But I gently encourage you to be in a photo with your new baby while they’re still so tiny and fresh. This portrait isn’t just for you — it’s for your child, who will treasure that memory for a lifetime.
• Please don’t worry about how you look. I’ll guide you into the most flattering angles and soft, natural light. Worst case? You don’t love the photo and never print it. Best case? It becomes one of your most cherished keepsakes.
👕Tips For Dad - What To Wear
When choosing an outfit for Dad, aim for a clean, neutral look that photographs beautifully and keeps the focus on your family (not on clothing distractions). Soft, timeless tones work best in studio because they reflect light gently, flatter skin tones, and blend perfectly with the calm styling of your session. Comfort matters too — when Dad feels relaxed in what he’s wearing, it naturally shows in the photos, creating more genuine, connected images.
Tops:
• Plain T-shirt (long or short sleeve), a button-up dress shirt, linen shirt, light knit jumper or sweater, or a polo top.
Bottoms:
• Chinos, fitted trousers, cargos, slacks, khakis or clean denim jeans (without rips or distressing) are ideal.
Quick Tips:
• Keep it logo-free (the only star of the show is the baby).
• Stick to neutral colours like white, cream, beige, taupe, grey, olive, or soft blue.
• Avoid bright/neon colours, bold patterns, large prints, or heavy stripes.
👗Tips For Siblings👗 What To Wear
Siblings bring so much heart (and personality) to your session — and choosing the right outfits helps everything look beautifully cohesive in your final gallery. The best approach is to keep things simple, comfortable, and in soft neutral tones so the focus stays on your family connection, not on busy colours or loud patterns. Neutrals photograph especially well in studio light because they flatter skin tones, reflect light softly, and create that timeless look you’ll still love years from now.
Most importantly, comfort is key. Outfits that allow easy movement (and zero itching, tugging, or “I hate this” energy) make the session smoother, the smiles more natural, and the photos feel calm, genuine, and effortless.
🥼Tips For The Girls - What To Wear
For the girls, soft, neutral outfits photograph beautifully and create that timeless, classic look that suits the studio styling perfectly. Think gentle tones, simple silhouettes, and comfy fabrics that allow her to move, play and cuddle without fuss — because the more comfortable she feels, the more natural (and adorable) her expressions will be in your final images.
To make styling easy, I have a beautiful selection of dresses available in-studio (sizes 1–6) in tulle, cotton and lace, along with a full wall of headbands to finish the look. If you’d prefer to bring your own outfit, the ideas below will help you choose something that photographs gorgeously and blends seamlessly with the session.
If you prefer to bring your own, here are a few ideas:
Princess Glam:
• Tulle or lace dress in blush, lilac, white, or sage
• Neutral leggings or tights if needed
Simple & Sweet:
• Soft cotton or linen dress in cream, blush or sage
• Light floral prints or watercolour tones also work beautifully
Chic Layers:
• Romper or skirt + bodysuit combo
• Add a cardigan, shrug, or denim vest to complete the look
👕Tips For The Boys - What To Wear
For the boys, the goal is simple: comfy, classic and camera-friendly. Neutral tones and clean, timeless pieces photograph beautifully in studio light and keep the focus on your child’s gorgeous expressions (not a loud outfit that steals the scene). Choose soft fabrics they can move in easily — if they feel good, they’ll settle faster, smile more naturally, and the photos will feel relaxed and effortless.
Simple & Classic:
• White or cream tee or shirt
• Neutral chinos, capri pants, or shorts
• Denim jeans or shorts (no distressing)
Smart Layers:
• Neutral-toned hoodie, cardigan, or jacket over a plain tee
• Linen-blend button-up with chinos or jeans
• Optional accents: suspenders or a small bow tie
💄Hair & Makeup💄
Tips for Getting Session Ready
Whether you’re doing your own hair and makeup or booking a professional,
the goal is to enhance your natural beauty and help you feel confident and radiant.
Prefer to leave Hair and Makeup to the Professionals?
💋 Tips for doing your own Makeup
When it comes to portrait photography, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty—not mask it. The camera tends to soften makeup, so a little extra coverage goes a long way in helping you look polished and glowing on camera.
Foundation:
• Medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish works best. Blend into your neck.
Set It:
• Use translucent powder or setting spray to reduce shine, especially on the T-zone.
Features:
• Add soft bronzer, blush, and a touch of highlighter.
Eyes:
• Stick to neutral tones (browns, taupes, soft golds). Avoid heavy liner or shimmer.
Lips:
• Choose nude lipstick or tinted balm (avoid super glossy finishes).
🎀 Tips for doing your own Hair
When it comes to portrait photography, soft and natural hairstyles always work best. If you prefer loose waves, soft curls, or straight and sleek - go with a style that feels like you, just a little more polished.
• Loose waves, curls, or straightened hair are perfect.
• Avoid tight or overly styled updos.
• Keep it clean, smooth, and lightly styled.
• Use a light mist of hairspray to tame flyaways.
• Bring a hair tie and bobby pins just in case.
❤️Final Note❤️
If you’ve made it this far — you’re already winning!
I know this guide is packed with info, but trust me, a little preparation goes a long way in making your session smooth, relaxed, and full of beautiful moments.
And if things don’t go exactly to plan? Don’t stress. Babies are tiny, adorable wildcards, and I’m ready for whatever your little one brings on the day (even if that’s cuddles, snack breaks, or outfit changes).
And Finally…..
I want you to come away from this session with images you will cherish forever. Thank you for trusting me to capture one of the most wonderful moments in your life.
If you have any questions before your session, reach out anytime - no question is too small.
With Love, Alana 📸
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MELBOURNE
Timeless Baby Portraits by Alana Taylor Photography
Located in Clyde in Melbourne’s South East suburbs, Alana Taylor Photography specialises in professional newborn photography in melbourne with a focus on safety, comfort, and stunning, styled imagery. With over 15 years of experience, Alana captures those sleepy, squishy newborn moments in a relaxed studio setting, creating timeless portraits families will treasure forever.