What to Bring to the Studio


If this is your first time doing a newborn session or maybe even one of your first outings with a newborn, you might be feeling a bit nervous. As a mom, I know that packing up everything you need to venture outside the house with a new baby can be daunting. As a Manhattan, Kansas newborn photographer, I’m here to ease some of that stress. In fact, I’ll tell you that you probably don’t need much more than what’s already in your diaper bag! I have everything at my studio like swaddle blankets and wraps, adorable hats and bonnets, gorgeous headbands and cute little outfits for your newborn. The studio is also stocked with diapers, wipes, and burp cloths but parents usually bring their own. 


Here’s my list of what to bring to your newborn session and what to leave at home. 


  1. A Soothie Pacifier - Pacifiers can be really helpful during a session. Even if your baby only occasionally takes a pacifier, it’s a good idea to bring one with you. It can make all the difference during your photoshoot. Please bring one without anything attached.
  2. Diapers and Wipes - The studio is stocked with Honest brand diapers in newborn size. It’s a good idea to have a few of your own diapers just in case. Parents almost always use there own diapers in the size and brand they prefer.
  3. Bottles - For efficiency, having a bottle on hand can be very helpful to soothe baby back to sleep while posing versus stopping the session for a full feeding if you’re nursing. Even just a few sips can sometimes be all that’s needed before your baby will head back to slumber!
  4. Sibling Snacks - If baby has a young sibling, I recommend bringing a few things to ensure that they are happy and comfortable. My newborn sessions usually run 3-4 hours, so bringing plenty of snacks and a healthy lunch for your toddler or pre-schooler is a good idea. If your little one is old enough to understand incentives, a few little treats (think fruit snacks or something else that isn’t too messy) can be helpful.
  5. An iPad or other engaging activity: Siblings are welcome to stay but I don't have much to keep them entertained. You may want to bring a tablet, coloring books, or other quiet solo activities. Headphones are always a good idea if they will be watching or playing on an iPad in the studio. It may also be easier or convenient for one of the parents to take the older siblings elsewhere when we aren't doing family photos.
  6. Any special item you may want to include in your newborn photos - Not everyone has something specific they want featured in their shoot, but if you do, please remember to bring it on picture day and be sure and let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly. Military families especially, may like to include a uniform jacket or dog tags.
  7. What you should bring for yourself - you may want to have extra snacks or drinks on hand, a book or tablet, and a hairbrush and makeup to touch up your look before parent photos. Radinas Bakery and Coffeehouse is conveniently located next door! You'll also want to wear or bring your outfit for family portraits.
Peaceful sleeping newborn wrapped in white on soft furry white blanket.
Sleeping newborn wrapped in patriotic theme with military uniform and American flag backdrop.
Sleeping newborn wearing jeweled crown on olive green backdrop.
A sleeping newborn baby wearing a white headband rests their chin on folded hands against a light backdrop.
Sleeping newborn wrapped in olive knit wrap on textured grey background.
Peaceful newborn with lace headband swaddled in white wrap on light background.