How to Prepare for an In-Home Newborn Photo Session: A Simple Checklist
A guide from your Myrtle Beach newborn photographer
3-weeks old baby Maria
Bringing your baby home is one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of your life. Everything feels new, tender, and full of love — and you want to hold on to those first little details forever.
As a Myrtle Beach newborn photographer, one of my favorite ways to help families do that is through in-home newborn photography sessions. These sessions are all about keeping things simple, comfortable, and meaningful — with stunning results that tell the story of your baby's very first days.
If you’re wondering how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the experience as easy as possible, you’re in the right place.
In this article, you’ll learn:
How to get your home ready without any deep cleaning
A few easy tips to help your baby stay calm and cozy
What not to stress about before your session
Let’s start with why choosing to have your newborn session at home might be the best decision you make.
Why In-Home Newborn Sessions Are Worth It
There’s something incredibly special about photographing your baby at home. It’s not just where you feed, rock, and snuggle them. It’s also where your story as a family is beginning. That cozy, lived-in space becomes part of the memory — and that makes the photos even more meaningful.
But these sessions aren’t just about capturing pretty moments. They’re also about making things easier for you as a new parent.
If you’ve just had a baby, you’re probably still recovering, both physically and emotionally. You might be exhausted, overwhelmed, and nowhere near ready to pack a diaper bag, get dressed, and head to a studio. That’s why I bring the studio to you.
As your Myrtle Beach newborn photographer, I show up with everything we need — lighting, wraps, blankets, and all the little things that make a session run smoothly. You don’t have to lift a finger.
We’ll set up in a quiet, cozy spot in your home and take things slowly. If your baby needs to eat or be changed, that’s totally normal. If you need a break or just want to sit back and watch, that’s fine too.
Best of all, your home gives the session a deeply personal feel. Whether it’s a favorite chair, a special blanket, or just the soft window light spilling onto your bed, those details add warmth and realness to every image.
Even with a studio-style setup, like I used for baby Maria’s in-home session, everything felt calm and effortless. She was gently posed, warmly wrapped, and photographed in soft, flattering light — all without leaving her own home.
When to Schedule Your Newborn Photography Session
If you’ve Googled “when is the best time for newborn photos,” you’ve probably seen that 7–10 day window mentioned everywhere. That’s definitely a great time for those extra sleepy, curled-up shots — but it’s not the only time that works.
In-home sessions allow for more flexibility. Because your baby is in a familiar space and we’re not rushing through a studio timeslot, we can still create beautiful images even if your baby is a little older.
For example, baby Maria was three weeks old during her session. She was alert for a few moments, then calmly drifted off to sleep, giving us a variety of looks. We gently guided her into poses, and because she was content and well-fed, the session flowed beautifully.
So when should you schedule?
If you’re hoping for those sleepy, womb-like poses, aim for within the first 14 days.
If you need more time to rest or adjust to life at home, 3–4 weeks is still wonderful.
If your baby was premature or spent time in the NICU, we’ll work together to find the right time once they’re home and thriving.
Ideally, book your session during your third trimester so I can reserve a window around your due date. Once your baby arrives, we’ll set the final date based on how you’re both feeling.
Newborn photos are about preserving this short, sacred season — not rushing through it.
Your Simple Pre-Session Checklist
7 easy steps to get ready for your in-home photo session
Preparing for your session doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve photographed dozens of newborns in homes all across Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, and I can promise you — less is more. Here’s a simple checklist to help you feel ready (without any added stress):
1. Warm up your home
Newborns love warmth. Set the room temperature to around 75°F (24°C) before I arrive. This helps keep baby calm and sleepy, especially during undressed or lightly wrapped poses.
2. Feed your baby shortly before the session
A full tummy means a sleepy baby. Try to plan a feeding 20–30 minutes before I arrive, or we can pause for a quick feeding break before we begin.
3. Dress baby in easy-to-remove clothing
Loose-fitting onesies or sleepers that zip or snap in the front are perfect. We’ll often undress baby gently to start with a wrap or diaper-only pose, so something simple helps us avoid waking them up.
4. Choose a room with good light
If your home has a big window or sliding door, that’s usually all I need. If not, don’t worry — I bring professional strobe lighting to create the soft, dreamy look you see in my portfolio.
5. Have a few wraps or personal items nearby
I bring a curated selection of wraps, headbands, and textures — but if you have a family heirloom, handmade blanket, or favorite swaddle, feel free to include it.
6. Try to keep baby awake for 30–60 minutes before I arrive
This helps them fall into a deeper sleep once we start. A warm bath or some snuggly playtime usually does the trick. But don’t stress if this doesn’t go to plan — we’ll adapt.
7. Don’t worry about tidying your whole house
I only need a small space to work. You just had a baby — no one expects perfection. I’ll move what I need to and keep the focus on what really matters.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
Every parent has the same questions before their newborn session:
“Do I need to clean the whole house?”
“What if the baby cries the whole time?”
“What if I don’t feel photo-ready?”
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to worry.
Your home doesn’t need to be perfect
I work in one small area — a cozy corner with good light, or space for my portable setup. I’m used to diaper bags, laundry baskets, and busy family life. It’s all part of the story.
You don’t need fancy outfits
Some of the most timeless images come from simple wraps, bare skin, or soft textures. Baby Maria looked absolutely beautiful wrapped in gentle tones — no outfit changes needed.
Your baby doesn’t need to be perfectly quiet
Fussing, diaper changes, feedings — they’re all part of the process. I follow your baby’s rhythm, take my time, and never rush. This is a gentle, baby-led session.
You don’t need to pose your baby
I’ve been trained in safe newborn posing, and I’ll guide every step. My goal is always comfort first, then beauty second. Everything is done with care and love.
What Parents Say After the Session
After nearly every in-home session I’ve done in Myrtle Beach, I hear the same words from parents:
“I didn’t think it would be this easy.”
“I can’t believe how relaxed the baby was.”
“I’m so glad we didn’t have to go anywhere.”
That’s what I want for you — an experience that feels peaceful, memorable, and completely free of stress.
During Maria’s session, everything moved slowly and gently. She was three weeks old, sleepy and content, with no rush and no pressure. We paused to soothe, wrapped her softly, and created a series of calm, classic images that her parents now treasure.
My approach is always focused on comfort — for the baby and for you. This time is fleeting, and I want to make sure you have photos that capture it just the way it felt.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a newborn session doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you work with a Myrtle Beach newborn photographer who brings the studio to your home, everything becomes simpler — and more meaningful.
Here’s what to remember:
In-home sessions give you comfort, flexibility, and beautiful results
You don’t need to do much to get ready — just warm the room and feed baby
There’s no pressure for perfection — your baby will lead the way
If you’re currently expecting or recently welcomed your baby, the next step is simple. Reach out early so we can schedule your session window and plan for a relaxed, beautiful experience right in your own home.
