What to Wear for Family Photos With a Newborn: A Real-Life Guide

Newborn and family sessions aren’t about crisp collars or coordinating khakis. They’re about capturing the deep-in-your-bones kind of love that shows up in the quietest of moments. A sleepy baby on your chest. A toddler with sticky hands clinging to your leg. A partner who’s just as tired and just as smitten. These images tell your story as it is. The clothing you wear should support that story, not overshadow it. Even if you’re in the studio.

Here’s how to choose outfits that feel like you, photograph beautifully, and help your whole family stay relaxed, connected, and genuinely present.

FOR BABIES: NO FRILLS, JUST FEELS

Let’s get this out of the way first. Babies do not need to wear outfits.

In fact, the best photos often happen when they aren’t wearing much at all.

Avoid anything stiff, bulky, or scratchy. Tulle? Tiny suspenders? Collared onesies? Save them for another occasion. Not for a cuddle-heavy photo session. In the short amount of time we have together, we can’t afford for baby to be fussy because they are uncomfortable or to wrestle with clothes that won’t lay right.

The best choices are:

  • A snug cotton onesie in a soft, neutral color

  • A plain footie without graphics, zippers, or ruffles

  • Just a diaper wrapped in a muslin swaddle (simple, timeless, and ideal for skin-to-skin moments)

Soft textures and well-fitting basics allow us to see them. Their soft hair, squishy cheeks, the way they curl into you. No distractions. Just connection.

FOR MOMS: COMFORT, ELEVATED

Your body has done something incredible. You deserve to feel beautiful—but not at the expense of comfort.

Great wardrobe choices include:

  • A flowy cotton or linen dress in a muted or earthy tone

  • A wrap dress or oversized button-up for easy nursing access

  • A soft knit set or gauzy robe layered over a nursing bra or camisole

  • Elevate jeans and a t-shirt by choosing a top with lovely little details, like the one above

  • Bare feet and bare shoulders, if that feels right for you

If your outfit itches, pinches, rides up, or requires tape to stay put, it’s not the one. You should be able to bend, nurse, snuggle, and sway without adjusting anything.

Color tip: Soft neutrals like cream, oatmeal, clay, or sage photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your expressions and gestures.

FOR DADS + PARTNERS: SIMPLE AND GROUNDED

Partners often feel unsure about what to wear. The goal is to keep things low-fuss and cohesive with the rest of the family.

Suggestions:

  • A soft henley or crewneck tee in a solid, muted tone

  • A cozy sweater or cardigan in earth tones or blues

  • Well-fitted jeans or chinos in a neutral color

Stay away from big logos, graphic prints, or stiff collars. Think approachable and relaxed. A shirt you’d wear to your favorite coffee shop on a chilly morning. Something you can snuggle a baby in. Not something you’d wear to the office.

FOR OLDER SIBLINGS: COMFORT MEETS CHARACTER

If there’s a big sibling in the mix, let their personality come through.

Encourage them to wear something they feel good in—but avoid neon colors, glittery graphics, or cartoon characters unless that’s something truly central to who they are right now (and in that case, go for it and own the moment).

A few winning combos:

  • A knit romper or overalls with a simple tee

  • A dress or tunic in soft cotton with leggings or bare feet

  • Linen joggers and a ribbed tee

  • Favorite lovey or toy? Let it come too. It’s part of the story.

FAMILY-WIDE STYLE TIPS: COORDINATE, DON’T CLONE

This is not your holiday card from 1996. Matching everyone in identical outfits tends to feel forced and flat. I encourage you not to dress anyone exactly the same, even if you have twins.

Instead, think in terms of tone and texture:

  • Choose a loose color palette of 3–4 complementary shades (think rust, olive, cream, and soft rose… or slate, sand, and warm caramel)

  • Mix solids with subtle patterns (like stripes, ditsy florals, or checks)

  • Layer different textures like linen, waffle knit, ribbed cotton, or gauze

Let everyone dress in a way that feels like them, but like they all belong to the same visual story.

A FEW MORE THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • No shoes needed. Bare feet always win for intimacy and connection.

  • Avoid shiny fabrics or busy prints. They pull focus.

  • Avoid t-shirt material, unless it’s a t-shirt. Dresses and rompers in this material do not photograph well.

  • Layers are your friend. A cardigan or wrap adds movement and softness.

  • Make sure everyone’s comfortable. Tugging and fidgeting kills the mood.

  • Have backups ready! Babies spit up. Often a quick change is necessary for baby, mom, or dad.

YOUR CLOTHES SHOULD SERVE THE MOMENT

This isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about showing up and being seen. When everyone is comfortable, calm, and not sweating in stiff fabrics, real moments have space to unfold.

Still unsure what to wear? I’m always happy to help. Text me photos of your outfit options. Let me peek in your closet. We’ll figure it out together.

Because these aren’t just pictures. They’re proof of love. Let’s dress like it.

Newborn, What To WearNatalie WeberPensacola Newborn Photographer, Newborn PhotographyComment