There is something about those first days with a newborn baby that feels almost impossible to put into words.

The world slows down, even when everything is new and exhausting. The days blur together in feedings and snuggles, but somehow, the smallest moments feel enormous. Tiny fingers wrapped around yours. Sleepy stretches in the morning light. The way your baby fits so perfectly against your chest.

When Archie was brand new, I remember thinking, I never want to forget this.

And that’s why newborn photos mean so much.

We chose to document this season with an in-home newborn photography session, and I’m still so grateful we did. Our photographer, Lauren Michelle Photography, captured the sweetest moments — not just posed portraits, but the feeling of our home, our family, and all the love surrounding our new baby.

Whether you’re planning newborn photo sessions with a professional photographer or simply hoping to take more meaningful photos of the baby yourself, there are a few simple things that make all the difference.

Here are my favorite tips for taking beautiful newborn photos at home — in a way that feels natural, safe, and truly timeless.

You might also like: 13 Creative Mother Daughter Photoshoot Ideas, and Mother Daughter Photo Shoot | Foster Beach, Chicago

Let Your Home Be the Backdrop

One of the best things about taking newborn photos at home is that everything already feels personal.

You don’t need a perfect studio session or an elaborate setup. Some of the most beautiful newborn portraits happen right in the spaces you live in every day — your bedroom, the nursery, the couch where you spend hours rocking your baby.

For us, the bed became the perfect place for family photos. Soft blankets, neutral tones, cozy light… it was simple, but it felt like us.

If you’re taking newborn photos at home, look for spots that feel calm and uncluttered:

A bed with light bedding
A bassinet near a window
A cozy chair in the nursery
A soft blanket on the floor

Simple backgrounds allow your newborn baby to be the focus.

Lauren Michelle Photography

Lauren is a longtime friend and an insanely talented photographer. She launched her business several years ago, and I quickly volunteered to be a test subject. I'm glad I got in early because she is super popular and books up fast!

Lauren loves to capture family moments and has a soft spot for mother daughter photo shoots.

She offers an unbelievable ability to capture the essence of your child while keeping everyone calm, happy, and having fun. It truly is like magic with her behind the camera. Plus, her style is stunning. Lauren captures that light, bright feel that we all know and love, but also shares the vibrancy of the moment. Her editing style is perfection! She shot Emmie's newborn photos, 6-month photos, and so many others and is my go-to for family photography. If you're interested in booking with Lauren, you can reach out on her Instagram page.

Natural Light Makes Everything Softer

Lighting is truly everything when it comes to baby photography.

If there’s one tip I always come back to, it’s this: use natural light whenever possible.

The soft glow from a window during daylight hours creates that airy, dreamy look that feels so timeless in newborn photoshoot images.

Try photographing:

In the morning when the light is gentle
Near the biggest window in your home
With curtains slightly diffusing harsh sun

Turn off overhead lights and let the natural light do the work.

It’s the best way to create professional photos at home without needing fancy equipment.

Keep Baby Comfortable and Safe Above All

Newborn safety is always the top priority.

Newborn photo shoots should never feel stressful or overly complicated. Your baby doesn’t need to be posed in uncomfortable ways, and you don’t need a long list of newborn props to create something beautiful.

At home, the safest newborn poses are often the simplest:

Baby swaddled in a blanket
Curled up on a soft bed
Resting in a parent’s arms
Tiny details like hands and feet

A posed newborn session done by a professional newborn photographer comes with training and support — but at home, comfort comes first.

Always keep baby supported, warm, and close.

Plan Around the Sleepiest Moments

The best time for newborn photos is usually after a feeding, when baby has a full tummy and is drifting into that deep sleep.

Those sleepy moments make it easier to capture peaceful newborn portraits without forcing anything.

If you’re planning an actual session at home, give yourself extra time. Newborn photo sessions move slowly — and they should.

Some things that help:

Feed baby right before starting
Keep the room warm
Swaddle if baby prefers it
Take breaks when needed

The first days of life are unpredictable, and that’s okay.

Dress Baby in Simple, Neutral Pieces

One thing I love most about the photos we have of Archie is how timeless they feel.

A lot of that comes down to what he wore: soft, simple, neutral clothing that didn’t distract from him.

For newborn photography sessions, simple is always the best option:

White onesies
Soft swaddles
Neutral knit wraps
Loose fitting outfits that don’t mark baby’s skin

Solid colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your newborn baby’s features — the tiny nose, the sleepy cheeks, those fresh little days of life.

Include the Whole Family

Some of my favorite sessions are always the ones that include the whole family.

Newborn photos aren’t just about the baby — they’re about the beginning of a new life for everyone.

Matt holding Archie close. Emmie leaning in, curious and proud. Those moments felt so real.

If you have older siblings, sibling photos can be some of the sweetest images from your newborn portrait session.

A few gentle tips:

Keep sibling photos short and relaxed
Have them sit on the bed with support nearby
Let them interact naturally instead of forcing poses
Capture candid moments over perfect smiles

Older siblings bring so much heart to newborn photo sessions, even when they’re wiggly.

Don’t Forget the Tiny Details

Some of the most meaningful photos of the baby are the close-ups.

The little things change almost overnight.

Make sure to capture:

Tiny feet in your hands
Baby’s fingers curled around yours
Soft eyelashes and cheeks
The texture of baby’s skin
Those sleepy newborn stretches

These are the images you’ll look back on years from now and feel transported.

A Few Simple Props Go a Long Way

You don’t need a full collection of newborn props, but a few thoughtful touches can add warmth:

A soft textured blanket
A woven basket with padding
A personalized hat
Neutral wraps

In our newborn shoot, everything stayed simple and cozy — nothing overdone, just gentle layers that kept the focus on Archie.

Professional Photos Start With a Calm Environment

Even if you’re hiring a photographer (which I always recommend if it’s in your budget), the prep you do at home makes such a difference.

A professional newborn photographer can guide you through everything, but these small things help the entire session feel smoother:

Choose neutral outfits ahead of time
Tidy one main space with good light
Keep baby comfortable and fed
Allow extra time
Release the pressure for perfection

The Gallery

At the end of the day, the best newborn photos aren’t about mastering every newborn pose or creating a perfectly styled setup.

They’re about capturing what this season actually looks and feels like — the quiet moments, the closeness, the newness of it all.

Whether you’re snapping a few photos on your phone near a sunny window or planning a full newborn photography session with someone like Lauren Michelle Photography, the goal is the same: to have something to look back on when these days start to feel like a blur.

Because newborns change so quickly, and even a handful of meaningful images can bring you right back to the beginning.

A HUGE thank you to Lauren for these photos. If you're interested in booking with Lauren, you can reach out on her Instagram page.