Searching for the perfect newborn photoshoot outfits? You are in the right place because this newborn family photo outfit guide has all the best tips, advice and shopping links to create gorgeous newborn family photos.
Bringing a newborn into the family is a *magical* moment, and also totally overwhelming. The newborn days are long and fast all at once, and I believe that it is so important to document this little slice of time with your yummy, tiny little newborn babe. You can schedule newborn photos with just your little one, but I think its so special to capture your new family in these photos.
If you are thinking about newborn photos, this blog post will give you all the best tips and advice on how to style your whole family for your family newborn photoshoot. After over a decade of photographing lifestyle in-home newborn photos, I know exactly what works great on camera, and I’ve styled over 20+ different newborn family photo outfits, so you don’t have to stress about finding the perfect outfits.
**This post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase anything which helps me support my content creation on this blog.**
What to wear for newborn family photos?
When it comes to picking outfits for your newborn family photos, it is all about finding selecting clothing that compliments your location and adding texture into those items. Here are some of my tips to help you find the perfect newborn family photo outfits.
- Coordinate, But Don’t Match: Avoid being matchy-matchy. Opt for a coordinated style with colors that complement each other, creating a styled family look without looking like you raided the same closet.
- Pick Outfits with Soft and Neutral Tones: Think soft, dreamy vibes. Pastels, creams, and light blues are your best friends. These colors not only make your family photos timeless but also allow your newborn to be the star of the photos.
- Include Textures and Layers: Break up the neutral color palette by adding visual interest with textures like chunky knits, ribbed fabrics, muslin, linen, gauze or lace.
- Avoid Busy Patterns + Logos: Keep it simple. Skip the bold prints and busy patterns that might steal the spotlight. A pretty floral print or timeless simple print are the exception to this rule.
Best Colors for Newborn Family Photos
- Soft Pastels: blush pink, mint green, baby blue
- Neutrals: whites, creams, grays, beige
- Earth Tones: sage green, warm browns, and muted terracottas. These earthy hues add a touch of warmth to your photos.
- Subdued Jewel Tones: For those who lean towards richer colors, try dusty rose, muted navy, or deep emerald for a sophisticated twist.
- Monochromatic Schemes: Pick different shades of a single color for that effortlessly chic look. It’s a simple way to create cohesive and stylish outfits without overthinking it.
What should our newborn wear for a newborn session?
- Simple Onesies: Opt for simple, solid-colored onesies. They are easy to put on and take off, allowing for quick changes if needed during the session.
- Textured Fabrics: Choose outfits with texture. Think ribbed PJs, linen jumpsuits, muslin blankets, chunky knit sweater onsies.
- Neutral Colors: Neutral colors like whites, creams, light grays, and pastels are perfect for newborns as they provide a timeless look and keep your little one the focus of the photo.
- Knotted Sleeping Gowns: These are a great option and alternative to a swaddled newborn look. I think they work best for baby girls paired with a cute headband or bow.
- Wrap or Swaddle Blanket: Your newborn is going to spend a lot of hours swaddled, so this is a sweet option that photographs great. This is great for little boys or little girls, and may help keep them sleeping during the session. Pro Tip: Dress your newborn in a onsie or pj first and then the swaddle. This is a great way to have your newborn in two different outfits without waking them during the photoshoot to change them.
- Hats or Headbands: Small hats or delicate headbands really add to those sweet newborn outfits. I love the Baby Bling headbands for newborn girls and the Copper Pearl hats for little boys.
- Gifted outfits or heirloom pieces: If you have a special outfit or accessory with sentimental value, feel free to bring it along. It could be a handmade item or something passed down through the family.
- Solid colors or subtle pattern: Avoid outfits with busy patterns or large logos. Solid colors or subtle patterns help keep the focus on your baby’s sweet face.
PRO TIP: Bring Spare Outfits + Different Sizes
Accidents happen, especially with newborns. Have a couple of spare outfits on hand in case of unexpected messes or if you want to switch up the look. You may want to order your favorite outfits in 2 different sizes – newborn + 0-3 and perhaps even preemie. You don’t know how tiny your baby will be and having something that fits more snug will really show of your little newborn.
Shop the boys Amazon newborn picture outfit ideas below
oatmeal hat // blue 2-piece ribbed set // blue zipper pjs // green zipper pjs // tan zipper pjs // light blue 2-piece ribbed set // tan ribbed onsie // ribbed green sleeping gown // cream muslin swaddle // blue swaddles // oatmeal newborn swaddle
shop these newborn boy outfits from Amazon
(or click on the image for a direct link to each item)
tan sleeveless body suit // beige footie pj // blue hat + blue swaddles // oatmeal hat + oatmeal newborn swaddle // green zipper pjs // cream muslin swaddle // green zipper pjs // light grey snap pjs / tan ribbed onsie / light blue 2-piece ribbed set // grey/tan zipper pjs
shop these newborn boy outfits from Amazon
tan ribbed bodysuit // beige pj sleeper // tan ribbed onsie // tan long sleeve top and pants // oatmeal hat // oatmeal swaddle// stripped pjs // white pjs // beige ribbed long sleeve onsie // tan pjs // rust sleeping gown // olive jumpsuit // brown sleeping gown
Shop these Amazon Girl Newborn Outfits
baby headband bows // girl’s bow // floral hat // pink zipper pjs // cream zipper pjs // pink newborn ruffle sleeper // pink long sleeve and pants // green baby ruffle outfit // cream sleeping gown // pink sleeping gown // pink muslin swaddles // floral swaddle // oatmeal newborn swaddle
What are the best outfits for mom to wear for newborn family pictures?
New moms, I’ve got you covered! Choosing the right outfit for an in-home newborn family photoshoot is all about feeling comfortable and confident in your postpartum body.
Pro Tip: Consider ordering your favorite looks in two sizes. Between your postpartum belly and your chest, things may fit differently than your pre-pregnancy body. Have a couple options that work before you deliver your little one so you can decide what you feel best in.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few of my best tips for new mamas.
- Flowy or Maternity Dresses: Opt for a flowy dress or a maternity dress. Since you don’t know exactly how your body will be postpartum, these options provide the flexibility you need while ensuring you look fabulous.
- Avoid Wrap Dresses and Low-Cuts: If breastfeeding is on the agenda (because, let’s face it, babies have their own schedule), wrap dresses or low-cut styles may be a little too revealing for your photos. I find that a dress that covers your chest often works best postpartum.
- Select a dress with sleeves: For those who may be a bit self-conscious about their arms, choose a dress with long sleeves or sleeves. This small adjustment can make a world of difference if you are worried about how your arms look.
- Neutral colors work best: Neutral colors are popular for a reason. Stick with neutral colors like cream, taupe, white, beige, light pinks, light blues, earth tones. You can select a print in these colors or stick with a solid color. They allow these lifetime photos to stand the test of time with colors that are timeless, they don’t take away from the main focus (your sweet newborn), and they allow these photos to be displayed in any room in your home.
- Include texture in your newborn family photo outfits: When the color palette is soft / neutral, it is great to break up the color story with texture. Think linens, gauze, muslin, chunky knits, ribbed fabrics, etc. Try to include different textures in everyone’s outfits.
13+ Styled Newborn Photoshoot Family Outfits
Now, let’s explore a curated selection of 13+ styled family outfits, complete with shopping links. From classic neutrals to boho chic vibes, these outs are curated to inspire and elevate your in-home newborn family photo session and take the stress out of figuring what to wear for your newborn photos.
shop these newborn family photo outfits
mom’s dress // girl’s pink dress // girl’s bow // newborn baby tan outfit // dad’s sweater // dad’s pants
options : girl’s pink dress via amazon
shop these newborn family photo outfits
navy blue newborn swaddle blanket // navy blue newborn hat // cream zipper pjs // dad’s blue shirt // dad’s tan pants
mom’s white jeans // mom’s crochet sweater // white tank top
girl’s blue flutter sleeve dress // boys blue pants // boys cream sweater
additional options : crochet sweater
Wondering how this newborn family outfit looks during a photoshoot? Here is a similar look.
shop these newborn photoshoot outfits
mom’s dress // newborn jumpsuit cream // dad’s cream henley // dad’s pants // girl’s outfit // girl’s tights
additional options : cream newborn sweater // rib knit newborn jumpsuit // men’s cream sweater // men’s cream henley option 2
shop these newborn photoshoot outfits
mom’s dress // girl’s pink dress // girl’s bow // newborn baby tan outfit // dad’s sweater // dad’s pants
options : girl’s pink dress via amazon
shop these newborn photoshoot outfits
dad’s green sweater // dad’s pants // green girl’s dress // boy’s cream henley // boy’s green pants // cream baby ruffle outfit // baby headband bows // mom’s dress
shop these newborn photoshoot outfits
brown henley // dad’s beige pants // pink newborn ruffle sleeper // pink gauze girl’s dress // boy’s shirt + pants // mom’s white dress// girl’s tights
shop these newborn picture family outfits
mom’s dress // girl’s blue flutter sleeve dress // girl’s cream dress // baby romper // dad’s blue shirt // dad’s tan pants
shop these newborn picture family outfits
mom’s off shoulder floral dress // sage green newborn pjs // girl’s floral skirt + pink top // dad’s blue shirt // dad’s pants
shop these newborn picture family outfits
dad’s blue polo shirt // dad’s cream pants //blue newborn pjs // girl’s white dress // boy’s white polo // boys’ pants // mom’s floral dress
shop these newborn picture family outfits
mom’s dress // newborn’s pjs // girl’s dress // dad’s white polo // dad’s cream pants
shop these newborn picture family outfits
mom’s knitted jumper// newborn’s pjs// girls’ dress // dad’s blue shirt // dad’s pants
shop these newborn picture family outfits
men’s shirt // men’s grey pants // baby pjs // girl’s dress // mom’s dress // boy’s polo shirt // boy’s pants // navy blue newborn swaddle blanket // navy blue newborrn hat
shop these newborn picture family outfits
Shop the newborn outfit on Amazon
men’s green shirt // men’s grey pants // baby girl’s onsie // girl’s dress // mom’s dress
additional options : men’s green shirt (non-amazon) // men’s grey pants
Where to Shop for Outfits for Family Newborn Photos
There are SO many places to shop for really great outfits for your newborn photos for your whole family. If aren’t sure where to look, here are a few of my favorite places.
Pro Tip : Order multiple sizes for your newborn outfits including preemie, newborn, 0-3. You don’t know how big your baby will be and you don’t know how the brand’s sizing runs. That way you will have an outfit that fits perfectly no matter what.
- For Newborns → H&M, Carter’s (Little Planet), Amazon, Caden Lane, Mebie Baby
- For Moms → Vici, Lulus, PinkBlush, Petal + Pup, Baltic Born, Nuuly (clothing rental company)
- For Dads & Older Boys → J.Crew, Gap, Old Navy Banana Republic, Bonobos, Sailwind Store on Amazon,
- For Little Boys → H&M, Carters, Gap, Old Navy, ChubbyBubbyBear
- For Older Girls → H&M, Old Navy
- For Little Girls → H&M, ChubbyBubbyBear, Amazon ~ Great for rompers, dresses, and knit onesies
If you are a photographer …..
If you are a photographer looking for advice and styled outfits to share with your clients, get on my waitlist to purchase my styled family photo outfits Canva template that you can use to drop in your own branding / logo and share with your clients upon booking.
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