Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of the most magical moments in life. From tiny fingers to sleepy snuggles, every moment is precious. As a photographer, I love capturing these intimate, natural moments in the comfort of your home through in-home newborn sessions. The familiarity and warmth of your space make for the perfect backdrop to showcase your growing family.

Family sitting in nursery during newborn session — photographed by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

Lifestyle newborn photography session with two moms reading to toddler and holding baby in cozy nursery with natural light — photographed by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

If you’re considering an in-home newborn session, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for a beautiful, stress-free experience.

Why Choose an In-Home Newborn Session?

In-home newborn sessions offer something truly special: the comfort and authenticity of your own space. Unlike studio sessions, your home is where your family will spend most of your early days with your newborn. This type of session allows you to be fully relaxed and in your element, while still capturing the beauty of your baby’s early moments. Plus, it provides the opportunity to incorporate personal elements like nursery decor, family heirlooms, or the family pet!

Lifestyle newborn photography session with two mothers sitting in a cozy, sunlit living room with their children—one doing shadow puppets with a toddler, the other holding a newborn baby while sitting on sofa— captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

When Should You Schedule Your In-Home Newborn Session?

The best time for a newborn session is typically within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. During this time, newborns are still in their sleepy, snuggly phase, making it easier to capture those peaceful, curled-up moments. That said, it’s never too late to document your baby’s first weeks! If your little one is a bit older, there’s still plenty of sweetness to capture.

Preparing for Your In-Home Newborn Session

To help ensure a smooth and successful in-home session, here’s a simple prep guide:

1. Time Your Session Around Baby’s Routine

Try to schedule the session around your baby’s feeding and nap times. A well-fed, sleepy baby will be more content for photos. If possible, aim for a time when your baby is usually calm and sleepy, so we can get those beautiful, peaceful shots.

Lifestyle newborn session with baby stretching in basket — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

Lifestyle newborn session with toddler kissing baby in basket — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

2. Create a Clean, Tidy Space

While we don’t need every corner of your home to be perfect, try to clear any clutter from the main areas we’ll be using for photos. Freshly made beds, tidy rooms, and clean surfaces will help create a serene, welcoming atmosphere for the photos. We’ll mostly be focusing on the nursery, your living room, and bedroom, so consider where you spend most of your time with baby.

3. Lighting Is Key

Natural light is our best friend for in-home newborn sessions. Open the blinds or curtains in the rooms where we’ll be shooting, especially those that face the sun. The more natural light we have, the softer and more flattering the photos will be. If you have a favourite spot in your home with great light, let me know, and we’ll focus on that area.

4. Choose Comfortable, Coordinated Clothing

For family shots, aim for neutral or soft tones that coordinate well without being too matchy. Stay away from bold patterns and bright colors that could distract from the connection between family members. Comfort is key, so wear something that makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Think cozy sweaters, simple dresses, or soft cotton shirts for a laid-back, natural vibe.

Lifestyle newborn session with two mothers holding newborn between them — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

Lifestyle newborn session with two mothers holding their children, a toddler and a newborn — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

5. Keep Baby’s Needs in Mind

Make sure to have plenty of diapers, wipes, and any feeding essentials nearby for the session. A calm, well-rested baby makes for the best photos, so if your baby needs a break during the session for feeding or soothing, we’ll take it! This is all about capturing the real, unposed moments, so don’t worry about interruptions.

6. Include Special Family Elements

If there are sentimental items like blankets, toys, or family heirlooms that you’d like to include in the session, feel free to have them ready. These personal touches can add meaning to the photos and make them even more memorable.

Lifestyle newborn session with two moms reading to toddler and holding baby in cozy nursery with natural light — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

What to Expect During Your In-Home Newborn Session

During your session, I will guide you through natural, relaxed poses, making sure to capture both posed shots and candid moments of connection. We’ll spend time getting to know each other while I work to document the love, joy, and excitement that’s present in your home.

If you have other children or pets, don’t worry – we’ll incorporate them into the session as well! There’s something extra special about big brothers and sisters meeting their new sibling, and having your family dog snuggle in with everyone makes for some adorable photos.

Lifestyle newborn session with toddler hugging family dog — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

Lifestyle newborn session with toddler jumping on bed — captured by Alliston and Barrie maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Above all, remember that this session is about documenting your family’s love and connection in the first days of your baby’s life. There’s no need to stress about perfection. Babies cry, feed, and need breaks – and that’s all part of the process! This session is meant to be easygoing and fun, so you can relax and enjoy the moments.