Your home does not need to be perfect for newborn photos. I promise.
You do not need professional decorating or spotless counters. Your nursery also does not need to look like it belongs in a magazine.
Parents considering in-home newborn photography in Indianapolis often worry about preparing their homes.
A little preparation goes a long way, and I want it to feel easy—especially after bringing home a new baby.
The photos from this recent in-home newborn session are a great example. We used natural light, meaningful rooms, and a baby-led pace.
Here is how I recommend preparing your home for newborn photos.
Do I Need to Clean My Entire House Before Newborn Photos?
Please do not spend the day before your session deep-cleaning every room.
Instead, focus on two or three areas. Clear distracting items from floors, dressers, and nightstands.
You can place extra items in a laundry basket and move it out of sight. This is much easier than organizing your entire house.
If something remains in the background, I can often move it or adjust my angle.
Your home should still look like your home.
Which Rooms Work Best for In-Home Newborn Photos?
I typically photograph families in the parents’ bedroom, nursery, and one main living area.
Every home is different, though. We may use all three rooms or choose others entirely.
When I arrive, someone can give me a quick tour. I’ll look at the light and decide where to start.
The brightest room is not always the largest or most decorated—light matters most.
Open Your Curtains and Turn Off Overhead Lights
I use natural window light during in-home newborn sessions.
Before I arrive, open curtains and blinds in the rooms we may use, and remove anything blocking windows.
I will likely turn off overhead lights while photographing since household bulbs can create uneven color.
Do not worry if your home feels dark—I will choose the best-lit spaces once I arrive.
If you want a closer look at the process, you can read about what an in-home newborn session looks like in Indianapolis.
Warm Your Home Before the Session
Newborns often settle more easily when they are warm.
I recommend setting your home around 75 degrees before I arrive, especially if your baby will be in a light swaddle or onesie.
Adults may feel warm, so lightweight clothing is helpful.
Help Your Baby Stay Awake Before I Arrive
If possible, keep your baby awake for about an hour before the session.
A bath, tummy time, or quiet interaction can help. Use whatever gentle activity works best.
Then begin feeding about 15 minutes before I arrive. It is completely fine if you are still feeding when I get there.
A full, sleepy baby often settles more easily for photos.
Of course, newborns have their own plans—we will adjust as needed.
Choose Simple Clothing for Your Baby
Simple clothing keeps the focus on your baby and family.
A white onesie, neutral outfit, or soft swaddle photographs best. I also bring neutral wraps for families to use.
Avoid large graphics, bright patterns, or stiff outfits. Babies usually settle best in soft, simple clothing.
For parents and siblings, coordinating colors work better than matching outfits.
Cream, beige, white, tan, gray, muted blue, and soft earth tones photograph beautifully in most homes.
Keep Visitors to a Minimum
I recommend keeping visitors to a minimum during your session.
Extra people can add noise and distraction, making it harder for baby or siblings to settle.
A calm environment allows us to follow your baby’s needs.
We can pause anytime for feeding, changing, soothing, or sibling breaks.
What Happens if My Baby Does Not Sleep?
Your baby does not need to sleep the entire session.
Some babies sleep most of the time, while others stay awake, eat often, or want to be held.
All of this is normal.
I follow your baby’s cues and we take breaks as needed.
Awake images are often some of the most meaningful from in-home sessions.
Your Home Does Not Need to Be Perfect
An in-home newborn session documents your baby in the place where your family lives and grows.
The nursery, favorite chair, pets, and everyday spaces make your images personal and meaningful.
So prepare a few rooms, open the curtains, warm the house—and let the rest go.
I will guide you throughout the session so you can focus on your baby while I handle the rest.
If you are looking for an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I offer both studio and in-home newborn sessions.
I recommend reaching out during your second or third trimester so we can plan around your baby’s arrival.
