Family Outfits for a Newborn Session

Newborn

I absolutely love when families participate in their little one’s newborn session. It is such a special time and being able to have these early pictures of your new family is absolutely irreplaceable. One of the biggest questions I get is: what should we plan for family outfits for a newborn session? 

One question that I pose to newborn families is what are you hoping to do with your images? If you want to display them in your home, you may want your outfits to have a more cozy or high-end vibe. Are you picturing these pictures going in the nursery? Maybe you want a more casual vibe. Planning to use these on birth announcements? You may want to be on the dressier side. It’s completely up to you, mama!

Family Outfits for a Newborn Session: Start with the Client Closet 

I recently started offering my clients access to a carefully curated Client Closet. Right now, the focus is mostly on dresses for mom, but I am slowly beginning to add sibling outfits as well. These dresses are picked with new moms in mind and work in your favor to cover up any areas that you may be self-conscious about postpartum. You also may not know what dress size you will be after having your baby. Having a rack of dresses in all sizes will give you the freedom to wear whatever dress feels best without worrying about having to go shopping after you leave the hospital. 

If you choose to plan your own outfit, I always recommend choosing a flowy top or dress. Be assured that I won’t be taking any full body shots, and all of my posing is strategic to be as flattering as possible.

Having had two babies myself, I also recommend that you choose a loose, comfortable outfit. Tight pants aren’t going to be high on your list of things you want to wear two weeks after giving birth. Side note: I brought my pre-pregnancy jeans to the hospital for after delivery. It didn’t go well. So no judgment here, mama!

Finally, don’t forget undergarments! Even if you don’t think you’re going to use the Closet, you may want to bring a strapless bra and cami anyway. Something might catch your eye and you’ll regret not having them! 

Close up of neutral colored dresses on hangers for Client Closet | Sharon Leger Photography | Canton, CT Newborn and Family Photographer

Your Newborn

This is one thing you definitely don’t have to worry about!

I will swaddle your newborn to make sure that you get the timeless, classic photos that you can display in your home for years to come. If you have a sentimental newborn outfit that you would like pictures in, please just let me know and we will plan to use that at the end of your session.

To be honest, newborns can sometimes look funny in newborn outfits just because they are so tiny. You can always bring it and we’ll figure it out together though! 

Siblings

I am slowly starting to build my sibling client closet, so I have a few options in sizes 18m-5T. If none of these options work, I encourage neutral outfits (think gray, tan or white). I would avoid patterns as much as possible, as well. I am always working to achieve that timeless look, so logos and patterns can sometimes date a photo. Some of my favorite places to find neutral outfits are Once Upon a Child, Zara, Gap Kids and Old Navy. You can also feel free to send me pictures of any outfits you choose and I’m happy to give you feedback! 

| Sharon Leger Photography | Canton, CT Newborn and Family Photographer

Your Partner 

Again, I encourage your partner to dress simply and in neutral colors.

For men, a polo or button down shirt is always a great option. I love how Henleys look on camera also. I have a few options available in my Client Closet for men, but please note THAT THESE ARE NOT ALWAYS AT THE STUDIO. So please let me know if you want to make sure something is there.

For women, neutral colors and dresses are the most flattering. 

Mother and father smiling at newborn infant daughter at newborn session in Canton, Connecticut

I am always here to help you as we plan your newborn session together. If you’re considering booking a newborn session, check out my portfolio here. I am currently only booking 3 newborns a month, so definitely reach out sooner rather than later, even if you want to just chat about what you’re envisioning for your session. I can’t wait to work with you and your family!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my latest work. Adding your name to my priority list is the best way to make sure you get first access to mini session sign ups and promotions throughout the year.

"I am so happy to have had Sharon capture photos of my family. She was so easy to work with, from scheduling to planning and coordinating, she could not have made the process more simple. She showed up on the day-of super prepared, with a whole wagon full of stuff just in case, including snacks for my kids! 

Kim

4 / 15

She worked so well with my children: she truly understands that children are going to get bored fast and she worked around their moods perfectly.

I love that she captured my kids' candid smiles, and not just the posed ones. To top it off, the final product was beyond my expectations and delivered in under a week! You can tell that she loves what she's doing and it shows in her work. She is truly a gem and I can't wait to work with her again as my children grow up!"

"We loved how simple and stress-free our son’s cake smash session was—we didn't need to worry about props or set-up. 

Alexis

When we showed up, Sharon had everything ready for us and we got to just be present in the moment. 

The portraits captured all the sweet little details we want to remember from his first birthday, and we were so happy to share them with our family. It was the perfect way to celebrate this milestone!" 

2 / 15

"Sharon was absolutely lovely to work with. I'm not the type of person who particularly enjoys photoshoots, but she is exceptionally adept at putting her clients at ease. Her studio is equal parts tranquil, tasteful and casual so that my wife and I were not in the least bit overwhelmed.

Kevin

Sharon anticipates every possible need and plans accordingly so that you don't have to. 

She is able to maintain the pace of her shoots, moving them forward judiciously without making the client feel rushed or unappreciated. She was completely down-to-earth and personable. It sounds cliché, but talking with her felt like catching up with an old friend – exactly we needed after the hectic experience of bringing our first child into the world. Sharon was more than worth the cost."

3 / 15

"Sharon was amazing to work with during our recent newborn session! She was very responsive with any questions I had before the session, and even offered advice on outfits for my older children. I borrowed a gorgeous dress from her client closet, which helped me feel more confident and comfortable for photos. 

Amanda

I was nervous about how the session would go with two young children and a newborn, but Sharon had everything so organized and prepared, that everything went flawlessly.

She was so calming and kind, and her studio felt so welcoming! The finished photos are all so beautiful, that I can't even come close to picking a favorite!"

4 / 15

"I was first introduced to Sharon in 2024 when I did a session of personality portraits, and I was instantly impressed. A few friends had used her before and raved about her work, and now I completely understand why! Sharon truly works magic behind the camera. She is incredibly organized, answering all questions and planning every detail ahead of time. 

Merissa

There’s never a need to stress about locations, directions, or even bad weather—she has a backup plan for everything!

One of my favorite parts of working with her is the dress consult to help plan outfits. She has such a great eye for style and helps put together looks that photograph beautifully."

5 / 15

"Sharon and Amy were fabulous! Right from the initial booking they made me feel special. I wore three beautiful dresses that Sharon already had available for me to wear from her client closet (I LOVE this feature!). We tried on several dresses until I found one that fit comfortably and I felt fabulous in.

Nicole

Amy & Sharon were great at communicating with me every step of the process.

Amy didn’t go overboard with the makeup, she made me look like myself but a little extra glam. An elevated version of myself. They were so fabulous and I would absolutely book them again. I 10/10 recommend Sharon and Amy for maternity or family photo sessions."

6 / 15

"Scheduling was super easy through her website and Sharon is very communicative. Sharon offers a dress consultation so you can go to her studio and try on multiple dresses that fit whatever theme you choose for your photo day.

Nicole

I've never seen a photographer offer a whole closet of dresses to choose from and this takes out ALL the stress of picking an outfit for pictures.

Another priceless offering when it comes to taking the stress out of family photos is hair and makeup (additional fee). I scheduled with Amy for a few hours before my shoot. Amy was so easy to talk to and did a fantastic job with the look I wanted. I'm already looking forward to another booking and have referred her to my friends and family. I cannot recommend Sharon and her team more."  
 

Kind Words

7 / 15

"We recently had our second family session with Sharon and 

Jenna

we were yet again blown away by the entire experience. 

From her expert outfit planning, to making the journey to join us at our beach for photos, Sharon created a relaxed, fun environment from beginning to end. The photos we received were beyond what I could have imagined! She captured our family perfectly!!"

8 / 15

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Sharon for a family beach session, and she was amazing from start to finish! Sharon's attention to detail and professionalism made the entire process seamless. Her empathetic and supportive nature made a world of difference, and the photos turned out beautifully. 

Alexis

I highly recommend Sharon to any mom looking for a talented and compassionate photographer, who takes the stress out of planning.

Her work is exceptional, and she truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Sharon, for capturing these moments for us!"

9 / 15

"Sharon is the absolute best! We worked with her for our maternity photos, newborn photos, and our cake smash one-year-old photos. Each time, Sharon is so professional and friendly, makes us feel right at home, and take the most beautiful photos. We are blown away every time! The client closet is awesome and Sharon really went the extra mile to find gowns that complimented me. 

Jen

We had so much fun taking all of these photos and can’t wait to work with her again!

We will cherish these photos forever."

10 / 15

"We did personality portraits for the second time with Sharon and they came out so well! 

Kelsey

The kids had such a blast and she really captured their unique personalities!"

11 / 15

"We did both our maternity and newborn photos with Sharon and she made each experience beyond amazing. I met Sharon first at our dress consultation and knew we were going to work well together. It’s incredible that she gives you access to some many dresses and really knows how to make a pregnant lady feel beautiful.

She made my husband (who admittedly did not want to take the pictures) feel so comfortable, got him laughing and even looking forward to the newborn shoot.

Then, at the newborn shoot Sharon was so patient with us (it was our first trip out) she again made me feel so beautiful in her huge selection of dresses and was so good and rocking out baby boy to sleep."

Alexa

12 / 15

"Stop reading reviews and just book your session with Sharon Leger Photography right now. Sharon has been there for my family even before we were an official family. She poetically captured our engagement, maternity and our newborn’s first photos.

I couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else with these precious moments.

I am not an easy client. I am nervous, unsure of myself and overly aware of every physical flaw (especially postpartum). Sharon made me feel comfortable and beautiful every step of the way. We love Sharon Leger Photography, especially the woman behind the lens! Thank you for everything, Sharon!"

Dawn

13 / 15

"Sharon is an absolute gem! It has been 3.5 years since I found her and since then she has captured the most adorable and perfect pictures of my two sons and our family.

From newborn sessions, cake smashes and family photos, not one detail has ever been overlooked. Her process is seamless and she makes everything so accessible and easy.

She offers so many options for photo opportunities and has perfected a style that really is timeless! She was so wonderful with each of my children when they were newborns, that it made the experience so worth it! Couldn’t recommend enough!"

Melissa

14 / 15

"It’s hard for me to find the perfect words to describe what Sharon has given me.

I reached out to her when I was thinking about doing maternity photos, and she quickly convinced me that I would not regret it. She was right. Not only do I not regret my maternity photos but I actually love everything about them. Every time I look at them, all of those amazing feelings I felt while I was pregnant come right back as if I’m still in the moment. They are something I will cherish forever."

Kimberly

15 / 15

Kind Words

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