Welcoming a new baby home is one of those experiences that’s both heart-bursting and sleep-depriving. You’re soaking in all the snuggles, learning your baby’s rhythms, maybe even figuring out how to do life with siblings in the mix too. In the swirl of it all, trying to prep your home for a lifestyle newborn session might feel like… a lot. I get it.

As someone who found my way into photography during a tender season of my own life (hi, IVF warrior here), I want you to know that your session doesn’t have to be one more thing on your “perfect mom” checklist. My goal? To help you feel ready in a way that’s gentle, realistic, and heart-centered – so you can focus on what matters most: the early days with your baby.

Whether you’ve already booked your in-home session with me or you’re still sorting through the idea, here’s my honest, warm, and totally doable guide to prepping your space… and your mindset.

Let’s Make This Easy: You Don’t Need a Perfect House (Or a Perfect Baby)

If you’ve been stressing about whether your house is “photo ready” or worrying that your newborn won’t cooperate, take a deep breath with me.

What makes lifestyle newborn photography so meaningful isn’t perfection. It’s authenticity.

We’re not staging a magazine shoot. We’re capturing your real life – the quiet feedings, the forehead kisses, siblings bouncing on the bed while baby snoozes in your arms. These are the moments that matter most, and the beauty? It’s already in your home. I’m just there to witness it.

I’ve worked with so many families who worried about messes, dark hallways, or babies who needed extra snuggles. Spoiler alert: all of those sessions turned out magical. Why? Because love always photographs well. ❤️

How to Prepare for a Lifestyle Newborn Session at Home

Clear (but don’t obsess over) the Clutter

You do not have to deep-clean. I repeat, you don’t have to deep-clean.

But if you see stuff in a room that would bother you in a photo (think laundry piles, diaper cream bottles, Amazon boxes – you know, life), go ahead and tuck that away. Choose two to three spaces you love most for photos – usually the nursery, master bedroom, or living room are great options.

If you’re unsure about where to shoot, don’t worry. I know how to chase that beautiful natural light, even if it shows up in a hallway or by your kitchen sink. Trust me, it won’t look weird – it’ll look dreamy.

Feed Baby Right Before I Arrive

A full belly = a relaxed, cozy baby. Giving your little one a good feeding just before I get there helps us capture those cuddly, sleepy moments everyone adores.

But listen, if baby gets hungry again during our session? Totally fine. We’ll pause. We’ll rock. We’ll feed again. There’s zero rush and zero judgment here – flexibility is part of the magic.

Let in that Natural Light

I only shoot using natural light, which means I’ll ask you to turn off all the overheads and lamps. Instead, we’ll throw open the curtains and blinds to let in that soft, glowy light.

A little sunlight goes a long way in creating those warm, heartfelt images that feel like home (because they are home).

Pull out the Meaningful Stuff

Have a special blanket from Grandma? A stuffed animal passed down from your own childhood? A rainbow baby lovey? Bring it on.

Set any sentimental pieces to the side before I arrive so we can find the perfect moment to incorporate them. These small touches bring so much depth and story to your photos.

Savor the Moment

This part might be the most important.

Let yourself be in the moment. Kiss those tiny feet. Hold their hand. Breathe them in.

The days are long, but wow – the newborn season moves fast. Your body’s still healing, your heart’s still expanding, and everything probably feels tender. But oh, it’s worthy of remembering.

So instead of stressing about poses or if your toddler is wiggling too much on the bed (side note: love when that happens), let me take care of the storytelling. You just love on your people.

Why All of This Matters

These photos are more than images for Instagram (although yes, tag me because I cry happy tears every time 🙌). They’re the beginning of your baby’s story. A keepsake of your family’s growth. A time capsule of your softest, sleepiest, most love-drunk days.

And honestly? As a photographer and a teacher, and someone who’s been lucky enough to love on lots of nieces and nephews, I feel honored every time I get invited into this sacred season. Every sleepy yawn, every baby stretch, every sibling nose-boop – it’s all real, and it’s all beautiful.

So if your heart is telling you to document this chapter, lean into it.

Let’s Tell Your Story, One Snuggle at a Time

If you’re a new (or soon-to-be) parent in the Chicago suburbs looking for a natural, relaxed newborn photo session, let’s make it happen. At Nicole Lynch Photography, I specialize in lifestyle photography that captures real life exactly as it is – imperfect, warm, and full of love.

Want tips and inspo in your inbox (and maybe even first dibs on mini sessions)? Be sure to hop on my email list!

And if you’re ready to book or just want to chat about your vision, you can learn more or reach out at www.nicolelynchphotography.com.

Your home, your heart, and your sweet new baby are more than enough.