What to Wear for Lifestyle Newborn Photos at Home (Austin Edition)

When you’re welcoming a new baby, the last thing you need is another decision to stress over. So if you’re wondering what to wear for newborn photos at home, this guide is for you.

As an in-home newborn photographer here in Austin, I’ve worked with dozens of families who want their photos to feel natural, effortless, and connected — not stiff or overly styled. What you wear plays a part in helping that happen.

So, let’s keep it simple.

Dressing Your Newborn for At-Home Photos

Simple is best. A soft, neutral swaddle or well-fitted onesie is ideal for newborns. It keeps your baby cozy and lets me capture the details that matter most: their tiny hands, soft eyelashes, and how they curl up in your arms.

So, stick to solid colors or very subtle textures in light tones like white, cream, pale gray, or beige, which work beautifully. These shades reflect natural light well and help highlight your baby’s skin tone without distractions. Avoid bold patterns, cartoon prints, or clothing with large logos because these tend to pull focus in photos.

If you’re using a swaddle, choose one made of a breathable fabric like muslin or cotton. I recommend having one or two ready, especially if your baby settles better when wrapped. If your little one runs warm or prefers to be unwrapped, a simple sleeveless or short-sleeved onesie is perfect on its own.

There’s no need to accessorize with headbands or hats unless it’s something personally meaningful to your family. Most of the time, less really is more. Your baby’s natural features are what we want to preserve.

If you’re unsure what to pick, I’m happy to take a quick look at your options before your session. What matters most is that your baby is comfortable and that we can photograph them in a way that feels honest, calm, and timeless.

What to Wear for Newborn Photos at Home – Mom

Your outfit sets the tone for the session. Loose-fitting tops, soft tees, or a flowy maxi dress are beautiful and practical. They move well, photograph softly, and keep you comfortable during long stretches of holding and feeding.

Stick with clean lines and neutral tones like cream, white, soft gray, or pale pink. These shades reflect natural light and create that calm, airy look my work is known for.

Your hands will appear often — holding, cradling, comforting — so clean nails are a simple detail worth preparing. Jewelry is optional, but if you wear it, keep it minimal.

And truly, there’s no pressure to show up perfectly styled. I’ll guide you gently with flattering angles and soft light to bring out the natural beauty already present in your connection with your baby.

What to Wear for Newborn Photos at Home – Dad

Dads don’t need to overthink it. A well-fitted V-neck tee or a soft button-up shirt paired with clean jeans or chinos always looks great. These basics photograph beautifully, especially when they fit well through the shoulders and aren’t too loose or too snug.

Stick to neutral or earthy tones that complement Mom’s outfit, like soft grays, creams, olive, tan, or even a dusty blue. These colors not only keep the look timeless, they also help the entire family’s palette feel balanced without looking too matchy.

If you’re unsure what to choose, aim for comfort first. Your relaxed presence and genuine connection with your baby will matter more than anything you wear.

What to Wear for Siblings in In-Home Newborn Sessions

If older siblings are joining the session, this is often where I capture the most honest, heartfelt interactions. The key is keeping them comfortable.

You can add a soft accent color here, like pale blue, muted sage, or blush. Avoid bold prints, logos, or anything that might distract. Soft fabrics like cotton or linen photograph beautifully and let your child move freely.

Feel free to send over a photo of your options if you’d like a second opinion.

Best Color Palettes for In-Home Newborn Photography

My editing style is light and soft, and it pairs beautifully with subtle, neutral tones. Over the years, I’ve seen how certain colors consistently bring a calm, timeless feel to in-home newborn images. These colors help keep the focus right where it should be: on your baby and your connection as a family.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Whites and creams
  These reflect light softly and give a fresh, clean feel in any room. Perfect for close-up cuddles and natural, everyday moments.
• Soft grays
  A gentle alternative to white that still feels neutral. Works especially well on dads and older siblings.
• Muted blues and blushes
  A touch of color can be lovely. These soft tones add warmth or coolness without drawing the eye too much.
• Earthy shades like oatmeal, taupe, or pale sage
  They add gentle texture to your images while keeping the overall feel soft and natural.
• Skip the bolds
  Bright reds, saturated jewel tones, and busy patterns tend to dominate the frame. Simple, solid colors always let the emotion lead.

As long as the colors complement each other, the photos will feel relaxed and visually balanced.

Where to Shop for Family Outfits

I’ve helped dozens of families prepare for their in-home newborn photos, and I’ve seen firsthand what works well (and what tends to be distracting.)

Below are a few stores I recommend often. These aren’t just popular brands, they’re places where parents have found reliable pieces that look beautiful in photos, hold up to snuggles, and feel comfortable to wear at home.

1. J. Crew

A great choice if you’re after classic, elevated basics. Their women’s section includes soft linen and cotton-blend dresses, flowy tops, and well-made layering pieces in subtle, earthy tones. For dads, their button-ups and neutral tees pair well with denim or chinos. You’ll also find baby and toddler basics in similar palettes, which makes coordinating simple without feeling overly matched.

2. Land’s End

Land’s End is a good option for families who want comfort above all else. Their knit dresses, cozy cardigans, and maternity-friendly tops are easy to wear and move in. I also like their boys’ and girls’ basics, which tend to be unfussy and logo-free. If you’re ordering online, sizing is generally generous, so double-check the fit guide before choosing.

3. Old Navy

I recommend Old Navy all the time for simple, affordable pieces, especially for families with multiple kids. Their solid-color bodysuits and onesies for newborns come in great soft neutrals. Their toddler section often has cotton jumpers and soft joggers in muted colors. Parents should look for their tees and dresses in soft fabrics. Don’t overlook the men’s section either. It’s a great place to find affordable Henleys and V-necks in simple tones.

4. The Gap

Gap is a dependable go-to for clean, minimal styles across all ages. I often point families here for their baby layette section. There are lots of solid or softly patterned onesies, swaddles, and knit sets that feel timeless. For moms, Gap’s maternity and nursing-friendly tops are thoughtfully designed and still feel flattering. Dads can also find neutral layers like lightweight sweaters or cotton button-ups that fit well without looking too formal. Their color stories are usually cohesive each season, so it’s easy to shop the whole family at once and know it’ll all coordinate.

Remember that you don’t need to go overboard; just one or two soft, well-fitting outfits per person is plenty. With the right palette, the photos will feel calm, connected, and timeless. 

Final Thought

Choosing what to wear for your newborn session doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Soft tones, comfortable pieces, and thoughtful details are more than enough.

In the end, what matters most is how it felt to hold your baby close, look at your partner with tired joy, and watch your older child become a sibling. That’s what we’re capturing, and what you’ll want to remember.

Let’s create something honest and beautiful together.

Alissa is an award-winning brand, maternity, newborn and family photographer + documentary filmmaker in Austin, Texas. She serves the Austin and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in a maternity, newborn or family session with Alissa Cordoba Photography you can find all of the details here and full pricing information here. You can contact Alissa here or email her directly at alissa@alissacordoba.com