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newborn snuggled in a brown blanket

5 Must-Have Props for Newborn Shoots | Lifestyle Photography

February 24, 2020

I’m going to be honest with you– I am not a great posed-newborn photographer. I think it takes a special talent to get that glorious little body into perfect poses while they are sleeping with cute contented grins. I am, however, in LOVE with lifestyle newborn shoots. The difference (in my mind) is that the emphasis on lifestyle newborn shoots is capturing the new family together, really digging into the emotion, joy, tenderness…and it’s far less posed.

Even though my favorite kinds of newborn sessions are unposed and organic, I still have found that there are a few things you can add to your shoot to add an entirely new level of cuteness. Things like baby wraps can add cohesiveness to the color palette (and likewise, make the baby stand out). White furry rugs and throws add texture and interest to an otherwise plain shot. Props like the Moses Basket add SO much with color, texture, and style.

While I don’t think any of these physical elements are necessary to create a beautiful shoot– you do only have this newborn phase once with your baby so why not add a few things to make it extra special? Without further ado, here are my favorite 5 things to add to a newborn shoot!

The Moses Basket

newborn in moses basket

The Moses Basket is probably my favorite prop I have ever seen my clients use! What’s wonderful about it is how practical it is aside from being a prop– being a portable bed + basket makes life so much simpler with a newborn. It’s big enough for an older sibling to snuggle on in there too! The basket is plain enough that your baby stands out beautifully but also brings warmth and texture to the photos that is unbelievably sweet.

Swaddle Blankets

I know this one seems obvious– but that’s why it’s one of my favorites! You will be buying swaddle blankets ANYWAYS, why not incorporate one into your session? The fun thing about these is they can add so much to your color palette. There are endless patterns and colors to choose from. I’m linking a few of my favorites HERE and HERE— I love the earthy tones in these muslin swaddles.

newborn snuggled in a brown blanket

The other thing I love is how versatile they are. You can lay them down like a blanket, with your baby on top, or have them wrapped up tightly, or have the swaddle draped over a bassinet. It all works and it’s all very real–this is what life honestly looks like with a newborn.


Fury Rugs

You want to talk about versatile? Let’s chat about THESE. I bought one when my first was little and have used it to take pictures on for years now! These white furry rugs never get old and add SO much to any space. You can lay them on the bed, in a basket, on pillows. Basically it’s the cleanest background for your little one while also adding a soft, sweet dynamic. 

Textured Throw Blankets

The possibilities with throws are literally endless. There are thousands of colors and patterns to choose from, but I recommend keeping it simple! These are fun for cuddling up in around you and your baby. Those first few weeks (and months) there are endless snuggles in bed and on the couch, so I think including your favorite throws (or a couple of these!)  is awesome!

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Hats & Headbands

There is nothing like a cute little headband with bows on a baby girl, or a snuggly hat for a little boy! They are such a sweet addition to a little onesie or just skin! You can go as bold or simple as you want, it’s such an easy thing to take on and off so it’s easy variety.

I hope you enjoyed this post about must-have props for a newborn session! Check out this in-home newborn shoot and the fresh 48 hospital shoot for more ideas! This post contains affiliate links 🙂

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