Including parents and siblings in your newborn photo session is a wonderful way to welcome your newest family member. In the days leading up to your photoshoot, there will be a lot to think about. Typically, on top of that list is: what to wear and planning outfits for the family portion of the newborn session.

First question is: Where to start?

Many photographers offer style guides. Pinterest and Instagram are always helpful for researching different looks. In general, there are a lot of wonderful style references for outfit ideas in family photography. But, there isn't a lot of information that share what to avoid for a newborn photoshoot.

As a seasoned newborn photographer, have had the opportunity to photograph many families. When I first started my career, I only sent what-to-wear tip sheets to parents before their photo session. But, quickly, I witnessed multiple wardrobe malfunctions in my newborn sessions.

I soon learned I also need to advise what NOT to wear - especially for newborn photography.

I won't mention obvious issues, like avoiding neon colors, wild prints, and super trendy looks. Instead, I'll focus on clothing that may disrupt your newborn photography session. Probably some ideas you may not have considered - I certainly didn't.

5 things NOT to wear to your session:

1. Avoid shirts with words. An example is a shirt with the words "Big Brother" or "Big Sister". Shirts with words need to be readable for the final images to work. This means the photographer can only pose the wearer in one direction - straight with nothing blocking the shirt.

2. Watch for sharp objects. Tops should be free of beads, sequins, or any other adornment. Why? Your newborn will be posed on you (and your top) throughout the photoshoot. You don't want anything that could hurt or irritate them. Young siblings should avoid belts, hard soled shoes, and loose jewelry to keep your newborn baby safe.

3. Leave Apple watches, hair ties, wallets, keys (and anything else that may be in your pockets) out of the photographs. I try to look for this before I begin my sessions, no one wants obvious pocket bumps!

4. For all family members, avoid outfits with oversized neck bows, large sleeves or puffy shoulders. Your outfit should not block the view of your baby. Photographers will take pictures of you with your newborn from both the side and the front. Before finalizing your outfits, check to make sure that your clothing won't block the view of the baby's face.

5. Dress head to toe even if you only want waist up images. Don't wear dressy clothing on top, PJs on bottom. Your family is different heights and when you are standing together, your hips will all line up in different places. To get the perfect final image, your newborn photographer will need you fully dressed!

Let's add a few positives to-dos too!

DOs for your Newborn Photo Session:

• Iron your clothes or wear non-wrinkled clothing.

• Wear mostly solid colors. For baby sessions, Consider soft tones in pale creams, blues, beige, gray, and pastels. These tones give a classic and coordinated look to the photos. Or, for a more dramatic look, wear all black.

• Make sure your newborn photographer knows what you are planning to wear so that they can plan a perfect backdrop for you.

• Aim for a cohesive color palette for your family that ties everyone's outfits together without being matchy-matchy.

• Outfits should be comfortable and moveable, especially for toddlers. Toddlers need to be able to move in their clothing. We won't want to miss a perfect portrait because a shirt came untucked or a dress is too constricting.

• Try on the clothing a few days before your newborn photoshoot to make sure everything still fits.

When preparing for your newborn photo session, it's essential to consider not only what to wear but also what not to wear. By avoiding certain clothing items you can ensure a smooth and successful newborn photoshoot.

Ann Lyle (that's me) is a Boston based newborn photographer located in Framingham, MA.

See my other blog posts for other newborn photography ideas!