What to Expect During an In-Home Newborn Session | Edina Newborn Photography

Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most beautiful and overwhelming seasons — and it can feel nearly impossible to get out of the house for photos in those early weeks. That’s exactly why so many families in the Twin Cities choose an in-home newborn photography session. As a Minneapolis & Edina newborn photographer, I photograph families with newborns either in their home or in their studio. Both are beautiful options, and I love both – this post will help you understand what it’s like if you choose your home as the photoshoot location.

Why Choose In-Home Newborn Photography?

There’s something genuinely special about photographing your baby where life is happening — in the spaces you’ve created, surrounded by the light and details you live with every day.

In-home sessions let you:

• Stay relaxed and comfortable
• Avoid packing, loading, and traveling with baby
• Include siblings more naturally
• Capture the nursery or your favorite living spaces
• Showcase your home’s atmosphere and personal style

Your home becomes part of the story — and the images feel soft, real, and timeless.

What to Expect During an In-Home Session

Your in-home newborn photography session is thoughtfully paced and baby-led.

Most sessions take about 1.5 hours, giving us time for family photos, individual images of your newborn, and those close-up details of fingers and toes.

Here’s how the flow usually works:

1. I arrive and we start in a room with your best natural light — usually the nursery, living room, or master bedroom.
2. We begin with family photos — you, your partner, siblings — while everyone is fresh and comfortable.
3. Then we move into images of your baby — swaddled, in your arms, and eventually on a cozy surface near large windows.
4. Toward the end, we often slowly unwrap your newborn for classic shots of their tiny hands and feet.

We work at baby’s pace — breaks for feeding, cuddles, or soothing are completely expected. There’s no pressure to “perform” or rush; the session is designed to feel calm and authentic.

How to Prepare Your Home (Without Stress)

You do not need to deep clean your entire house.

To help your photos look their best, I recommend:

• Choosing one or two rooms with large windows and good natural light
• Clearing clutter in those spaces so the focus stays on your family
• Simple touches like fresh flowers or meaningful heirlooms — but nothing fussy

Don’t worry about perfection; I’ll help guide what works best when I arrive. Even small adjustments to lighting and styling can make a big difference without adding stress.

What to Prepare (and What I’ll Bring)

We’ll focus on capturing intimate, connection-filled moments — and I come prepared to support that.

You Should Have Handy:

• Diapers + wipes
• Baby’s milk (breast milk or bottle)
• Burp cloths and pacifier (optional)
• Any special outfit or tiny keepsake you want included

I Will Bring:

• A beautiful posing bean bag
• Soft blankets and swaddles
• Headbands and and bows
• Bonnets
• A sound machine to help baby settle

What to Wear for Your In-Home Newborn Photos

Soft, neutral tones photograph best in lifestyle settings — think creams, warm whites, soft pastels, and muted neutrals.

I always encourage moms to wear something that feels comfortable and timeless — and to give special consideration to outfits that coordinate (not match exactly) with partners and siblings. For more guidance on styling your family, check out my full guide on what to wear for your newborn photos.

When to Schedule Your In-Home Newborn Session

In-home sessions are typically most magical within the 10-14 days after birth — when newborns are sleepiest and easy to pose – and before baby acne arrives. 🙂

I recommend booking your newborn session during your second trimester so we can reserve the best time around your due date. Once your baby arrives, we’ll set the exact date and start time — usually around 10am when natural light is ideal.

A Personal Note

Your home is where your baby’s story is beginning — and in-home newborn photography lets us preserve the tiniest details in the most meaningful setting. As a Edina newborn photographer, my goal is to make this experience peaceful, personal, and timeless — from the moment you book to the day your gallery arrives.

If you’re dreaming of images that feel authentic, serene, and rooted in your family’s story, I would love to be there to capture it.