Wondering how to prepare your home for newborn photos? As a Kansas City newborn photographer who’s photographed families in their homes for over a decade, here’s the good news: you don’t need a perfectly clean house. In fact, there are only a few simple things that make the biggest difference.

One of the first questions I hear after a family books their newborn session is:

“What should I do before you arrive?”

The answer is probably much simpler than you think.

If you focus on these three things, you’ll help your session run more smoothly—and you’ll spend less time stressing and more time soaking in these first days with your baby.

(Continue reading for the quick breakdown or click here to watch the video!)

1. Declutter—Don’t Deep Clean

This is my biggest piece of advice.

Please don’t spend the days before your session scrubbing floors or deep cleaning your home.

I promise your photographer isn’t coming to inspect your house.

Instead, simply declutter the spaces we’ll likely photograph in.

That might mean:

• Clearing kitchen countertops
• Putting away mail or miscellaneous items
• Tossing toys into a toy bin
• Closing closet doors after tucking away anything you don’t want visible
• Tidying bedside tables

That’s it.

A little decluttering allows the focus to stay exactly where it belongs—on your growing family.

And if I arrive and notice something distracting in the background, I’m always happy to help move it. You’re never expected to have everything perfect before I walk through the door.

2. Turn Off the Lights and Open the Blinds

This one surprises a lot of parents.

Most in-home newborn photographers rely almost entirely on natural window light because it creates soft, timeless images.

Overhead lights and lamps often cast yellow or orange color tones that are difficult to remove completely.

Before your photographer arrives, simply:

• Turn off overhead lights
• Turn off table lamps
• Open curtains and blinds throughout the rooms with the best natural light

These few minutes of preparation allow us to begin photographing right away instead of spending time adjusting the lighting.

3. Turn Off the TV and Turn On Some Music

If you have older children, this tip can make a huge difference.

When the television is on, it’s naturally difficult for little ones to shift their attention to photos.

Instead, try playing your family’s favorite music.

Music helps children:

• Relax
• Dance
• Laugh naturally
• Engage with parents and siblings
• Feel excited about what’s happening

Those genuine interactions often become some of my favorite photographs from the entire session.

Your Home Doesn’t Need to Look Like a Magazine

This is something I wish every new mom knew.

The purpose of an in-home newborn session isn’t to photograph your house.

It’s to document your family exactly as you are during one of the most meaningful seasons of your life.

Your baby won’t remember whether the countertops were spotless.

Years from now, you’ll remember tiny fingers wrapped around yours, sleepy snuggles on the couch, and the love filling your home.

That’s what truly matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my house need to be perfectly clean for newborn photos?

Not at all. A quick declutter is usually all that’s needed. Your photographer is there to capture your family—not judge your home.

What rooms are best for an in-home newborn session?

Most photographers use the nursery, primary bedroom, and living room because they often have the best natural light and provide meaningful, comfortable spaces for your family.

Should I turn on all the lights before my photographer arrives?

Actually, no. Natural window light creates the softest, most flattering newborn images. Turning off overhead lights and opening blinds usually provides the best results.

What if my toddler doesn’t want to participate?

That’s completely normal. Music, play, and giving toddlers space to warm up often works much better than forcing smiles. An experienced newborn photographer knows how to gently engage siblings throughout the session.

Creating a Relaxed Experience for Your Family

One of my goals during every in-home newborn session is to make the experience feel calm and unrushed.

You don’t have to have a spotless home.

You don’t need perfectly behaved kids.

And you certainly don’t need to feel like you’re hosting guests.

You simply get to love on your baby while I preserve this fleeting season for your family.

If you’re preparing for an in-home newborn session in the Kansas City area, I’d love to help guide you every step of the way so you can arrive at your session feeling confident—not overwhelmed.

Ready to book your newborn session? I’d love to hear from you.

// Want more tips? View more from our What Moms Should Know Series here!