Relaxed Newborn Family Photo Ideas for In-Home Sessions

Written By Daphnie Teo

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most tender and transformative seasons—and capturing that chapter through newborn family photos is a gift to your future self. At The Story of Us, we believe the most meaningful newborn photography is unhurried, natural, and deeply personal. Whether you’re curled up on the couch, lying beside your baby in bed, or sharing a quiet glance with your partner, we’re there to capture the honest magic of your growing family.

Every image shared here is from a real family session we’ve photographed—filled with genuine moments, gentle connection, and love you can feel. We hope they inspire you as you imagine your own newborn family photos.

Photoshoot Ideas for Newborn Family Photos

These ideas work beautifully for in-home sessions, capturing your baby and family in your natural environment — snuggled, fed, cuddled, and loved.

Family snuggles and laughter in bed

Some of the most heartwarming newborn family photos come from simple moments of togetherness—everyone piled onto the bed, sharing cuddles, giggles, and maybe a bit of toddler chaos. These photos show the love, energy, and joyful mess of real family life with a newborn.

Sibling love and silly moments

Siblings bring spontaneity and joy. Whether they’re planting a kiss or making silly faces, their personality shines through, creating natural moments of connection with their new baby.

Family couch cuddles

Your family’s everyday couch becomes the backdrop for connection—feet up, arms around each other, and baby nestled close. These relaxed moments often bring out real smiles and unexpected magic

Cradling your newborn in quiet moments

There’s something profoundly tender about the way parents instinctively hold their baby close. In the stillness of those early days, when everything feels new and a little fragile, these quiet moments of holding and being held speak volumes. They capture the scale of your baby, the softness of your touch, and the love that’s only just beginning to unfold.

Everyday routines, beautifully captured

Nappy changes, feeding time, or a quiet moment by the window—these everyday acts are fleeting and deeply meaningful. We document them with care, so you remember not just what it looked like, but how it felt.

A Moment of Stillness Around the Newborn

There’s a quiet kind of wonder in the way parents look down at their newborn—soft, still, completely captivated. Whether you're sitting side by side or leaning in from opposite sides of the bed, this simple moment of gazing at your baby reflects the awe, love, and deep connection that fills the room in those early days.

In the Calm of the Bed

There’s a quiet kind of closeness that happens when you lie beside your newborn—just breathing them in, watching their tiny chest rise and fall. Whether it’s morning light spilling across the sheets or the hush of an afternoon nap, these moments hold a gentle intimacy. They remind you just how small they are, and how deeply you’re already connected.

Newborn moments with the family pet

Pets are often a baby’s first best friend—and including them in your newborn family photos helps tell the whole story. Whether your dog is curiously sniffing the baby’s toes or your cat is curled up nearby, these images celebrate the bond between all your family members, furry ones included.

The Beauty of Window Light

There’s something timeless about the way window light shapes a moment—casting soft shadows, highlighting a tiny profile, or tracing the curve of a wrap. Whether your newborn is sleeping peacefully or curled in your arms, this kind of light brings a quiet, artistic quality that feels both intimate and enduring.

Wrapped Around Your Finger

There’s something deeply moving about a baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around a parent’s hand. It’s such a small gesture, yet it speaks volumes—of trust, connection, and the beginning of something lifelong. These close-up moments beautifully show just how little your baby is, and how loved they already are.

When to Book a Newborn Photo Session and What to Expect

The best time for newborn family photos is usually within the first two to three weeks after birth. During this window, babies are still super sleepy and snug, which allows for gentle posing and quiet moments. That said, we’ve photographed beautiful in-home sessions with older newborns and even 6–8-week-old babies—so there’s flexibility based on what your family needs.

Most of our newborn sessions happen in your home. It's where you're most comfortable, and it allows us to capture your family in a space that holds meaning. If you're drawn to soft natural light, your living room or bedroom often provides the perfect setting. We’ll work with the light, your baby’s rhythm, and your pace.

Here’s what to expect:

  • We don’t rush—sessions are slow and baby-led

  • Feeding, changing, and cuddles are all welcome breaks

  • We gently guide, but never over-pose—natural connection is always the goal

Head over to our newborn photography portfolio to explore our photography packages and find more inspiration for your own newborn family photos.

What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos

Comfort is key—especially when you’re running on little sleep. We suggest soft, neutral tones that complement your home and skin tones. Think light greys, earthy beige, soft pinks, and gentle greens or blues. Avoid bold prints or heavy logos that might distract from the connection in the images.

For your baby, a simple wrap or onesie in breathable fabric works beautifully. Bare little feet and hands are always welcome! For parents and siblings, layered textures like knits, linen, or cotton add warmth and depth to photos without being too formal.

Keep in mind:

  • Choose outfits you feel good in

  • Coordinate colours without matching exactly

  • Have a few swaddles or wraps ready in calming tones

meaningful props for a newborn family photo session

We keep styling minimal so the focus stays on your connection—but a few personal touches can gently enhance the feel of your newborn family photos. Think soft, sentimental, and true to your story.

Consider including:

  • A favourite swaddle or heirloom blanket passed down through generations

  • A custom blanket or wrap embroidered with your baby’s name—a sweet way to personalise your photos and create a keepsake

  • A hand-knitted bonnet, beanie, or special outfit gifted by a loved one

  • A soft toy or comforter—especially one you’d love to see in photos over the years as your baby grows

  • A woven basket or textured bassinet for cosy, natural resting moments

  • A tiny book, muslin wrap, or even the hospital name tag if you’re still in those very early days

These props aren’t about styling for styling’s sake—they’re about grounding the photos in your real life, with little details that will mean even more as the years go by.

Preserving Your Newborn Family Photos: Prints, Albums & Gifts

After your session, think about how you’d like to keep these memories close—not just now, but for years to come. Newborn family photos mark the beginning of a new chapter, and preserving them in a tangible way makes them even more meaningful.

  • Custom albums: Tell the full story of your baby’s arrival and your growing family with a beautifully designed keepsake you’ll return to again and again.

  • Wall art: Turn a favourite moment into a timeless piece—perfect for a nursery, hallway, or family space.

  • Gift ideas: Prints or framed photos make heartfelt gifts for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or simply to share love across generations.

These photos aren’t just for today—they become heirlooms, passed down as a reminder of the love and connection that started it all.

Thinking of designing your own newborn photo album? We’d love to help bring it to life - get in touch to chat more.

inspired to book a newborn family photo session? Let’s make it happen!

Newborn family photos are more than just keepsakes—they’re a way of remembering how this season felt. The quiet moments, the laughter, the chaos, the deep love. Whether you’re preparing for your first photoshoot or welcoming another little one into the mix, we hope these

Get in touch to book your newborn photography session, and explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity, Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.

We can't wait to create something beautiful with you!

  • It’s best to book during pregnancy if you’re hoping to capture newborn photos within the first few weeks. That said, beautiful baby photos can be taken at any age — from curled-up newborns to wide-eyed three-month-olds. We recommend choosing a time that feels right for your family’s rhythm.

  • It depends on your style and comfort. At-home baby photos are ideal for capturing natural, intimate moments in your own environment. Studio photos offer a more polished, minimalist look. We specialise in in-home baby sessions that feel relaxed, personal, and deeply connected to your everyday life.

  • Description text goes heWe're based in Perth and offer relaxed, in-home baby photography sessions - so you and your little one can stay cosy and comfortable in your own space.re

  • We lean towards a documentary style, capturing the genuine emotions and connections that unfold naturally. Our approach is all about capturing the intimate moments and subtle details that tell the story of your baby’s early days.

  • Our newborn photo session is designed to honour those early days at home: the stretch marks, the sleepy feeds, the way your baby curls into your chest like they’ve always belonged there. We follow your family’s rhythm — slowly, gently, with room to breathe.

    Includes:

    • 75-minute in-home newborn lifestyle session

    • Baby-led and unhurried, with space for cuddles, feeds, and settling

    • 20 fully edited, high-resolution images of your choice

    • Option to purchase additional images or upgrade to full gallery

    Best for: newborns up to 12 weeks, sibling bonding, quiet family moments

    View our newborn photography page for more details and inspiration.

  • Soft, neutral clothing or wraps work beautifully. Textures like cotton, muslin, or knits photograph well, and bare baby skin is always lovely. Avoid bold prints or logos, as they can distract from your baby’s features and expression.

  • Absolutely — and we encourage it. Some of the most meaningful baby photos include parents, siblings, and even pets. These moments tell the fuller story of your baby’s place in the family.

  • All sessions are baby-led and unhurried. We allow plenty of time for cuddles, feeding, and breaks whenever needed. The goal is never to force a pose, but to follow your baby’s cues and gently work with whatever the day brings.

  • No need to worry. We work with natural light and focus on connection, not clutter. Often, all we need is a small window of clean space — a bed, a couch, or the nursery floor is more than enough to create something beautiful.

Daphnie Teo
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