There’s something so special about choosing the perfect outfit for your newborn’s very first photoshoot. At The Story of Us, we’ve been lucky enough to capture many precious moments where simple, beautiful outfits allowed each baby’s unique story to shine. The outfits and ideas in this guide come from real sessions we’ve photographed, and we hope they inspire your next newborn photoshoot. Whether you're drawn to cosy textures, soft neutrals, or thoughtful personal touches, you’ll find inspiration here to create timeless images you'll cherish.

Newborn Photo Outfit Idea #1: Beige Waffled Cotton Romper

A beige waffled cotton romper offers both texture and simplicity, adding a touch of softness that pairs beautifully with neutral home settings. The waffle fabric creates gentle depth, making your baby look irresistibly cosy while still keeping the focus on their peaceful face and delicate features. We’ve photographed beautiful sessions where babies wearing this romper were nestled in soft blankets or cradled in their parents’ hands—a look that speaks to warmth, connection, and understated elegance.

boy newborn photoshoot smiling while sleeping and wearing beige knit romper

newborn boy cradled by his mom and his father holding his hand — Take a look at Sebastian’s newborn photoshoot

Newborn Photo Outfit Idea #2: Neutral and White Striped Onesie

One of our most loved looks is a soft, neutral and white striped onesie. It’s the perfect choice for relaxed in-home newborn sessions where comfort leads the way. The gentle stripes add a subtle visual detail without overwhelming the scene, and the close-fitting style beautifully frames your baby’s natural curls and tiny fingers. In one of our sessions, a little one snuggled peacefully in their parent’s arms, dressed in this sweet onesie, surrounded by soft, natural light streaming through the window. It’s a look that feels effortlessly timeless.

close up newborn boy photo in mother's arm and wearing beige-white striped onesie — Explore Asher’s newborn photo outfit for inspiration

Newborn Photo Outfit Idea #3: Classic White Onesie Simplicity

Sometimes the most powerful photos are the simplest. A plain white onesie highlights your baby’s natural beauty and tiny form, allowing those precious newborn details—rosy cheeks, curled fists, and wispy hair—to take centre stage. In one session, a baby peacefully slept in their white onesie on their parent’s bed, wrapped loosely in a soft muslin cloth. The simplicity of this look offers a sense of calm and purity that feels forever special.

newborn girl photo in classic white onesie outfit while laying on peach floral blanket

newborn girl photo in classic white onesie outfit while wrapped in furry pastel blanket

Newborn Photo Outfit Idea #4: White Top and Dusty Rose Pants

For families who love a hint of colour, pairing a white top with dusty rose pants brings a sweet, modern touch to your newborn photos. The soft pink hue adds gentle warmth without drawing attention away from your baby. We’ve captured tender moments where a baby in this outfit was cradled by parents wearing soft beige and white tones, creating a beautifully coordinated scene filled with love and softness.

newborn baby photo in white top and dusty rose pant outfit while surrounded by her parents on top of the bed

newborn girl photo in white top, dusty rose pants, and pink ribbon headband outfit while cradled by her father

Newborn Photo Outfit Idea #5: White Romper with Polka Dots

There’s something undeniably charming about vintage-inspired newborn outfits, and a white romper with delicate polka dots is a perfect example. The subtle pattern adds interest while keeping the look timeless and gentle. In one of our sessions, a baby wearing this outfit lay in a woven basket, softly swaddled with a textured blanket, creating a scene that felt wonderfully nostalgic yet fresh.

newborn girl photo in brown polka dot onesie outfit and tucked in brown blanket

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Newborn Photo Outfits

When planning what your baby will wear for their photoshoot, here are some practical and heartfelt tips to keep in mind:

Soft, breathable fabrics: Comfort is key. Choose natural fibres like cotton or bamboo to keep your newborn cosy and at ease.
Stick to neutral or soft tones: Whites, beiges, pastels, and muted colours photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby.
Coordinate as a family: If you're joining the session, opt for similarly soft tones and avoid busy patterns to create visual harmony.
Less is more with accessories: A simple bow or bonnet can add charm, but avoid anything that might distract from your baby’s delicate features.
Consider textures: Waffles, knits, and soft weaves add gentle layers and depth without overpowering the image.

Thoughtful Accessories and Props for Newborn Photos

Adding meaningful accessories and props to your newborn photoshoot can bring a layer of warmth and personal detail. Here are some beautiful pieces we’ve photographed in real sessions:

Ribbon Bow

A simple ribbon bow adds a sweet, delicate touch to your baby’s look. Whether tied around a tiny tuft of hair or gently resting as a headband, it offers a soft pop of colour or texture without taking attention away from your baby’s face. Neutral or pastel bows work beautifully to maintain a timeless feel.

White Knitted Bonnet

A white knitted bonnet is a classic newborn accessory that never goes out of style. It frames your baby’s face beautifully and adds a cosy, vintage-inspired charm to the photos. We’ve captured some of our most tender close-up portraits with babies peacefully resting in these sweet bonnets.

Blanket with Baby’s Name

A personalised blanket embroidered with your baby’s name weaves a meaningful story into your session. These blankets not only offer lovely texture and softness but also create a keepsake moment—capturing your baby's name as part of their earliest memories.

newborn boy photo tucked in knitted blue blanket with his name written on it

Swaddle Blanket

Swaddle blankets are both practical and beautiful in newborn photography. A soft, breathable swaddle keeps your baby snug and settled, offering a cocoon-like comfort that naturally brings out those sleepy, peaceful poses. Swaddles in neutral tones or gentle patterns make for stunning backdrops and layers.

newborn girl photo in knitted bonnet accessories and tucked in brown foliage swaddle pattern while cradled tightly by her mom

Stuffed Toy

Including a favourite or gifted stuffed toy adds a sentimental touch and helps tell the story of your baby’s early days. We often love using these to create a size reference—those tiny newborn hands and feet against a beloved toy are details families treasure as their little ones grow.

newborn boy photo in beige-white striped onesie laid beside the fluffy grey bunny plushie — Explore Asher’s newborn photo outfit for inspiration

Rattan Basket

A rattan basket is a warm, natural prop that frames your baby in a beautifully organic way. Lined with soft, textured blankets, baskets provide a cosy, styled setting that still feels connected to nature. We’ve used them to create some of our most loved newborn portraits with a touch of rustic charm.

newborn girl photo in brown polka dot onesie outfit — See more of baby Shea’s newborn photo session

Celebrate Your Baby’s Arrival With A Newborn Photoshoot

Your baby’s first days are fleeting, but the memories can last a lifetime with thoughtfully styled, heartfelt photos. Choosing the right newborn photo outfits—whether it’s a soft onesie, a textured romper, or a personal touch like a favourite toy—helps capture your family’s story in the most meaningful way.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Photo Outfits