Significance of Newborn Hospital Pictures
Newborn Photography: this article is all about taking your own hospital newborn portraits and capturing the moments you meet your baby for the first time! This article helps you plan ahead for this momentous occasion with photography tips, pose ideas, and resource guide of inspiration. The first time you meet your baby is a profound and indescribable experience. You are overcome with emotion and love; it’s hard to describe how much love you feel for someone you’ve just met! Meeting your baby is a precious memory you’ll want to preserve and capture to enjoy pictures for many years to come. This article is all about newborn photography helpful photography tips, pose ideas, and resources for taking your own hospital newborn pictures!
Newborn photos become a time capsule, transporting us back to that special day in time, preserving the details of that special day—the tiny fingers and toes, the wrinkled forehead, the blissful expressions of new parents—as if frozen in time. These photos hold a unique power to evoke emotions and memories for your child as well who will reflect on these photos as they grow older, providing a glimpse into their earliest days and the love that surrounded their arrival.
Now that I’m a Mom of two these tips and resources are what we utilized for baby number two’s hospital newborn photos. The photos from baby number one’s hospital newborn photos included the linens provided by the hospital and did not include any of these thoughtful injections of color and props. I wish there had been resources available to help first-time parents plan for hospital newborn photography at the hospital. If this article is helpful for you in planning your newborn photos at the hospital please let us know in the comments below.
Photography Tips for Newborn Photography of your Newborn at the Hospital
Capturing those precious first moments of your newborn baby’s life in the hospital is a wonderful way to preserve memories that you’ll cherish forever. Newborn Photography sessions at the hospital are difficult to schedule and book because your baby may come unexpectedly. And if the hospital offers photos of your newborn, the quality of those baby pictures is not great. If photo packages are offered it’s generally a trained nurse that will take the pictures, not necessarily a trained photographer. This is where you’ll want to be prepared to take photos or have a trusted friend or family member be prepared to help you enjoy this heartfelt photo opportunity. Here are five tips for taking beautiful and memorable photos of your new baby in the hospital:
Newborn Photography: Five Photography Tips for Newborn Portraits at the Hospital
- Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, use natural light from windows to illuminate your baby. Soft, diffused natural light creates a flattering and gentle glow, perfect for taking your own hospital newborn pictures.
- Keep the focus on your baby as the main subject of the photo: in the hospital avoid cluttered backgrounds or distractions that may take away from the focus on your little one.
- Include Family Members: If siblings or grandparents are present, include them in some of the photos with the newborn. Sibling interactions and family bonding moments make for heartwarming and memorable photographs. Make sure you have someone take a picture of both parents with your newborn, trust me this will become one of your most cherished pictures!
- Use Props Thoughtfully: include a curated group of props in your photos, choose ones that are simple and meaningful. Check out the resources in the last section of this article for inspiration. Check out the resource guide below for Newborn Portraits at the hospital for ways to personalize and add a special touch to your photos.
- Document Details: Don’t forget to document the little details of your baby’s first hours, such as their hospital bracelet, tiny feet, and the first time they open their eyes. These details may seem small now but will become cherished memories as your baby grows. My husband and I have tons of photos of newborn hospital photos and even captured short video clips of both of our children as newborns and the sweet coo-ing noise they made while they were in the hospital – so precious! I always enjoy looking back at these first hospital newborn photos, which is an exquisite moment in time – becoming a parent and having a family!
Newborn Photography: Eight Pose Ideas for Hospital Portraits
When planning for newborn hospital pictures, you want to capture the essence of those precious first moments with your baby. Here are eight pose ideas to inspire your newborn hospital photo session:
- Family Introductions: Capture the reactions of family members meeting the baby for the first time. Whether it’s the joy on the faces of grandparents or the curiosity of siblings, these moments are full of emotion and love. If you have older children, include them in the photos to capture the special bond between siblings. Encourage gentle interactions and cuddles between the baby and their siblings for heartwarming photos.
- Close-Up Details: Take close-up shots of your baby’s tiny features, such as their fingers, toes, ears, and nose. These intimate shots highlight the unique beauty of your newborn and make for timeless keepsakes.
- Parent-Baby Bonding: Take photos of each parent individually with the baby, both parents together with the baby, as well everyone together as a family. Note -make sure you ask someone to take a picture of Mom and Dad together with baby – trust me, this will be one of your favorite pictures!
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Cuddling skin-to-skin is not only beneficial for bonding but also makes for beautiful and intimate photos!
- Cradle Pose: Position the baby in a cradle pose, with their head resting in the crook of your arm or nestled against your chest. This classic pose highlights the baby’s profile and creates a sense of security and comfort.
- Hospital Room Environment: Incorporate elements of the hospital room into your photos to document the setting of your baby’s birth. Include details such as the hospital bassinet, blankets, and medical equipment to tell the story of your baby’s arrival. The clear hospital baby bassinets are made of a sturdy plastic frame and can be used to take some adorable pictures of your baby and offers one of the best opportunities for hospital newborn photos! In your overnight bag plan bring in your own curated collection of coordinating baby essentials. A resource guide is included in this article for inspiration for your hospital newborn photography session.
- First Feeding: Document the baby’s first feeding, whether it’s breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. These photos capture a fundamental aspect of newborn care and the bond between parent and baby during feeding time.
- Sleeping Baby: Capture the serenity of your sleeping newborn in peaceful and cozy poses. Use soft blankets, swaddles, or onsies to keep the baby comfortable and secure while you capture these precious moments. In the hospital, newborns are dressed, swaddled, and wear baby hats to help them maintain a warm body temperature.
Newborn Photography: Resource Guide
For thoughtful props to include in your Newborn Hospital Photographs I would encourage you to pick a theme in your color pallet, curated selection of props, and baby essentials. When you are planning in advance for your hospital newborn photography session go ahead and pack a go back with all of the things you’ll need for your baby photos so whenever baby comes you’ll be prepared!
Props for your Newborn Hospital Photography does not have to be expensive. In fact you can shop through your nursery decor, shower gifts, and items you’ve already purchased for your baby. I hope this resource list helps you prepare for your own newborn photographs and gives you some inspiration one how to curate all of the props you’ll include in your own newborn photographs!
Newborn Photography: Letterboards
1. Felt Letter Board with 294 Letters, Changeable Message Board
Using a letterboard for hospital newborn photos can be a great way to add a personal touch and share key details about your baby’s arrival. Letterboards are a great prop purchase and can also be featured in monthly baby milestone photos each month during your baby’s first year.
2. Pearhead Classic Wooden Letterboard
The wooden style letterboard is a classic for boys or girls and I love pink for a little girl! These are great to prop up on the back side of your hospital baby bassinet. And when you are packing your hospital bag in advance, you can certainly go ahead and use your letters to create a cute little message like, “Welcome Baby Clare!” and birth date. Before you take your newborn pictures you can even add the time of their birth. I would recommend taking pictures of the bassinet by itself with your letterboard and lovey props and lots of pictures of your baby in the bassinet with these thoughtful props.
Note: these Letterboards are a great prop purchase and can also be featured in monthly baby milestone photos each month.
3. Turquoise Felt Letter Board with Rustic Frame Felt Letter Board
Perfect for your hospital newborn photography, nursery decor, and milestone monthly photos for your baby. Set up your letterboard in advance with key details about your baby’s arrival.
Newborn Photography: Baby Blanket and Changing Pad Covers
Choose a favorite Baby blanket or changing pad cover – choose a baby blanket that will match the color theme you’ve selected for your baby pictures. The baby blanket will get wrapped around the hospital bassinet mattress to add tons of color for your newborn pictures. These are practical props to back for your newborn stork photos and can certainly be used for everyday use and milestone pictures at home. Here are a couple of favorites:
4. Little Unicorn – Watercolor Roses Changing Pad Cover
Using a floral changing pad cover in hospital newborn photos and as a practical item for your baby’s nursery can be both beautiful for newborn portraits and functional in your baby’s nursery. Use this floral changing pad cover as a background for the hospital bassinet.. This sweet floral print creates a visually appealing base for your baby. Perfect for a little girl, this floral base is perfect paired with soft pastels or neutral colors for props and your baby’s outfit.
5. Gray and Cream Buffalo Check Deluxe Flannel Changing Pad Cover
Gingham can be a charming and classic choice for newborn hospital portraits. Its timeless pattern adds a touch of sweetness and simplicity to photos. This gingham pattern features a medium check which looks great in proportion to your newborn baby. This gray gingham is a classic choice for a baby boy or girl. Select a soft, pastel color like light blue, pink, or green gingham which works well for newborns. Choose a color that complements the overall aesthetic you want or matches your nursery decor.
5. Touched by Nature Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Changing Pad Cover, Powder Blue
A powder blue changing pad cover can be a lovely choice for newborn hospital portraits, especially for a baby boy. Its soft, soothing color complements the delicate nature of newborn photos and provides a serene backdrop. When considering baby outfits for this powder blue base a simple white or light-colored onesie or outfit can create a clean, classic look. If you want a bit of contrast, consider a soft gray or navy blue outfit.
6. Little Blessings Baby Blanket
A white blanket with the words “Little Blessing” can be a beautiful and meaningful choice for newborn hospital portraits. It adds a personal and sentimental touch to the photos. We used this for my son’s hospital newborn portraits. The fabric is lightweight and easy to wrap around the changing pad lining the hospital bassinet. And from personal experience as a Mom of two, this blanket has staying power in your nursery. We use this as a summer baby blanket as the lightweight fabric is perfect for helping your baby relax without overheating and the size is large enough to accommodate an infant, even after your child has passed the baby stage; which happens all too fast!
7. Personalized Baby Blanket and Swaddle Baby Blankets for Boys Girls Custom Baby Blankets for Girls Customized Baby Blanket Personalized Baby Gifts
A customizable baby wrap blanket with a matching hat, especially in this fun floral pattern, creates a stunning and personalized touch for your baby girls’ hospital newborn photos.
Newborn Photography - Onesies for Newborns
8. Gymboree,One Piece Body Suit Hat and Socks 3-Piece Newborn Set,Heather
You’ll love this onesie set for baby’s first pictures in the hospital! As baby’s first outfit it comes complete with a beanie and baby booties. With newborns you are trying to keep all of their body heat in so you can keep their body temperature high – this sweet little bundle does it in style, will look great in photographs, and is a great keepsake for baby’s first outfit.
9. Newborn Baby Romper Hat Ribbed Knit Long Sleeve Button Solid Bodysuit Jumpsuit
A onesie with built-in booties is both practical and charming! The ribbed fabric adds a cozy touch, and it comes in 14 different colors; which means there’s something to suit the style you’ve selected for your baby. Plus, it being a keepsake gift makes it even more special, something to cherish as your little one grows.
10. Newborn Baby Outfit Set with Footies and Matching Hat with Customized Embroidery Name
Perfect for a baby girl or baby boy this customizable romper and hat is a perfect option for hospital newborn photography. The romper set is available in 7 different colors and 12 options for embroidery colors really allows you to customize this onesie set to match your aesthetic or nursery decor.
11. Newborn Silky Baby Gown with Hat for Boys and Girls
Perfect for a baby girl or baby boy this newborn baby gown is a precious option for creating your baby announcement to showcase your hospital newborn photos. As a Mom of two, this is also a very practical outfit with as many diapers as you’ll be changing the knotted baby gown for the win! And other practical advise avoid snaps for onesie closures they are so frustrating as a new parent in the hospital or in the middle of the night.
Newborn Photography: Newborn Hat
12. Oversized Bow Newborn Hats for Baby Girls
Newborns often wear baby hats in the hospital primarily to help regulate their body temperature. A hat can also provide a sense of security and comfort for a newborn. It mimics the warmth and protection they felt in the womb, helping them to feel more settled. This adorable baby hat with oversized bow front is a wonderful girly option for a baby girl’s newborn hospital portraits. As a Mom and photographer, I love taking portraits with oversized bows for baby girls! The bow adds so much personality and it may take a full year before their hair starts to really get started. This four pack is also super affordable and comes in eleven options for color combinations you can select.
13. Newborn Hats for Baby Boy
Using a baby hat in hospital newborn photos can adds cozy element to your newborn hospital portraits making the images even more special. This blue option is perfect for baby boys. By selecting a hat that complements the baby’s outfit and carefully positioning it, you can capture beautiful, memorable photos of your newborn’s early days. And from our user experience these are thicker and better made than the blue pink option hospitals generally have available.
14. Newborn Hospital Hat Infant Baby Hat with Rhinestone Bow
Using a baby hat in hospital newborn photos can add a cute and cozy element, making the images even more special. This oversized rhinestone bow option is perfect for baby girls. By selecting a hat that complements the baby’s outfit and carefully positioning it, you can capture beautiful, memorable photos of your newborn’s early days.
Newborn Photography: Lovey and Props
15. Natural Wood Baby Blocks for Newborn Photography
You’ll love newborn photos incorporating these natural wooden baby blocks. You can use these building blocks to spell out your baby’s name in newborn photos and nursery decor.
16. Aviator Bear
This sweet Aviator Bear will elevate your newborn photos, creating a memorable scene for your little one’s arrival. Complete with a vintage pilot’s cap and goggles, this bear adds vintage charm to a baby boy’s hospital newborn photographs. . This thoughtful prop not only adds a unique and personal touch to your photos but also sets the stage for a collection of heartwarming memories that will be cherished for years to come. My son loves playing with this bear and we have featured this sweet little Aviator Bear in his newborn photos and monthly milestone photos.
17. Cream Bunny Stuffed Animal Plush Soft Toy
A Bunny symbolizes innocence and playfulness and what a sweet gesture to include this cute 6 inch cream bunny in your hospital newborn photos and even nursery decor. A cream bunny is a great choice for a neutral and soothing color palette. It complements the soft tones of newborn photography and doesn’t distract from the baby. Incorporating the bunny into the session can be done in a variety of ways, such as placing it gently beside the baby, having the baby hold it or placing the bunny and letterboard on the backside of the hospital bassinet.
Panache Photography LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.