Most Popular Studio Props for Newborns

As a New Jersey photographer, I absolutely love designing sessions for my littlest clients! And one of the things that can really make a session special are the props. Of course, the focus is always your sweet baby, but the right prop can give your images that extra element that can take it from a nice baby picture to a beautiful one that really reflects your style.

At my studio in North Jersey I have a whole collection of props and accessories for you to choose from. There are so many items, from swaddles to buckets, that you’ll be able to use as we create a newborn portrait session for your little one. With that in mind, I thought I’d highlight just a handful of my most popular studio props for newborns.

A wicker basket is a classic newborn photography prop. Swaddled babies look like they’re sleeping in a cozy little nest when I pose them in this simple but beautiful setup.

Baskets come in all shapes and sizes, and for something that looks a bit more like a crib I love using my rattan basket. So sweet and comfy, especially when I layer it with blankets to give us some added texture.

Bowls have become an increasingly popular newborn photography prop over the years. There are lots of different shapes (round, heart-shaped, crescent moon) but one of my clients’ favorites is this antique long bowl, just the right size for a new baby.

New baby in a white swaddle tied in a bow and wearing a pearl headband, sleeping peacefully in an antique wooden cradle

Cribs may be a more practical solution for modern parenting, but there’s something so nostalgic about a lovely wooden cradle. I love using my antique cradle to give a timeless vibe to newborn photos.

What do you think? Any favorites from this list? There are plenty more where these came from! Be sure to check out my newborn portfolio or Facebook and Instagram pages to see more of my newborn photography props in action. And when you’re ready to book your newborn session, just fill out this quick form and I’ll be in touch!

Choosing Props for Your Newborn Session

If you’re expecting a new little one, I’m guessing you’ve spent a fair bit of time scrolling through photo inspiration on social media. Isn’t it fun to see all those adorable babies with those cute props and setups? But, if you’re choosing props for your own newborn session, it might start to feel a little overwhelming too. How can you possibly decide?

Planning Your Newborn Session

Planning a newborn session is so much fun, and I want to make sure that the setups I create are in line with your vision. I also want to keep things as simple as possible for you. So rather than have you show up for your session and be faced with choosing from my (kind of huge!) collection of newborn props, I’ll send you a questionnaire prior to your session which will help me plan the perfect session for your baby.

Gathering Inspiration

Before filling out the questionnaire, I recommend that you spend some time scrolling through my Facebook and Instagram pages to see what you like. You’re welcome to send me inspiration photos too! One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is the color scheme you’re going for. I have swaddles, hats, and headbands in every color you can imagine, so the sky is the limit! As you’re planning your colors, just make sure that they fit well with wherever they’ll be displayed (nursery, living room, etc.)

Choosing Props

If you have any specific prop requests, let me know! Otherwise, I’m happy to choose the props for you based on your color scheme and what I think will work well for you. I do three props poses during a newborn session, so parents often find it’s easier to just give me a general idea (like, “We love bucket poses!”) and let me make a selection from there. That way you don’t have to stress about decision-making, but you can feel confident that you’ll end up with images you love!

I can’t wait to help you create the perfect session for your new little one! From choosing props for your newborn session to making sure baby is comfy cozy during the photoshoot itself, I’m here to make this a relaxing and beautiful experience for you! Contact me today to book your spot for next year!

collage of baby pics showing options for choosing props for your newborn session