Bringing your newborn home is one of the most heartwarming and emotional moments of your life. These first days pass by in a blur of new experiences, but they’re filled with memories you’ll want to hold onto forever. As a St. Simons Island newborn photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting those tender first days for many families, and there are certain photos that always stand out. These are the simple, intimate moments that reflect the joy and love in your growing family.
Here are some favorite must-have newborn photos to capture when you first come home with your baby.
1. First Family Photo at Home
There’s something truly special about the first family photo taken at home. It doesn’t have to be perfect—there’s beauty in the realness of the moment. Whether you’re standing in the nursery, lounging on the living room couch, or cuddled up in bed, this photo marks the start of a new chapter in your family’s story.
I always encourage families to embrace their home as it is. The blanket tossed on the chair, the crib mobile gently turning, the soft clutter of new baby gear—these little details all tell the story of your early days together.
2. Baby in Their Nursery
After months of preparing, the nursery becomes a space filled with love and anticipation. That first time you bring your baby into their room is a quiet milestone. Capturing these moments—whether it’s rocking them in the chair, gazing out the window with them in your arms, or gently laying them in their crib—adds depth to your newborn photos.
These pictures remind you of the calm, quiet connection you’ve begun to form with your baby in a space made just for them.
3. Tiny Details – Hands, Feet, and Little Features
It’s easy to get lost in the tiny details of your newborn. Their impossibly small hands, those soft little toes, the way their fingers curl around yours. These moments are fleeting, as babies grow so quickly, making it all the more important to capture these details while they’re still so new.
Close-up photos of their tiny features—their hands, feet, nose, or even the way their face nestles into your shoulder—create timeless images full of tenderness and love.
4. Candid Moments with Siblings
If you have older children, capturing those first interactions between siblings is a must. Watching their eyes light up with curiosity and excitement as they gently touch or hold the baby is a moment filled with pure wonder. These photos capture the beginning of a beautiful bond that will only grow with time.
Allow these moments to unfold naturally. The connection between siblings is something that can’t be forced, and the candid shots that come from these real, tender moments are often the ones you’ll treasure the most.
5. Snuggling with Parents
Newborns spend much of their time snuggled up against their parents in those early days, seeking warmth and comfort. These intimate moments are some of the most precious. Photos of you holding your baby close—whether you’re cradling them in your arms, resting your cheek on their head, or sharing a quiet moment together—capture the love that’s already blossomed between you.
These are the kind of images that feel timeless, capturing the essence of those quiet, loving moments that fill the first days of parenthood.
6. Baby in Their First Cozy Outfit
Every newborn has a few special outfits that were lovingly chosen before they arrived. There’s something heart-melting about seeing your baby all wrapped up in one of these cozy outfits, snoozing peacefully in a blanket or swaddled in something soft.
This is also the perfect time to include any special family heirlooms, like a quilt, a knitted hat, or a handmade blanket. These small touches help make the photos even more meaningful.
7. The Coming Home Outfit
For many parents, the coming home outfit is a special moment in itself. It’s a symbol of bringing your baby into the world and starting your life together at home. Whether you’ve chosen something simple and soft or a little more formal, capturing your baby in this outfit can feel like a rite of passage.
Consider taking a photo of them in their car seat or in your arms as you cross the threshold into your home for the first time as a family. These are emotional moments that mark the beginning of this new adventure.
8. Everyday Moments – Your New Routine
Life with a newborn can be beautifully simple. Feedings, burping, swaddling, and rocking them to sleep all become part of your new rhythm. While these moments might feel small, they’re actually the heart of early parenthood, filled with quiet love and care.
Capturing these everyday moments—whether it’s an early morning feeding or soothing them at night—creates newborn photos that remind you of the love that surrounds these early days. Over time, these are the memories that will hold the most meaning.
Cherishing the Early Days
The early days with your newborn are fleeting, but they’re also some of the most tender and love-filled days of your life. Taking the time to capture these moments in photographs allows you to hold onto the magic of this time, long after your baby has grown.
As a newborn photographer in St. Simons Island, it’s an honor to help families preserve these first memories. Whether it’s the tiny details, the first family photo, or the peaceful moments you spend together, I’m here to help make sure these moments are captured beautifully so you can cherish them forever.