Which Style of Baby Bodysuit is Best for a Newborn Photoshoot

At Mabel & Møøse the answer is beautifully simple. A plain white bodysuit is all your baby needs to wear. No patterns, no logos, just crisp clean white.

It sounds straightforward, but once you start looking you will quickly discover that the humble baby bodysuit comes in more variations than you might ever have imagined. So let me walk you through your options and help you choose the one that is right for your baby.

Should a Baby Bodysuit for a Newborn Photoshoot Have Sleeves

This really comes down to the look you love. A sleeveless vest is wonderfully sweet, showing off your baby's tiny shoulders and little arms in all their newborn glory. For girls, shoestring straps with a straight neckline are particularly delicate and lovely.

Short sleeves let you see those adorable tiny arms while still feeling like a proper outfit. Long sleeves give the photograph a softer, lighter feel with more white fabric on show, which suits the minimal Scandi style of a Mabel & Møøse session beautifully.

Avoid frilly sleeves. As adorable as they are in real life, they have a habit of creeping up and hiding your baby's face in photographs.

What Neckline is Best on a Baby Bodysuit for a Newborn Photoshoot

My personal favourite is no collar at all. Pure, simple and completely unfussy.

That said, a Peter Pan collar is a close second. Those soft rounded edges look wonderful on baby girls and boys alike. A polo collar, with its pointed corners, is a little more structured and works well too.

What I would steer away from is anything too decorative around the neckline as it can draw the eye away from your baby's face, which is always the star of the photograph.

What Style of Baby Bodysuit Fastening is Best

Most bodysuits are a crewneck style with poppers between the legs. These can go on over your baby's head, though most parents discover fairly late that the wide neckline also means you can pull them down over the shoulders and legs to take them off without disturbing a sleeping baby. A little tip that might save you some stress on the day.

Kimono style bodysuits, also described as wraparound or side snap, are a beautiful option. No pulling anything over your baby's head, which is a genuine relief in those early weeks. They take a little practice to fasten but once you have the hang of them they are wonderful.

Does the Fabric of a Baby Bodysuit Matter for a Photoshoot

Yes, it does. A better quality bodysuit will be made from slightly thicker fabric which sits more snugly around your baby, particularly around their little legs. This means you see those irresistible newborn thighs rather than the nappy underneath. It is worth investing in something new and crisp for the session rather than using a well washed one from an older sibling.

Bright white photographs beautifully. Once a bodysuit has been through a few washes it loses that clean brightness, so a new one really does make a difference.

I also love a bodysuit with a woven texture. Still completely white but with a subtle pattern in the fabric itself, it adds a little quiet detail without breaking the minimal feel.

Should I Bring More Than One Bodysuit to the Photoshoot

I have a wide selection of bodysuit styles and sizes in the studio, so once we have taken some initial photographs of your baby I can change them into something a little different if you would like to. It is a lovely way to add variety to your gallery without any extra effort on your part.

That said, if you have a particular style you love, bring it along.

What About Older Babies, Sitters and First Birthday Sessions

The same applies for all baby sessions at Mabel & Møøse. Whether your baby is coming for their newborn photographs, their sitting up session or their first birthday, a plain white bodysuit is always the starting point. It keeps everything consistent, clean and beautifully simple. For your baby's first birthday I provide a very special ONEderful outfit in the studio, so there is nothing extra for you to organise on the day.

If you are getting ready for your session and wondering what the rest of the family should wear, you might find this helpful too. Read the full guide to what to wear to your newborn photoshoot at Mabel & Møøse.

Ready to book your baby's photoshoot? I would love to hear from you.