How to Choose Props for a Unique Newborn Session

Props Don’t Make the Photo - But the Right Ones Can

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not a prop-heavy photographer. If you’ve poked through a few photos on Blink Photography, you’ve probably picked up on that.

When families book an in-home newborn session with me, they’re choosing connection and authenticity over Pinterest-perfect setups. That said, there’s a sweet spot where meaning, simplicity, and a little creativity intersect. And sometimes, props - the right props - help us land right there.

One of my favorite wrapped sessions ended with a baby nestled perfectly into a giant stuffed Rumple Buttercup (yes, that Rumple Buttercup from Matthew Gray Gubler’s children’s book). The character’s long plush arms curved around him like an awkward but endearing cradle. We laughed so hard during those photos, but here’s the thing: the result still felt timeless and real. It was weird, wonderful, personal - and it worked.

So if you’re wondering how to choose props for your newborn photos that are both meaningful and not overly trendy, here’s what I’ve learned from behind the lens.

The Balancing Act: Sentimental vs. Pinterest Oversaturation

It’s normal to have big feelings going into your baby’s first photo session. You want the photos to feel special. To feel like you. But between Instagram reels and a hundred articles titled “15 Must-Have Newborn Photo Props,” you might start wondering if your session needs a whole cartload of baskets, hats, and backdrops to be beautiful.

Take a deep breath. Let’s simplify.

Choosing to have your session at home means we’re already leaning into a lifestyle look. That natural light, your well-loved nursery chair, the quiet corners of your home - that’s our backdrop. The more we try to force a studio-style setup into your living room, the more inauthentic everything starts to feel. And honestly, your home just isn’t built for all of that gear, nor should it be.

Instead, let’s keep things intentional.

How to Use Props with Purpose in Your Newborn Session

1. Choose Sentimental Over Showy

If an item holds emotional weight, it’s worth considering. That doesn’t mean we turn it into the main focal point of every photo - but it might earn a quiet detail shot or make an appearance in the wrapped portion at the end of our session.

Some examples that have worked really well:

• A handmade baby blanket from grandma, tucked gently under baby in the basket

• The tiny shoes you used to announce your pregnancy, placed beside baby’s head

• A lovey or stuffed animal that already means something to your family

Subtle gestures can be powerful. You don’t need to spell it out—we’ll weave that emotion into the images without creating a shrine to it.

2. Keep It Subtle and Contextual

You can include meaningful items without turning your session into a prop parade. A quick suggestion I typically offer to clients: drape that special blanket at the base of the crib, don’t cover baby with it. Prop the favorite children’s book on a nearby shelf, rather than trying to get baby to hold it.

It’s about creating layers in the scene that feel lived-in and real. When someone looks back on these photos years from now, they should say “Oh yeah, I remember that!” not “Why is there a full camping tent in the nursery?”

3. Use the Wrapped Portion to Flex Your Creativity

At every in-home newborn session, I offer a short wrapped portion at the end. I swaddle baby up, place them in my Moses basket, and we take a few calm, classic photos.

This is the perfect time to include a more personal or playful item - something that might not have fit well earlier in the session. Want to include your Rumple Buttercup or your dog’s bandana? Let’s try it here.

Just remember: these are likely the only professional newborn photos your baby gets. You probably don’t want every single shot to feature a wizard hat. But if you want one or two? Go for it. We can make space for both meaning and humor.

4. Don’t Feel Pressured to Over-Explain

You don’t need to justify what makes something meaningful to you. If it matters, that’s enough for me. And if you’re not sure whether a prop idea makes sense or not, we’ll talk through it together before the session.

If it works visually and emotionally, we’ll find a way to include it. If it doesn’t fit? That’s not a failure - it’s just a pivot.

These Photos Should Look and Feel Like You

Your baby’s first photo session shouldn't be filled with pressure to perform or stage. You don’t need a Pinterest board to make your newborn session special.

All I ask you to consider is this: when your child looks back at these photos someday, what do you want them to feel?

Including a handmade item from a family member? That tells a story of legacy. Adding a prop that sparks laughter? That tells a story of joy. And sometimes stripping things down completely tells the clearest story of all.

At Blink Photography, I’ll never try to mold your session into something it isn’t. Whether you’re leaning toward cozy minimalism or sentimental touches, I’ll guide you through it - gently, honestly, and with care.

Let's Talk About Your Session

If you’re looking for a Southern New Hampshire or Northern Massachusetts in-home newborn photographer who values real moments over rigid styling, let's connect. You bring the baby, the cat, the Rumple Buttercup - and I’ll bring the swaddle and story-first approach.

Explore more sessions, pricing, and details at www.blinkphotographynh.com, and reach out anytime. I’m here to help you feel confident welcoming a photographer into your home during this tender, beautiful chapter.

Because these are the photos you’ll hold onto when time starts to blur—and I want them to feel like yours.