Top 5 items for your newborn baby - Brisbane Newborn Photographer

Planning your newborn baby's arrival is such a fun and exciting time. However, if you are first-time parents and you've visited a baby shop recently it's a bit overwhelming knowing what to buy for your newborn baby. From Prams to car seats, cots and change tables, right down to bath thermometers and wipe warmers. The options are endless! As a mum of three girls I've certainly bought my share in baby products, some were essential and I recommend them to every new parent. Then there were those purchases I didn't even use or were totally useless anyway. So here is my top 5 items for your newborn baby that you will actually get great use out of.

1. Cot or Bassinet

This is probably one of the first things you will purchase, your baby's first bed. Whether you plan to have your newborn baby in a bassinet/co-sleeper in your room or in their own room in a cot it's an essential item that should be high on your list. Some baby stores even do bundle deals when you buy a cot and changeable together so keep a lookout for specials like this and you could save yourself some money to put towards another item.

2. Change table

You need somewhere to change all those newborn nappies so a changing table is ideal. Some can double as drawers so that space is used wisely in your new baby's nursery. A good height changing area will help your back and posture which is important after having a newborn baby.

3. Car seat or Capsule

There are so many car seats on the market how do I know which one is the safest?

You need to have a car seat or capsule installed in the vehicle to bring your newborn baby home from the hospital. Capsules are fantastic for newborn baby's, you can securely fasten them in the capsule before leaving the hospital room and then attach it to the base that is fitted in your vehicle and you are ready to go. A lot of capsules are also able to be attached to your baby's pram so you can easily get your baby in and out of the car without waking them up. I highly recommend a capsule, they were so well used for my youngest two children and worth every cent. Visit your nearest baby store and have the car seat experts talk you through the best options for you. They can even professionally install them!

4. Prams/Strollers

I have owned many prams in my parenting journey and while they are a necessity I recommend waiting until you have your baby to then go pram shopping as pushing around an empty pram is so different from pushing around one with a baby in it. And really take it for a test run around the store. Have your nappy bag and see where it's going to go, you will want a big basket underneath for your shopping or to store your things. Check that the pram moves well and is easy to fold (and fits in your car without taking up the whole boot space!). A pram is a real personal preference so it's best to go into the store and see them all for yourself.

5. Clothes

Buying your newborn baby clothes is so fun and can get a little addictive. You definitely need clothes but you don't have to go overboard especially in the tiny sizes as they really do grow so fast. I highly recommend zip onesies and steer clear of the clasp buttons as they are so difficult to dress in the middle of the night (picture a screaming baby flapping their arms around while trying to do up 100 buttons only to get to the top and realize you've missed one somewhere down the line). Zips all the way and if they have a two-way zip that can start at the bottom even better!

So there you have it, my top 5 items for your newborn baby. If you like my blog and want to read more check out this handy Hospital Bag checklist!

Behind the Scenes

Ever wondered what it's like to be a Brisbane Newborn Photographer? Cuddling gorgeous babies all day and visiting gorgeous locations with really fun clients. It really is the greatest job, I have been running my photography business for 8 years now and I still love it so much! Nothing makes me happier than showing my clients the edited images from their session and hearing how much they adore them and how happy they are. It's such a beautiful feeling when you create a piece of art that someone values so much.

Here I am photographing baby Taj, what a cutie!

When I'm setting up the studio for a newborn session I like to create a mood board first with the colours, textures and props so I can create a cohesive look for the gallery. I like my images to flow throughout a gallery so that If my clients were to print all of their photos and display them in a large masterpiece all of the colours compliment each other.

What If we want to use certain colours or props in our session?

I always get my clients feedback on the colours and props I plan to use, and I welcome their suggestions as I want them to love their photos and be proud to display them in their home. I have a large range of props in the studio my clients are welcome to look through and find things they love that we can incorporate into the shoot.

I share most of my behind the scenes videos and photos in my Instagram stories, be sure to follow me if you wish to see more.

Maternity and Newborn Photography

The Newborn Session of Baby Sadie

I captured my beautiful friend of 20+ years Shari when she expecting her third baby. She was a goddess modelling some of the beautiful new maternity gowns I have available in the studio. I love the boho vibe and this gorgeous dress suits every mama!

This shimmery pink gown is a new one too and was stunning on Shari!

Not long after her maternity shoot, the most precious baby girl entered the world! Sadie what a darling little girl you are and so loved by her big brother and sister. Here is a little sneak preview of her newborn shoot.