A comfortable room temperature is key. Babies are happiest when the room is slightly warmer than usual, especially if there will be outfit changes or skin to skin shots. 

Choose any outfits the night before and lay them out, easily accessible near your baby changing area. Plains will work best. Consider open toed options for photographing those adorable feet. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or very bright colours as they can distract from your baby.

You may want something of sentimental value included in the photos, such as a soft toy, family quilt, knitted blanket or hat/cardigan. This adds a really lovely story telling touch to your images.

Many of the shots taken in your home will be in the main bedroom, therefore make your bed nice and neat, with a soft blanket ready to lie your baby onto. 

Feed your baby or give them a top up prior to the session starting. A full tummy usually means a sleepy, content baby which will in turn make you more relaxed and at ease.

Please don't tidy the entire house. It really isn't necessary as I will happily move things if they are going to appear in the background. It's hard to keep on top of everything particularly the house so please don't worry. 

Pull back any curtains and blinds to maximise the amount of natural light entering the room. I will ask for a short tour when I arrive and determine which rooms will be most suitable based on light levels.

Make sure to tell any siblings exactly what will be happening and get them excited about it, so that it doesn't come as a surprise. They can take part too! Perhaps organise a little treat for afterwards. Bribery always goes a long way...