Newborn photography is all about capturing those fleeting first days—those tiny fingers, soft stretches, and peaceful snuggles that make your heart melt. While every baby is different, there are a few classic newborn poses that beautifully highlight their delicate features and the deep love surrounding them.
If you’re planning a newborn session, here are five must-have newborn poses that will create timeless, heartfelt memories. When considering your newborn session, it’s important to discuss your must-have newborn poses with your photographer beforehand.
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Baby in Your Lap
There’s something incredibly special about capturing a newborn cradled in their parent’s lap. This pose offers a perfect sense of scale—your little one so tiny, secure, and completely at peace in your arms. This is one of the most popular must-have newborn poses, and for good reason!
Why I love this pose:
- It beautifully showcases just how small your baby is in those early days.
- The perspective adds a deeply intimate, storytelling element to your photo.
- It’s a great way to highlight your hands, gently supporting and cradling your little one.
This pose works whether your baby is awake or asleep, and it’s an especially lovely choice for parents who want to be included in photos without being the main focus.
Baby’s Hands & Feet
Tiny fingers curled around yours. Perfect little toes peeking out of a cozy wrap. These close-up detail shots are a must in every newborn gallery!
Why I love this pose:
- Babies grow so fast, and these details are easy to forget. Capturing them ensures you’ll always remember just how small they once were.
- These images make for beautiful additions to a baby album or a framed print in the nursery.
- They add a sweet, artistic touch to your newborn collection.
Pro tip: Holding your baby’s hand in the shot can add an extra layer of emotion and connection to the photo.
Baby Laying on Their Back
This is one of my favorite must-have newborn poses because I never know exactly what a sleeping baby will do once I place them on their back!
Some babies love to stretch, reaching their hands high above their heads. Others instinctively tuck their tiny hands by their face. Some prefer to stay wrapped up, while others immediately sprawl out, completely relaxed.
Why I love this pose:
- It’s completely natural—your baby is free to move, and I get to capture their unique personality.
- It highlights your baby’s natural comfort, whether they curl up or stretch out.
- The simplicity makes for a clean, classic image that never goes out of style.
Whether they sleep peacefully or give a big, unexpected yawn, these moments always make for adorable, heart-melting photos.
Baby on Dad’s Chest
Few things are as powerful as the sight of a newborn resting on their dad’s chest. This pose radiates love, security, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child. Collaborate with your photographer to determine which must-have newborn poses will best reflect your family’s unique dynamic.
Why I love this pose:
- It highlights the size contrast between a protective dad and his tiny newborn.
- It naturally captures the deep connection between father and baby.
- It often results in sweet, quiet moments—babies love the warmth and comfort of their dad’s heartbeat.
This is a must-have newborn pose for dads who want to be part of the session in a way that feels meaningful and relaxed.
A Family Picture
No newborn session is complete without a beautiful family photo. While capturing solo baby shots is important, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for your whole family. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, these images tell the story of your growing family. Collaborate with your photographer to determine which must-have newborn poses will best reflect your family’s unique dynamic.
Why I love this pose:
- It captures the love, joy, and connection of your family in this incredible new chapter.
- It provides a treasured keepsake that your child will cherish as they grow older.
- It doesn’t have to be formal! Whether you’re snuggled up on the couch, standing by a window, or sitting together in the nursery, the best family photos feel natural and full of love.
Even if you don’t feel “photo-ready,” trust me—these are the moments you’ll want to remember forever.
Capturing the Beauty of Your Newborn’s First Days
The beauty of newborn photography lies in the simplicity of these moments. Whether it’s tiny hands resting on your chest, little toes peeking out of a blanket, or the peaceful way your baby sleeps, these must-have newborn poses become timeless keepsakes of a stage that passes far too quickly. For inspiration and to see more of my newborn photography, visit my Newborn Photography Pinterest Board. Looking for a newborn photographer in Iowa City?
Looking for a newborn photographer in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids? I’d love to help you capture these must-have newborn poses and create a beautiful collection of images that you’ll treasure forever. Visit my Iowa City Newborn Photography page to learn more and book your session.
Ready to book your newborn session? Contact me today to schedule your session and let’s capture the magic of your baby’s earliest days!
Heather Parrish is a lifestyle maternity and newborn photographer based in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa. She specializes in capturing the intimate and fleeting moments of early parenthood with a focus on natural light and authentic connections. Heather is a member of Professional Photographers of Iowa and strives to create images that reflect the unique beauty of each family.