The Best Newborn Photography Props

First Landings Newborn Photography Pillow Set

Easy positioning

This comfy cushion set makes it easy to get your little one in place.

Best Overall

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No matter what theme you end up going with for your newborn’s shoot, you’ll need a way to position the baby safely. That’s where the newborn photography pillow set by First Landings really shines. It comes with four premium, hand-crafted pillows that are each sized and shaped to be comfortable and supportive. You or your photographer can easily position and reposition them, along with your baby, to get all kinds of fun shots during your session.

Pros:

• The cotton they’re made of is hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable for added safety
• It’s easy to dye them or drape other fabrics over them to match them to your theme
• These pillows are machine washable, so cleaning them between sessions is no problem

Cons:

• The softness makes them a little less supportive than we’d like
• They don’t come with a storage bag

Mama Cheetah Milestone Blanket

Beautiful design

Place your baby on this backdrop for a simple way to track your baby's milestones.

Best Backdrop

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If you’re looking for a beautiful backdrop for your baby’s weekly and monthly milestone sessions, this set from Mama Cheetah is just what you need. It’s available in several gorgeous variations so that virtually everyone can find one that they love. They all come with coordinating props, such as headbands, bibs, and frames, in order to make the pictures more complete. As an added bonus, it’s perfectly packaged and ready for gifting to new parents or your photographer friends.

Pros:

• It’s an affordable choice
• The backdrop itself is also a blanket, so you can keep it as a keepsake
• Everything is high-quality and durable in order to hold up to a year of photos

Cons:

• This backdrop is very large, which can make getting the whole thing in frame difficult in small spaces
• The soft fabric feels great, but it’s tough to clean if your baby spits up or has a blowout on it

Erthree Baby Photography Bed Prop

Unique piece

Make your photos stand out from the crowd with this adorable miniature furniture.

Cutest Minitature

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This miniature wooden bed from Erthree is super adorable and adds a bit of flair to any newborn photo. For example, you can prop baby up on their tummy and put old-fashioned pajamas and a hat on them for an antique look, or you can choose the boho-styled bed and use a pretty wrap to create a hippie vibe. No matter which direction you want to go in, this wooden bed prop is an excellent option.

Pros:

• This bed comes in several colors and styles for your convenience
• It’s non-toxic and safe for your baby
• We appreciate that you can use it for a variety of themes and poses

Cons:

• Assembly is required
• It doesn’t come with any padding or a mattress

Sunmig Newborn Photography Stretch Wraps

Session staple

No newborn session is complete without the traditional soft and stretchy swaddles.

Best Wraps

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Every photographer needs a good set of newborn wraps, and this set from Sunmig is perfect. It comes with three super-soft, beautifully made wraps that will help to pose and prop newborns while keeping them comfortable. They swaddle, drape, wrap, and cradle the baby and your other props. The color combinations complement each other well, so you can lay one over the positioning prop and wrap the baby in another for a completely coordinated look.

Pros:

• They’re versatile and make good day-to-day blankets after you’re done using them as props
• There are several different color-coordinated sets available
• Each one is made to be soft, smooth, and comfortable

Cons:

• They’re a bit too thin for babies past the newborn stage
• You can only wash them on delicate

Spread Love Rainbow Baby Milestone Blanket

Deeper meaning

When you're looking for a way to celebrate a baby after a loss, only the best will do.

Best For Rainbow Babies

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For parents who have lost a child, bringing a new life into the world can be an immeasurable joy. To celebrate the milestones of these so-called “rainbow babies,” Spread Love has created this unique blanket that’s perfect for photoshoots. It’s lovingly designed to be gender-neutral and simple, highlighting the radiance of your beautiful bundle of joy. The set includes milestone cards that allow you to easily track your baby’s growth and create a cohesive collection of images to look back on as they get older.

Pros:

• This blanket is made of pure organic cotton for comfort and safety
• It includes markers for the weeks and months to help you get your photos just right
• The overall design is understated and simple, which helps to highlight the meaning

Cons:

• It is pretty thin, so using it as a blanket doesn’t work well

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get newborn photography props if I’m not a photographer?

Hiring a photographer can be expensive, which makes sense. They’ve gone through extensive training and they have to pay for a ton of expensive equipment. But for many of us, that cost doesn’t fit into our budget. Props help us get the pictures we want without the high price tag. Even if you do get a pro, having your own props can be a fun way to track your baby’s milestones and progress.

What props will I need?

When choosing props, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, you’ll need positioning pieces, such as pillows, cradles, or other furniture. You’ll also want to coordinate your baby’s outfit and background. For example, you may choose a set of pillows or a sleep positioner and a blanket to drape over it, along with a coordinating swaddle to wrap your baby in. Then you can lay the baby on the positioner and take your pictures.