First 48 hospital sessions have become a must-have photo session for expecting parents. With hospitals now allowing visitors again, here is your guide on what to do to prepare for a First 48 session. Or if you choose to wait until bringing your baby home, a Welcome Home Session!

What is a First 48 Session? These photo sessions take place in the hospital a day or two following the birth of your baby. You do not need perfect hair and makeup. This is more about capturing the first moments as your baby joins your family in an authentic way. A simple robe for Mom and a onesie or swaddle for baby is all we need.

I photograph babies at hospitals all over the DFW area including:

• Texas Health Dallas Presbyterian
• Texas Health Frisco and Flower Mound
• Baylor Scott & White Health Dallas and Frisco
• Medical City Frisco and Surrounding Areas

The hospital may offer a photographer on staff providing baby photos, but this typically is not the same experience as bringing in your own professional photographer who has a style that you love.

How To: Prepare for a First 48 Session or Welcome Home Session

1. Outfits
   Be sure to include outfits for your photos in your hospital bag. For Mom, choose a comfortable robe or nursing dress/nightgown. For your partner, jeans, a neutral solid shirt or polo work great. For your baby, a simple onesie and swaddle are perfect. This is not the time for outfit changes or fancy baby clothes!
   
   

2. Stay in Touch
   We will stay in contact as your due date approaches! Be sure to give me a heads up if your doctor plans an induction or thinks you will deliver early. Put your partner in charge of contact me as soon as you know the baby is on their way.
   
   
3. No Visitors
   Plan for no other visitors during your session. If you want to include older children, ask a grandparent to bring them in only for the end of the session.
   
   

4. Prepping the Room
   I will arrive and prepare your room to allow for the best photos. I will open up all the shades to let in natural light. I will turn off all the lights in the room to avoid any coloring casting and we can remove any bags, trash, food trays, etc.
   
   
5. Prepping Baby
   Before your session begins, dress your baby in a clean, plain, neutral colored onesie or just their diaper. I suggest using only one outfit for fresh 48 sessions. Avoiding the use of too many props so the photos can focus mainly on your baby. Feel free to have a simple headband, hat, or a simple swaddle close by to use.
   
   

6. Don’t Stress
   Don’t stress if things take a little more time or don’t go as planned. Fresh 48 sessions are meant to be very laid back. We can take breaks during the session to feed the baby. If that is something you would like captured, we can also photograph your baby nursing or bottle feeding.

You will not regret your First 48 session. Babies change so much in the first few weeks! Contact me here to discuss scheduling your First 48 or Welcome Home photos and use these tips to help prepare for a First 48 session in the Dallas area.

Prepare for a First 48 Session | About Erica Grandin Photography

See what past clients have to say about working with Erica Grandin Photography and follow along on Facebook or Instagram for all my latest updates. As a Dallas Newborn Hospital Photographer, I also work with clients all over the DFW area.

Erica Grandin Photography is a photographer for Dallas Newborn Hospital Photos serving the Dallas, Coppell, Frisco, Plano, Flower Mound, Southlake, and surrounding DFW areas. Also available for travel to Austin and Central Texas. Focusing on photos that capture authentic emotion and bring out your family’s true personality. Specializes in maternity photography sessions, newborn photography sessions, and in-home family photography.

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Dallas Newborn Hospital Photos | Plano Newborn Hospital Photos | Frisco Newborn Hospital Photos | Coppell Newborn Hospital Photos | Carrollton Newborn Hospital Photos | McKinney Newborn Hospital Photos