One of the questions I get asked the most before a newborn session is what babies should wear, and honestly, I completely get it. Those first few weeks are such a blur already. You’re tired, healing, learning your baby, and somehow also trying to figure out what photographs will look timeless years from now.

I always tell my clients the same thing: simple photographs beautifully.

The best newborn photoshoot outfits don’t need to be fancy or expensive. They just need to feel soft, comfortable, and true to your baby. Some of my favorite images have come from a simple neutral onesie and a swaddle blanket from home.

Still, finding those pieces can feel overwhelming, especially when you walk into a store and see racks of bright colors, giant logos, and busy patterns everywhere. In this blog, I put together a list of my favorite places around Minneapolis and the south metro to shop for newborn photoshoot outfits, along with a few online stores I recommend all the time!

Before I jump into the shops, hi! I’m Ashley, a Minneapolis motherhood and newborn photographer, and I absolutely love helping families prepare for their sessions. Styling is one of my favorite parts because it helps everything feel cohesive and relaxed once session day arrives. If you’re currently planning your newborn session, you can learn more here and scroll through some of my past work! 

What to Look for in Newborn Photo Outfits

From a photographer’s perspective, there are a few things that tend to look especially timeless and natural during newborn sessions.

When parents ask me about newborn photoshoot outfits, these are usually the things I recommend first:

Soft neutral colors:

• Cream
• Beige
• Light brown
• Soft sage
• Dusty blue
• Muted pink
• Warm gray

Simple textures:

• Knit fabrics
• Muslin
• Ribbed cotton
• Linen blends

Comfortable fits:

• Slightly oversized sleepers photograph beautifully
• Tight outfits can bunch awkwardly
• Scratchy fabrics usually make babies uncomfortable

Minimal patterns and logos:

• Tiny florals can work sometimes
• Large graphics usually distract from your baby’s face

I also love outfits with little details like wooden buttons, footed knits, bonnets, soft wraps, and delicate lace trim. 

The biggest thing is keeping the focus on your baby and your connection together. The outfit should complement the moment, not take attention away from it.

This adorable in home session with baby Rosie showcases exactly what I’m sharing here- beautiful neutrals, some florals, and sweet simple outfits! 

And truth be told, babies photograph beautifully when they’re comfortable. I share lots of newborn outfit inspiration, soft neutral color palettes, and real session examples over on Instagram too, if you’d like even more ideas while planning your newborn photoshoot outfits. 

Best Baby Boutiques in Minneapolis & St. Paul

There are so many wonderful local shops around the Twin Cities, but these are the ones I find myself recommending most often for newborn photoshoot outfits. 

Pacifier  

Pacifier has been a longtime favorite for Minneapolis parents. Their baby clothing section always has soft, thoughtfully chosen pieces that photograph beautifully. I especially love their neutral sleepers, swaddles, and organic cotton basics.

You’ll usually find brands with earthy tones and timeless textures instead of overly trendy styles, which makes this shop perfect for newborn sessions.

Mischief Toy Store

Even though many people know Mischief for toys, they also carry adorable baby gifts and clothing that work wonderfully for choosing newborn photoshoot outfits. 

I love stopping in because their pieces feel playful without being overwhelming. You can usually find soft rompers, cozy knits, and baby accessories that still photograph timelessly.

Plus, shopping local during those newborn weeks just feels a little more personal.

Baby Grand

Baby Grand is another beautiful option if you’re looking for higher quality baby essentials and clothing. Their aesthetic leans toward simple, natural, and modern, which fits perfectly with the soft and airy look I love in newborn photography.

Their swaddles are especially gorgeous in photos.

If you’re unsure what colors photograph best, this is actually a great store to browse because so much of their inventory already fits that soft neutral palette naturally.

Parc Shop

Parc carries children’s clothing that feels elevated without looking stiff or overly styled. I especially love their linen pieces and muted tones for older siblings during newborn sessions.

Sibling coordination matters more than clients realize when planning your newborn photoshoot outfits. Keeping everyone in softer tones helps your gallery feel cohesive and timeless.

Best Baby Shops in the South Metro

For my south metro families, you definitely do not need to drive into Minneapolis to find beautiful newborn pieces! These are a few spots closer to Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, and Prior Lake that are worth checking out.

Blossom Baby and Maternity

Blossom Baby and Maternity is such a wonderful local resource for growing families in the south metro. Their shop focuses on thoughtfully selected baby, children, and maternity items, including organic clothing, bamboo sleepers, wooden toys, nursery essentials, and premium baby gear.

I especially love that they carry timeless, neutral baby pieces that photograph beautifully during newborn sessions. If you’re looking for elevated newborn outfits, soft swaddles, or high-quality essentials while preparing for baby, this is absolutely worth the visit.

They also have an attached play café, which makes it feel like such a fun and welcoming experience for families.

Kid to Kid

Kid to Kid in Eagan is one of my favorite affordable options for gently used baby and kids clothing in the south metro. They carry resale newborn and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books, and baby gear, which can be so helpful during those fast-growing baby years.

I always remind parents that newborns wear outfits for such a short amount of time, so resale shops like this can be amazing for finding neutral sleepers, simple basics, and backup outfits for photos without spending a fortune.

Their Eagan location is especially convenient for families in Apple Valley, Burnsville, and surrounding south metro neighborhoods.

Target

There are a few Target locations in the South Metro area, and it has become one of my favorite recommendations for newborn photoshoot outfits, especially their softer neutral collections for babies.

Cloud Island and Honest Baby pieces often photograph beautifully, and parents love that they’re affordable and easy to grab quickly during those last-minute newborn prep days.

I always encourage families to stick with:

• Solid colors
• Ribbed textures
• Neutral sleepers
• Simple swaddles

You truly do not need expensive clothing for meaningful newborn photographs.

Once Upon A Child

I love recommending Once Upon A Child because babies wear outfits for such a short amount of time anyway.

You can often find neutral sleepers, knit rompers, bonnets, swaddles, and barely worn newborn basics for a fraction of the cost of brand new. 

Since newborn sessions happen so early, sometimes parents simply need affordable backup options fast.

Online Shops Worth Knowing About

Sometimes local stores just don’t have what you’re looking for, especially if you’re searching for very specific newborn photoshoot outfits.

These are a few online shops I consistently trust and recommend to my families.

Quincy Mae

• Beautiful muted colors
• Soft organic fabrics
• Timeless baby basics
• Some of my favorite newborn knits

Jamie Kay

• Gorgeous neutral palettes
• Delicate details
• Amazing sibling coordination options
• Wonderful textures for photography

Colored Organics

• Soft cotton essentials
• Comfortable fits for newborns
• Simple pieces that never overpower the photos

I usually tell families to order early if possible because newborn sessions happen quickly after birth, and shipping delays can add unnecessary stress.

Outfits to Avoid for Newborn Photos

There are definitely a few things I recommend avoiding when planning newborn photoshoot outfits, and usually it comes down to distractions.

I try to steer families away from:

• Neon colors
• Large graphics or cartoon characters
• Busy patterns
• Stiff tutus or uncomfortable outfits
• Shirts with words across the front
• Matching family shirts
• Super bright whites
• Athletic wear fabrics

I typically find that less is usually more.

Some of the sweetest newborn images happen with:

• A swaddle only
• A simple white onesie
• Bare skin wrapped in a soft blanket
• Neutral footed pajamas

Your baby does not need multiple elaborate outfit changes for beautiful photographs.

Baby Mason’s photos here do an excellent job showcasing how gorgeous these simple outfits can be! 

But honestly, if there’s a special outfit or meaningful piece you absolutely love, please bring it! Some of the most emotional newborn photographs happen when families incorporate items that truly matter to them. I always want your session to feel personal and connected to your story, not overly strict or stressful. 

How I Help You Style Your Newborn Session

Styling can feel overwhelming when you already have so much on your mind. That’s why I help guide families through the entire process before their session.

When you book with me, I help with:

• Coordinating family colors
• Choosing newborn photoshoot outfits 
• Picking beautiful and flattering dresses for moms
• Styling siblings in complementing outfits 
• Planning textures and tones
• Creating a cohesive look for your entire gallery

I also provide access to pieces from my client wardrobe, which many moms are incredibly thankful for during those postpartum weeks.

Having a hard time choosing what to wear for the rest of the family? This blog might be a helpful read for you as well! 

My goal is always to make this feel easy and relaxed for you.

These Early Days Deserve to Be Remembered

At the end of the day, your baby will never be this tiny again. These photographs are about remembering how it felt to hold them close during those sleepy early days.

And oh my goodness, that season goes so quickly.

If you’re currently expecting and looking for a Minneapolis newborn photographer, I would truly love to help you preserve these sweet early days with your baby. Those tiny stretches, sleepy snuggles, and little details change so quickly, and it means so much to me to document them for families in a natural and heartfelt way. You can learn more about my newborn sessions or reach out here to start planning your session. 

And if you already know you never want to miss those milestone moments after baby arrives, my First Year Collective was created for exactly that. Beautifully documenting your baby’s first year from newborn snuggles all the way through those big first birthday milestones.

If you love tips for preparing for your newborn session, outfit inspiration, motherhood stories, and updates about upcoming sessions, I’d love for you to join my newsletter here too!