Morgan Dawson Photography Blog

I’m really excited about this Wardrobe Wednesday and it’s not just because it’s my week – I’m excited to introduce you to some shops and online stores you may not be familiar with. Since some of the most popular portrait sessions are with kids in the newborn-to-two-years-old range, I decided to focus on their clothing needs. Unlike other groups, you really need to dress for the age. So here we go…

Newborns: Less is better, but if you want your baby clothed go for a diaper cover rather than a plain disposable one. They come in all sizes – even newborn – and a wide range of fun colors.

Cake Smash: If you’re not familiar with them, the concept is simple: cake + child + camera = hilarious. This is going to get really messy, really fast – so a colorful diaper cover is all you need!

Bigger Babies and Crawlers: Even though you probably have a closet filled with cute outfits, this might not be the time. Layers and ruffles can spell disaster with a constantly scrunched-up baby. The more time spent tucking in a shirt, moving away a collar ruffle, or pulling down a dress means more missed shots and an annoyed baby. Stick with simple pieces like a fun onesie or diaper cover with some BabyLegs. The other nice thing about these outfits is that they make changing diapers during a shoot a snap. (Again, less fussing = happier baby.)

Walkers: Once your child can walk you can start to consider layers. A skirt or dress with a cardigan, t-shirt with a button down on top, etc. Just make sure you still keep it simple (nothing that needs to be tucked in) and comfortable – these kids will be on the move!

And finally, a quick note about accessories. Hats and headbands are definitely cute, but if your child isn’t a hat-person, then don’t force it. The hat-on hat-off scene is a sure way to upset a baby. If you have something picked out, consider practicing wearing it once in a while before the shoot. The more comfortable your child is, the better the photos will be!

I hope you like the examples I’ve picked out. They might not be for everyone, but I hope you’ll consider showing a little personality (yours AND your babies) in the outfits you pick. And with unpredictable newborns and toddlers, it’s always a smart move to bring a second outfit… so make it a fun one!

The pieces above all come from retailers that may be new to you, but I think you’ll enjoy. Please note that these are just examples; you can find similar items at traditional stores like Old Navy, Gap, etc.

Luvaboos: I think it’s important to support small and local businesses whenever possible. Luvaboos is a natural parenting store and baby boutique that specializes in cloth diapers. Even if you’re a 100% disposable person, their covers are too adorable and totally fit over disposables!

• Happy Heinys Pocket Trainer (orange) $15.95
• Blueberry Cloth Trainers (green) $15.95
• FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper (white) $17.95
• Bummi Super Brite diaper cover (mixed) $12.25

Kitsel: This is one of my favorite online retailers for fun children’s clothing. Be sure to take a minute and browse their full line of T’s and onesies – they’re hilarious! The “I’m only doing this till my band gets signed” onesie is a personal favorite.

• Shabby Baby Hibiscus Dress $42
• Felt Blooming Flowers Onesie $29
• Headphones Onesie $23 (also comes as a t-shirt)
• Chick Magnet T-shirt $22.95
• See You Later, Alligator Onesie $28.00 (also as a short-sleeved onesie and t-shirt)

BabyLegs: I don’t have kids yet, but these just seem like the most brilliant item ever. They can be used as leggings in babies and toddlers, or worn on the arms of children (or their parents). A friend swears her baby’s uniform is onesie + BabyLegs.

• Go Fish Leg Warmers (UV 50+) $12
• Jelly Bean Stripped Leg Warmers $12
• Camo Leg Warmers $8

Threadless Kids: They carry a large line of onesies, hoodsies (!) and t-shirts for kids of all ages. The main site is for adults.

• Glou-glou T-shirt $9

Mini Boden: I don’t know where I’ve been, but until recently I was out of the Boden loop. Men, women, teens and babies – they’ve got it all!

• Skate Cargos $24

Etsy:

• Bright & Birdie Beanie $20
• Vibrant Giraffe Beanie $20
• Turquoise Flower Hair Clip with Lime Green Headband $7.95
• Plaid Baby Newsboy Hat $15.00