What Should My Baby Wear for First Christmas Photos?
Celebrate your baby's first Christmas with a timeless Baby in a Box portrait. Simple styling, soft neutral tones, and festive details keep the focus on your little one's personality while creating a holiday keepsake your family will treasure for years.
Choosing the perfect outfit for your baby's first Christmas photos doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're planning a Baby in a Box session or a traditional holiday portrait, the right clothing helps create timeless images that you'll treasure for years. Here's what I recommend after photographing hundreds of babies in my Glendale studio.
Keep It Comfortable
The cutest outfit in the world won't matter if your baby is uncomfortable.
Soft fabrics, breathable materials, and clothing that allows your baby to move freely almost always photograph better than stiff or bulky outfits.
Happy babies create beautiful expressions.
Still deciding on a look? Browse these 15 Baby's First Christmas photo ideas for inspiration before choosing your baby's outfits and accessories.
Bring Three Different Outfits
One of my favorite recommendations is to bring three different outfits.
Every baby has a different personality, and changing clothing gives us variety throughout your session.
For example, you might bring:
A cozy knit romper
A festive Christmas outfit
A simple neutral outfit
Having several choices also gives us options if your baby spits up or has a diaper accident during the session.
Don't Worry If You Don't Have the Perfect Outfit
Many parents worry they need to shop before their session.
You don't.
My studio includes a carefully selected collection of baby clothing and holiday outfits that families are welcome to use. If you already have a special outfit you'd love to include, bring it along. We can mix your clothing with pieces from the studio wardrobe to create several different looks.
Wondering how these portraits come together? Take a behind-the-scenes look at how we create a Baby in a Box holiday portrait, from the custom set to the finished artwork.
Skip the Shoes
Tiny baby feet are part of what makes this stage so memorable.
Bare feet photograph beautifully and help create soft, timeless portraits.
They also remind you just how tiny your little one was during their first Christmas.
Let Those Baby Rolls Show
Parents sometimes choose clothing that completely covers their baby's arms and legs.
While that's perfectly fine, outfits that allow us to see those adorable little rolls often create even sweeter portraits.
Chunky baby thighs.
Tiny wrists.
Little toes.
These are the details that disappear far too quickly.
Hats Can Be Cute…But Don't Expect Them to Stay On
Santa hats and Christmas bonnets can make adorable photos.
The challenge?
Most babies remove them within seconds.
We'll absolutely try if you'd like one, and sometimes we're lucky enough to capture a few wonderful images before the hat comes off.
I simply don't recommend building your entire session around wearing a hat.
Choose Simple Colors
Classic colors photograph beautifully every year.
Some favorites include:
Cream
Ivory
Soft beige
Sage green
Deep forest green
Burgundy
Warm camel
Soft red
Simple colors keep the attention on your baby's face instead of busy patterns or large logos.
Avoid Large Graphics and Neon Colors
Bright logos, cartoon characters, and neon colors tend to distract from your baby's expressions.
Classic clothing almost always creates portraits that remain beautiful long after holiday trends have passed.
Don't Forget a Favorite Keepsake
If your baby has a special knitted blanket, heirloom sweater, stuffed animal, or Christmas book, consider bringing it along.
These meaningful details help tell your family's story and make your portraits even more personal.
The Best Outfit Is One That Lets Your Baby Be a Baby
At the end of the day, your baby is the star of the session—not the clothing.
The best outfits are comfortable, timeless, and allow us to capture those tiny fingers, little toes, chubby cheeks, and joyful personality that make your baby's first Christmas so unforgettable.
If you're ready to plan your baby's first Christmas portraits, explore my Baby in a Box Holiday photo sessions to see how these unique keepsake portraits are created and what to expect during your visit to my Glendale studio.
Planning Baby's First Christmas Photos in Glendale or Los Angeles?
Whether you choose one of the outfits from my studio wardrobe or bring your own favorites, we'll create a collection of holiday portraits that celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. My Baby in a Box Holiday sessions are designed specifically for babies who are sitting confidently on their own and are full of personality, making them the perfect way to celebrate your little one's first Christmas.
If you're wondering whether now is the right time to schedule your session, learn why babies between 6 and 11 months old are ideal for holiday portraits.
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