What to Dress Babies and Toddlers in for Family Photos

The photographs we return to are often the ones with a little movement in them. A child leaning into a parent, a small hand reaching for a sibling, a dress caught mid-twirl. When choosing baby and toddler outfits for family photos, it helps to imagine these moments as well as the picture you hope to frame.

Begin with the setting

A garden, a drawing room and a windswept beach each invite a different wardrobe. Choose colours that sit comfortably within the surroundings. Sage and ivory can look lovely against garden greenery; blush and cream bring warmth to an indoor portrait.

There is room for pattern, too. A floral print or embroidered motif gives the eye something to discover, especially when another family member wears a colour drawn from it.

Give the details room

A scalloped edge, a delicate collar or a softly gathered sleeve can make an outfit feel considered without needing many accessories. If the dress already has plenty of detail, let it lead.

Our Magnolia Square Neck Dress & Bloomer brings together soft sage cotton, an ivory voile overlay and embroidered butterflies and trailing florals. For a family photograph, those colours offer a starting point for the rest of the wardrobe.

Try the outfit in motion

Before the day, let your child sit, crawl, stretch and walk in the complete outfit. Check that the neckline sits comfortably and the hem allows them to move. If they are wearing tights or a cardigan, include those in the try-on.

A photograph captures how an outfit looks, but the session asks much more of it. Little children will want to be picked up, explore the room and sit on the floor.

Leave room for their personality

An older toddler may have a firm opinion about a favourite colour or cardigan. Offering two outfits you already like gives them a part in getting ready. Bring a spare set of clothes and allow time for breaks.

Years from now, the way they held your hand may matter as much as what they wore. Choose something beautiful that gives them room to be themselves.

Discover the Santi e Sofia collection for your next family photograph.