Newborn Photography Outfits: Chicago Baby Boutique Shopping Guide
Finding newborn clothes for a photo session in Chicago doesn’t have to be stressful, especially with so many adorable baby boutiques in the city. Whether you're looking for something simple and timeless or a little extra cozy, these stores have you covered with everything you need to dress your baby in style for their photo session.
I recommend keeping clothing soft, simple, and timeless. Neutrals like whites, creams, beige, soft grays, and muted earth tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby’s sweet features. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, muslin, or knits—these add texture without overwhelming the image. A well-fitted onesie, a simple sleep gown, or a cozy knit outfit works perfectly. When in doubt size down…clothes that are too big can overwhelm your babe and look a little funny in photos. Tight is usually better than baggy.
Avoid anything with logos or words (it’s likely you won’t be able to read it in the photos anyway), bright colors or patterns, or stiff fabrics, as they can be distracting and take away from the natural feel of the photos. And remember, less is more—sometimes just a swaddle or a bare baby snuggled up in your arms captures the moment best!
1. Monica + Andy
Why You’ll Love It: Monica + Andy is a Chicago-based brand known for its organic cotton clothing, timeless designs, and ultra-soft fabrics. Their newborn sets, kimono-style onesies, sleepers, and rompers are all perfect for a cozy, natural look in photos.
What to Get: A neutral-hued Hello Baby set or a classic organic cotton onesie or kimono style sleeper. They also have super cute patterns to choose from for everyday baby clothing…I’m partial to the pizza pattern, my daughter had it on a sleeper and it was so cute!
📍 Location: Lincoln Park & Oakbrook
🌐 Website: Monica + Andy
2. The Red Balloon Co.
Why You’ll Love It: This charming female owned boutique has been a go-to for Chicago families for years. Located in Roscoe Village, The Red Balloon Co. carries thoughtfully curated baby clothes made from soft, natural fabrics—perfect for a photo session.
What to Get: A simple romper or a delicate swaddle blanket.
📍 Location: 1940 W. Damen Ave, Chicago
🌐 Website: The Red Balloon Co.
3. Cat & Jack at Target
Why You’ll Love It: Okay, so it’s not a boutique, but hear me out—Cat & Jack’s newborn line is full of super cute, soft, neutral, and affordable options. If you’re looking for a last-minute outfit that still photographs beautifully, Cat and Jack is a solid choice.
*disclaimer- as of right now, Target has rolled back their DEI initiatives, which does not align the values, morals, and ethics of Natalie Maria Photography. I do hope they change their stance because I personally LOVE Cat and Jack for my own daughter, but I will not be supporting Target until they do.
What to Get: A neutral onesie with matching pants or a soft, textured sleeper.
📍 Location: Multiple locations around Chicago
🌐 Website: Target - Cat & Jack
4. Maisonette (online, but super cute!)
Why You’ll Love It: While not exclusive to Chicago, Maisonette offers high-end, boutique baby brands with beautiful, minimalist designs. If you love European-inspired baby fashion, this is your spot.
What to Get: A soft knit set or an heirloom-quality sweater. The little sweaters and cardigans are ADORABLE. I just bought the Sawyer Knit Tiny Hearts Retro Cardigan for my daughter…soooo cute.
📍 Location: Online
🌐 Website: Maisonette
5. Sandbox Baby Boutique
Why You’ll Love It: This locally owned boutique in Roscoe Village offers a carefully curated collection of baby essentials with a focus on modern, minimalistic styles. They carry high-quality, organic brands that are both stylish and comfortable—perfect for a relaxed, natural newborn session.
What to Get: Rompers, jumpsuits, knit overalls, or a simple onesie.
📍 Location: 2043 W. Roscoe St, Chicago
🌐 Website: Sandbox Baby Boutique
6. Cloud & Bunny
Why You’ll Love It: Located in the heart of Ravenswood, Cloud & Bunny is a charming boutique offering a curated selection of new and gently used children's clothing, books, and toys. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this shop emphasizes sustainability by promoting pre-loved items, making it a perfect spot for eco-conscious parents seeking unique, high-quality pieces for their newborn’s photoshoot.
What to Get: A ribbed organic cotton onesie or a soft, neutral-toned knit romper. Their collection of muslin blankets also adds a delicate texture to your images.
📍 Location: 1600 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago
🌐 Website: Cloud & Bunny
7. Mini Wonder
Why You’ll Love It: Mini Wonder is a modern children's boutique located in Wicker Park, featuring Scandinavian-inspired baby clothes made from sustainable, organic materials. Their collection is full of neutral and earthy tones, which look effortlessly beautiful in newborn photos.
What to Get: A neutral knit romper, soft sleeper, or a simple Chicago themed onesie.
📍 Location: 2064 N. Damen Ave, Chicago
🌐 Website: Mini Wonder
8. Little Threads
Why You’ll Love It: This adorable boutique in Lincoln Park specializes in classic, heirloom-quality baby clothing. If you’re looking for something timeless and beautifully made, Little Threads is the perfect spot.
What to Get: A simple cotton romper or a hand-knit sweater.
📍 Location: 1903 W. Roscoe St, Chicago
🌐 Website: Little Threads
9. Twinkle Twinkle Little One
Why You’ll Love It: A go-to boutique for stylish and high-quality baby clothes, Twinkle Twinkle Little One offers everything from soft sleepers to chic, minimalistic newborn sets. Their selection is perfect for lifestyle newborn photography.
What to Get: A soft bamboo onesie or a classic muslin swaddle.
📍 Location: 2007 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago
🌐 Website: Twinkle Twinkle Little One
10. Adorable Baby
Why You’ll Love It: This cozy boutique in the northwest suburbs of Chicago specializes in high-end baby fashion. They stock boutique baby brands known for their soft fabrics and timeless designs, ensuring your little one is both comfortable and photo-ready.
What to Get: LuLu top and bottoms, or kimono style two piece pajamas.
📍 Location: 1440 W. Taylor St, Chicago
🌐 Website: Adorable Baby
Tips for Selecting Newborn Outfits for Photo Sessions:
Keep It Simple: Stick to outfits with minimal patterns and logos to keep the focus on your baby. Less is more when it comes to outfits for newborn photo sessions. Even though something may be super cute in real life, it might not always translate in photos as well.
Comfort is Key: Soft fabrics are a must! You want your baby to feel relaxed and at ease during their session, so choose clothing that doesn’t feel scratchy or stiff, and doesn’t restrict movement.
Neutral Tones: Neutral, muted, and pastel colors are ideal for creating a timeless look that complements your home decor and photographs beautifully.
Avoid Oversized Clothing: Make sure the outfit fits well. Too large, and it can overwhelm your baby and look bulky in photos, so choose clothes that hug your baby’s shape comfortably. When in doubt, size down.
Avoid collars: While super cute on babies in real life, they don’t photograph so well. Since newborn babies basically have no neck, the collar can creep up and cover their face.
Blankets and Swaddles: A cozy, simple swaddle blanket is always good to have on hand…it looks nice, and if your baby is fussy the swaddle can help keep them calm. I like textured blankets as well, textures always look nice in photos, and sometimes I will play around with them or lay the baby on top.
