Props for newborn photos?

[arieave]

I'm starting to shoot babies/infants and am curious what some of you do for their shoots. Do you provide the props/backgrounds and do it out of your home? Or travel to the clients?

 

[CCericola]

It depends on the age of the infant and time of year. I find that the studio is much easier for me if they are very young and it is warm enough for them to go outside. Those first 6 months where they don't know how to be afraid of people. If they are older and very very shy then we set something up in their home. I bring the studio to them sort of speak. Each shoot is different. I also re-shoot for free if the baby is cranky that day.

 

[Big Mike]

I usually go to client's homes to shoot babies & kids...but I don't have a permanent studio space. I like the 'service' aspect of going to their homes, where they & the kids are comfortable...but man, it's a lot of work to bring all my gear and set up a studio in someone's home. Not to mention that space is often limited.

I don't have much for kid props, but I did build a 'baby stand'. It's like a sidewalk sandwich board, two boards, a hing and a chain...but I build an adjustable shelf on one side. It's really only good for head shots of the babies, and they have to be old enough to hold their head up.
I've also used a 'Bumbo' foam chair to hold babies in a sitting position.