Don't forget to review the new Birth Facts + Checkout Process!

Prop Guidelines

Not all hospitals allow the use of props or swaddles that are not provided by the parents. Please check the Hospital Directory to see your hospital’s specific policies.

If your hospital does not allow them, or if you prefer not to bring your own, props are not required to complete our sessions, they are optional extras. Please see the approval process below.

1. Brand Alignment
At WelcomeNewborn, our aesthetic is timeless, minimalistic, and elegant—never overly elaborate or distracting. Props should complement our signature style while keeping the focus on the newborn.

Approved Materials:

✔ Soft fabrics (e.g., cotton, muslin, fleece)
✔ Neutral or muted tones
✔ Washable or wipeable surfaces for easy sanitation

Prohibited Materials:

✖ Glitter, sequins, or excessive embellishments
✖ Bright neon colors or bold patterns that distract from the baby
✖ Hard or sharp objects that could pose a safety risk

2. Prop Approval Process

All props must be approved before use to maintain brand consistency. To submit a prop for approval, please:
Slack Makayla or email mmorris@welcomenewborn.com with a photo and description of the prop.

Plan accordingly before purchasing or introducing new props.

3. Hygiene & Safety Standards

Maintaining a sanitary environment is a top priority. Props must be cleaned between each use.

Cleaning Methods:
✅ Use hospital-grade Sani Wipes for quick disinfection.
✅ If a prop requires deeper cleaning, wash in hot water at home before reuse.

Prohibited Practices:

❌ Using the same prop for multiple babies without sanitizing (Lysol spray is not an appropriate sanitizer).
❌ Props that cannot be effectively cleaned or disinfected

4. Usage Guidelines

Limit 1-2 props per session to maintain a minimalistic aesthetic.
No oversized props—space in hospital rooms is limited.
Photographers may use personal handmade props, but all must go through the approval process.

5. Storage & Maintenance

Props should be stored in a clear, well-labeled bin to comply with hospital infection control standards.

Clean & Dirty Bin System:

Clean Bin – Holds sanitized props, ready for use.
Dirty Bin – Holds used props that need cleaning before the next session.

Discarding Worn-Out Props:

If a prop is worn, damaged, or no longer aligns with our brand, it must be discarded.
Photographers must provide their own props—WelcomeNewborn does not supply props.

Example of SaniWipes (purple wipes)

and bins to keep our things in.

Infection Control- Photocart Policy

Infection control policies are designed to help prevent both contact and airborne illnesses and infections. We must adhere to the same protocols used by the hospital. Therefore, it is very important that all our practices reflect this high standard.

Please make sure that the following steps are implemented at all hospitals:

All cloth items, including wraps, blankets, backdrops, etc. must be kept in a sealed plastic container or sealed plastic bag. (see photo above)

2. Wipeable props MUST be cleaned and kept in either a plastic container or sealed plastic bags under the cart.

3. Keep a container of Sani-Wipes on your cart at all times and be sure you adhere to the usage instructions. See: Instructions for Sani-Cloth Wipes above.

4. Remove all cloth items from view before leaving the room. (This includes backdrops even if they do not need to be laundered). The photocart should be bare when entering and exiting patient’s room. If you’ve used a backdrop that never touched baby and doesn’t yet need to be laundered, simply fold it and replace it in your sealed plastic container.

5. Any used hospital linens or blankets must be placed in the laundry BEFORE leaving the room. All dirty WelcomeNewborn cloth items must be placed in a separate, sealed plastic bag. These items will be laundered according to WelcomeNewborn’s laundry policy./"

6. Upon exiting a photoshoot, wipe down the cart with Sani-Wipes in the hallway outside the patient’s room.

7. After your shift is complete make sure your cart is wiped down, all props, blankets and backdrops are stored correctly, and you have completed the Photocart Cleaning Schedule for the day.

8. ALL props, blankets or backdrops must be placed in a sealed container at all times during your shift when not being used in a photoshoot.

And don’t forget these important rules to keep you and baby safe:

Wash hands at the beginning of your shift and whenever you have contact with your face, mouth, hair, eat something, use the restroom, etc.
Pump hands with sanitizer every time you go into a room, and again when you leave (even if it is for a short amount of time).
Always wear clean gloves when handling any baby.
Do not touch any “public” surface, including your computer or anything on your cart with a gloved hand. If you do, remove your gloves and dispose of them, pump your hands with sanitizer and put on new gloves.

Infection Control - Laundry Policy

Any blanket or backdrop that comes in direct contact with baby or visibly soiled cannot be used in any other session until it has been properly laundered.

Soiled items must go in a laundry bag and placed away from any clean linens (preferably on a different shelf or location).

Every 14 days ALL used WelcomeNewborn blankets and backdrops (regardless if visibly soiled or in direct contact with baby) MUST be laundered.

After your shift is complete make sure your cart is wiped down, all props, blankets and backdrops are stored correctly, and you have completed the Photocart Cleaning Schedule for the day.

Laundry Instructions:

Wash backdrops and backgrounds as usual with DREFT laundry detergent.
Re-wash backdrops and backgrounds using ONLY hot water, no detergent.
Dry as usual.

Page updated

Report abuse