Your baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone- one of the bestest ways to celebrate can be with a fun cake smash and/ or a first birthday photo session!! As a photographer, I love capturing these sweet, messy, and joy-filled moments for families!! If you're planning to smash a cake for your little one, here are my top tips to ensure a smooth experience.
1. Time of Day
Timing is everything when it comes to photographing little ones! Schedule the session when your baby is well-rested and fed—but not too full. Avoid nap times and aim for a time of day when they are typically in a good mood, such as mid-morning or after their first nap. For in home or studio sessions, mid morning usually works well for lighting, if you would like them outside it might be best if it's later in the day... (always best to consult your photographer, they will help plan this out :) )
2. Pick a Theme & Outfit
A cake smash is a great opportunity to show off your baby’s personality (and your favorite cute theme that you've been dying to showoff)! Whether it’s a simple color scheme, a sports theme, a floral theme, or a favorite character, keep it cohesive with matching decorations, outfits, and props. But make sure not to go overboard (another check in with your photographer moment :) ). Make sure to choose a comfortable outfit that your baby can move in, and don’t forget an extra change of clothes for after the mess!
3. Introduce Your Little to Sugar
Not all babies love cake, and some may be hesitant to dig in. To help with this, I suggest giving them a couple of bites of a cupcake a week or so before... doing it at two different occasions is extra helpful.
4. Keep the Cake Simple & Baby-Friendly
Choosing a small, soft cake with light, fluffy frosting works best. Avoid dark or bright food colorings that can stain skin and clothes.
5. Bring Favorite Toys & Distractions
Some babies are camera-shy, so having a few familiar toys, a favorite song, or even a parent making silly faces behind the camera can help bring out those adorable smiles. A few small props, like a wooden spoon or a rubber duck, can also add a fun element to the session.
6. Don’t Stress About the Mess
The messier, the better- I promise! It's fun when your little explores, squishes around, and plays with the cake freely. (How cute are baby toe close ups with frosting in them?! OH MY LANTA!) Some babies will be hesitant at first—if so, gently guide their hands into the cake or have a sibling or parent show them how it’s done. A relaxed and fun atmosphere will lead to the best and honest moments.
Cake smash and first birthday sessions are all about celebrating your baby’s milestone in a fun way. By planning ahead you can keep things relaxed and you'll capture beautiful, authentic moments that you and your family will love forever.
Bonus Tips for Photographers:
Have a Clean-Up Plan – Bring wipes, a towel, and a change of clothes for everyone involved.
Capture Before & After Shots – Get some clean, pre-cake photos before the smashing begins.
Consider a Splash Session – A mini bath setup with bubbles after the cake smash makes for adorable (and practical!) photos.
