A cake smash might be the most fun hour of your baby’s first year. There is frosting, giggles, tiny fingers poking at a cake and usually at least one hilarious "what is this?" face. It is also a sweet way to celebrate everything your little one has learned in twelve short months.
After photographing lots of first birthdays around Waterloo and Cedar Falls, I have learned a few things that make cake smash sessions go smoothly. Here are my best cake smash tips for parents.
1. Schedule Around the First Birthday
Most families book their cake smash a week or two before the first birthday. That way the photos are ready to share at the party or on invitations and thank you cards. If your baby is already walking or pulling up, a session close to one year is perfect for showing off those new skills.
2. Plan Around Naps and Meals
A happy, rested baby makes all the difference. Schedule your session for the time of day your little one is usually at their best, which is often right after a nap. Feed them a light snack beforehand so they are content, but still curious enough to dig into the cake.
3. Choose the Right Smash Cake
You bring the cake and I handle the rest. A few tips for picking the perfect smash cake:
- Go small. A 4 to 6 inch cake is the perfect size for little hands.
- Pick light colored frosting. White, cream, pastel and soft neutral frostings photograph beautifully.
- Skip dark or bright dyes. Deep red, blue and black frosting can stain skin and clothes for days.
- Keep decorations simple. Avoid hard candies, toothpicks, wires or anything that isn’t safe for babies to grab.
- Think about allergies. You know your baby best, so choose ingredients that are safe for them.
Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t dive right in. Some babies smash immediately and some take their time. Both make for adorable photos, and I have plenty of tricks to help them warm up to the cake.
4. Pick an Outfit That Can Get Messy
Simple outfits look best and let the cake be the star. Rompers, bloomers, tutus, little suspenders and diaper covers are all great choices. Choose colors that match your cake or theme, and remember the outfit will probably get frosting on it.
Most of my cake smash sessions start with a few clean photos before the cake comes out, so feel free to bring a special birthday outfit for those first shots. You can find some of my favorite first birthday outfits in my Amazon storefront.
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5. Decide on Your Setup
Every cake smash session includes a basic styled design, which is a clean, classic backdrop and setup in soft neutral tones that lets your little one shine.
If you have a party theme or specific colors in mind, you can upgrade to a custom design for $100. I will design a one of a kind setup with a coordinated backdrop, balloons and props to match your vision. Custom design details are planned together at least two weeks before your session.
6. Add a Splash Bath
A splash bath is the perfect ending to a cake smash. After all that frosting, your baby gets a bubbly little bath right on set, and the photos are some of the sweetest of the whole session. The splash bath add-on is $50. Just bring a towel and a change of clothes.
7. Pack a Cake Smash Bag
- Baby wipes and paper towels
- A towel and a change of clothes
- A favorite snack or drink
- A comfort toy or pacifier
- Your birthday outfit and any accessories, like a crown or bow
8. Relax and Have Fun
The best cake smash photos happen when everyone is relaxed. If your baby cries for a minute, that is completely normal. We will take a break, cuddle and try again. Some of the most memorable images come from those funny, imperfect moments.
Cake Smash Session Details
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Cake Smash Session (up to 45 minutes, basic styled design included) | $325 |
| Custom design upgrade | +$100 |
| Splash bath add-on | +$50 |
Want to capture the whole first year? My First Year packages bundle newborn, milestone and cake smash sessions and save you money. See all the details on my maternity, newborn and milestone page.
Ready to Plan Your Baby’s Cake Smash?
First birthday dates fill quickly, so reach out to check my availability. I can’t wait to celebrate your little one with you!