A cake smash session is such a fun and memorable way to celebrate your little one’s first or second birthday! It’s a session tailored just for your baby, where they can feel completely at ease, surrounded by decorations and props inspired by their favorite things. But behind all the cute frosting-covered smiles, there’s some preparation that goes into making the session a success.
Here are a few tips to help ensure your cake smash session goes off without a hitch:
Behind the scenes of an amazing cake smash session with a baby and his best friend
1. Talk to your photographer, What time is best for your baby to be photographed?
Timing is everything when it comes to little ones. Make sure to schedule your session during a time when your baby is well-rested and not too hungry. For most babies, late mornings or early afternoons work best. We want them in the best mood possible!
2. What's the best outfit?
Cake smashes can get messy, so it’s important to pick an outfit that’s not only adorable but also comfortable for your baby to move in. Many photographers, including myself, provide the entire setup—backdrop, props, cake, and outfit. This way, everything is perfectly coordinated, ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience and beautiful results.
3. Simple, Baby-Friendly Cake
The cake is the star of the show, so it’s important to pick one that’s both beautiful and safe for your little one. A soft, lightly frosted cake works best for smashing. Avoid fondant or too many decorations, as these can be hard for babies to break through. Pastel or light colors photograph best and keep the focus on your baby. Make sure you let the photographer know about any allergies.
Bonus tip: Let your baby have a mini taste of cake a day or two before the session so they’re familiar with it!
4. Incorporate a Fun Theme
A cake smash is a great opportunity to get creative with a theme! Whether it’s a woodland wonderland, a princess party, or a vintage vibe, choose a theme that reflects your baby’s personality and your family’s style. At Andrea Ruff Studios, we love working with you to create a custom set that matches your vision perfectly!
5. Bring Your Baby’s Favorite Toy
Sometimes babies can be a little shy in front of the camera, especially in a new environment and new people. Bringing along a favorite toy or comfort item can help them feel more relaxed and make it easier to capture those natural, happy smiles. Make sure you let the photographer get to know your baby..... I know we, mothers tend to be very protective but please trust me we know what we are doing!!
6. Let Your Baby Set the Pace
Not all babies will dive straight into the cake—some may need a little encouragement! Let your baby explore the cake at their own pace. If they don’t seem interested, gently guide them by placing their hands in the cake or giving them a small taste of frosting. The goal is to keep the session fun and pressure-free.
7. Keep Cleanup Easy
Cake smashes can get messy (that’s half the fun!), so it’s a good idea to bring along wipes, a change of clothes, and maybe even a small towel for after the session. At Andrea Ruff Studios, we’re fully equipped with cleanup essentials to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your baby.
8. Want to be part of the session?
Many photographers, myself included, offer a mini family session before the cake smash to capture those perfect family moments before the fun begins. This ensures you get a variety of beautiful images to celebrate this amazing milestone, with both candid and cake-filled memories to cherish.
9. Relax and Have Fun!
Finally, remember that this is a celebration! The most important thing is that your baby is having fun. Don’t worry too much about the mess or perfection—some of the best moments happen when things get a little chaotic. Enjoy the experience and trust that we’ll capture the magic.
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