How to Prepare for a Cake Smash Session (Without the Stress)
How to Prepare for a Cake Smash Session (Without the Stress)
Cake smash sessions are joyful, silly, messy and full of personality.
But if you’re a parent planning one for the first time,
you might be wondering:
What do we bring?
What should they wear?
How messy will it get?
What if they don’t want the cake?
How long does it take?
Will it be stressful?
The good news?
Cake smash sessions are much simpler than you think —
and when prepared well, they become one of the most fun memories from your little one’s first year.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get ready,
so all you have to do on the day is laugh, enjoy the chaos
and watch your baby explore freely.
1. Choose a Simple Outfit That Lets Your Baby Move
Your baby doesn’t need anything complicated for a cake smash session.
Comfort leads to better expressions and natural movement.
Great outfit choices include:
soft rompers
overalls
neutral dresses
simple bodysuits
bare feet
a nappy cover
a lightweight two-piece set
Avoid:
itchy fabrics
tight outfits
anything that needs adjusting
bold patterns or neon colours
clothes you’d be upset to get icing on
The focus should be on your little one —
not the outfit.
2. Bring a Cake That’s Easy for Babies to Explore
A simple cake works best.
Recommended options:
naked cakes
lightly iced sponges
buttercream swirls
soft textures that break apart easily
Avoid:
hard fondant icing
overly decorated cakes
dark dyes that stain skin
cakes filled with fruit chunks or choking hazards
The easier it is to smash, the better the reactions.
3. Pack the Essentials (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
Here’s a list of things that make the experience smoother:
✔ spare outfit for baby
✔ spare top for you
✔ wipes
✔ muslins
✔ a towel
✔ a little drink (water or milk)
✔ a snack, just in case
✔ a favourite toy
✔ nappy essentials
Some babies need a break halfway through,
and a few cuddles or snacks often help reset the mood.
4. Keep Your Baby Comfortable Before the Session
A happy baby = a joyful session.
Try to ensure they’re:
well-rested
not hungry
not overstimulated
warm and comfy
Some parents choose to schedule the session after a nap
for the happiest outcome.
5. Expect Your Baby to React in Their Own Unique Way
Every baby is different.
Some dive in with both hands.
Some poke very delicately.
Some smear the cake everywhere.
Some burst into laughter.
Some cry for a moment (it’s new and it’s messy!)
Some need time to warm up.
Some need you nearby as reassurance.
All reactions are perfect.
There’s no “right way” to do a cake smash.
Your baby’s personality guides the session,
and that’s what makes the photos unforgettable.
6. Arrive a Few Minutes Early So Your Baby Can Settle
New environments can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
A few minutes to:
look around
crawl or toddle
see the backdrop
get used to the space
warm up to me
…helps your little one feel relaxed before the camera comes out.
7. We Start With Clean Portraits Before the Mess Begins
These are the sweet, simple photos of your baby:
smiling
sitting
standing with support
looking around
showing off their personality
These “clean portraits” give you a beautiful set of milestone images
before icing makes its appearance.
8. When the Cake Comes Out, Let the Magic Unfold Naturally
Kids learn through curiosity.
Forcing your baby to touch the cake rarely works —
it usually causes tears.
Instead, we:
place the cake within reach
let them notice it
allow them to explore in their own time
capture their reactions as they appear
Sometimes they go straight for it.
Sometimes they circle it first.
Sometimes they test with a tiny finger.
Every moment is worth photographing.
9. Be Prepared for Mess — And Embrace It
Cake smashes are gloriously chaotic.
There will be:
crumbs
smudges
icing footprints
sticky hands
big messy smiles
But that’s the fun of it.
The more relaxed you are about the mess,
the more relaxed your baby will be too.
Everything is cleaned up afterwards —
you don’t have to worry about a thing.
10. You Might End Up in a Few Photos Too (If You Want To)
Sometimes babies want a cuddle,
a hand for reassurance,
or a quick moment with mum or dad.
If you’re comfortable being in a few documentary-style shots,
these can become some of the most heartfelt images from the session.
No posing — just natural parent-child connection.
11. After the Smash, We Capture Sweet “After” Moments
Think:
icing-covered toes
sticky smiles
cake between fingers
a satisfied little belly
the cutest aftermath expressions
These are the photos you’ll laugh at for years.
12. End With a Quick Clean-Up or Bubble Bath (Optional)
Some families choose to include a little wash-up moment at the end —
and these photos are adorable.
Splashing, bubbles and giggles
add an extra storytelling layer to the session
and help your baby get clean again before heading home.
A Final Thought: Cake Smashes Should Be Fun, Not Stressful
At the end of the day,
cake smash sessions are about joy —
pure, messy, chaotic joy.
You don’t need perfection.
You don’t need a baby who loves cake.
You don’t need any expectations.
All you need is:
a relaxed mindset
a simple cake
a comfortable outfit
a happy little explorer
Your baby’s personality will do the rest.
If You’d Love a Sweet, Natural Cake Smash Session for Your Little One…
I’d be honoured to help you celebrate this milestone
with laughter, warmth and natural documentary-style photography.
Love,
Jo x
