How to Prep for Your Baby’s Cake Smash (Without a Meltdown)
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- Kim VanOs Photography
Avondale, AZ Cake Smash Tips and Tricks
So, you’re ready to celebrate your little one’s first birthday with a cake smash! It can be a wonderfully messy and joyful milestone, and I’m thrilled to be a part of capturing these precious memories for your family. As we plan for this fun-filled session, I want to share some tips to help ensure everything goes smoothly, keeping the focus on what truly matters: a happy baby and beautiful, lasting memories.
The number one priority for a successful cake smash session is a happy and comfortable baby. Let me say that again, because it’s the most important part: our top priority is ensuring your baby is happy! We can have the perfect cake, the cutest outfit, and the most beautiful backdrop, but none of that matters if your little one is feeling overwhelmed or fussy.
Nap Time is Sacred
We all know that a well-rested baby is a happy baby. I provide an estimated start time for our session, but please think of it as a flexible guideline. If your baby’s nap schedule shifts on the day of the shoot, don’t stress! A quick text to let me know is all that’s needed. We can easily adjust the time to ensure your little one is feeling their best. A happy, rested baby is far more likely to enjoy their cake-smashing debut.
Embracing the Unpredictable
Here’s a little secret: not all babies dive headfirst into their cake—and that’s completely okay! Some little ones are hesitant with the new texture and taste. While a few might immediately dig in with delight, others may gently poke or need a bit of encouragement. However they respond, my goal is always the same: to capture your baby’s unique personality in a way that’s true to them.
If your baby is feeling shy, don’t worry—we’ve got a whole toolkit of gentle tricks. We can take breaks, offer a favorite toy, or even bring in a tiny spoon to help ease them in. We’ll follow your baby’s lead and honor where they’re at. These sessions are all about celebrating them—and their authentic reactions, whether messy or mild, are what make the images so meaningful. Whether your little one is timidly taking tiny bites or gleefully smashing away, these moments will reflect exactly who they are at this stage.
And if I’m being honest? It’s often those soft, uncertain moments that tug at my heart the most. When they reach for you, hold your leg for comfort, or just need an in-between cuddle—that’s real life. This stage is so fleeting. They need us for just a blink, and then suddenly they’re big. So, if the cake smash turns into a cuddle session for a bit, let’s embrace it. That’s part of their story—and it’s absolutely worth capturing.
What to Bring for a Smashing Success
A little preparation can go a long way in making the session seamless and fun. Here’s a quick checklist of things to bring along:
- Cake-Ready Attire: Dress your baby in an outfit that you are completely okay with getting covered in frosting and cake. Many parents choose a special outfit for “before” photos and then change into the “smash” outfit. If you’d like to do this, please have your baby dressed in their pre-smash outfit when you arrive, with the smash attire ready to go.
- Their Favorite Snacks: Bringing a small bag of your baby’s favorite mess-free snacks (like puffs, Cheerios, or yogurt melts) can be a lifesaver. We can tuck them into the back of the cake to encourage your little one to start exploring if they are hesitant.
- A Change of Clothes (for Everyone!): Things are going to get messy! Be sure to pack a change of clothes for your baby and an extra shirt for yourself. You might be surprised where frosting can end up!
- Towels and Wipes: I’ll have some on hand, but you never know what you’ll find when you put your baby in the car so it’s better to be safe than sorry for a post-smash cleanup.
- Personal Touches: Do you have a special blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, or a sentimental heirloom? Feel free to bring along any personal props that you would like to incorporate into the photos. These items can add a beautiful, personal touch to your gallery.
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- Kim VanOs Photography
I am genuinely so excited to capture this fun and fleeting moment for your family. My aim is always to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Let’s get ready to make a beautiful mess!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
PS – ready to book your little one’s cake smash? Just click the button below to get started.
