Cake Smash Prep: Getting Your Little One Ready – Savannah Cake Smash Photographer

Is your little one’s first birthday approaching? If so, you’re probably considering how to mark the most special birthday and you’ve also probably considered a cake-smash portrait session to celebrate! It’s one of my most popular session types and for good reason.  For starters you actually get two sessions in one [read more about that here – link to previous blog on cake smash sessions], but also they’re so much fun – and messy!!

But how do you prepare your baby—and yourself—for this messy, adorable, and oh-so-memorable event?

Grab a coffee, and let’s dive into some tips to make your baby’s cake smash a smashing success!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAKE

First and foremost, the cake!

Opt for a cake that’s not just visually appealing but also baby-friendly. Soft, moist sponge cakes are easier for little hands to smash. Avoid hard icing or decorations that could be a choking hazard. Fondant looks pretty but it’s not easy for little hands to tear and destroy.

Some parents even go for a healthy cake option made from baby-friendly ingredients like bananas or sweet potatoes. 

TOP TIP: avoid chocolate cake and instead opt for vanilla sponge as chocolate cake has a habit of looking like something less pleasant in your images! 

WHY CHOOSE US? We take care of ordering the cake for you from our preferred vendor, Carolina Cupittycakes in Port Royal. Whether you go with our classic Naked Cake or choose to have something more elaborate, we work closely with you to make it match the whole look of the session.

PICK THE PERFECT OUTFIT

This is a photo-op you’ll cherish forever, so make sure your baby looks the part. Many parents opt for a cute but simple outfit like a onesie or a tutu. Remember, it’s going to get messy, so choose something that you don’t mind getting covered in cake. Also, make sure it’s comfortable for your baby to move around in.

WHY CHOOSE US? Part of the fun at our studio is that we offer a pretty extensive Kids Closet, stocked with outfits that match our backdrops in a variety of colors & sizes. During our planning stage, we will discuss color palettes and plan out outfits so they are ready to go for you on picture day!

SET THE STAGE

The backdrop and props can add a lot of fun and colour to your cake smash photos. Popular themes include “One-derland,” “Circus Fun,” or even just a simple, elegant setup with balloons and streamers. Make sure all props are baby-safe and that the area is secure to prevent any accidents.

WHY CHOOSE US? We like to keep things simple and not too prop heavy to keep focus on baby! A theme colored balloon garland is included in all Cake Smash sessions and we can coordinate some props to match specific themes.

DO A TEST RUN

If your baby has never tasted cake before, it might be a good idea to do a little test run a few days before the event. Let them try a small piece of cake or even just the frosting. This will help you gauge their reaction and make any necessary adjustments to the cake or schedule.

TOP TIP: Get a cupcake from the place you will be getting their cake from and let them have it. Frosting is a weird texture between little fingers and many babies are kind of taken aback by it at first.

KEEP ESSENTIALS HANDY

Be prepared for a quick cleanup once the cake smashing is done. Keep wet wipes, a change of clothes, and a towel nearby. Some parents even have a small inflatable pool to give their baby a quick wash right after the fun.

WHY CHOOSE US? After your little one is done destroying their delicious cake, we will have a warm bath all set and ready for them. This helps us not only get amazing smiles as they splash away but also, you have a somewhat clean baby to take home when its all said and done!

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Whether you’re hiring a professional photographer or doing it yourself, make sure your camera is ready to capture every adorable, messy moment. If you’re taking the photos yourself, make sure to check the lighting and camera settings in advance. You won’t want to miss that first curious poke or the full-on face dive into the cake!

BE PATIENT AND GO WITH THE FLOW

Every baby reacts differently to a cake smash. Some dive right in, while others might be a bit hesitant. That’s perfectly okay! The most important thing is to let your baby explore and have fun at their own pace. Don’t rush or force it; the best photos often come from genuine, unscripted moments.

WRAP-UP

There you have it—your guide to preparing your baby for their first cake smash. With a bit of planning and a whole lot of wipes, you’re all set to make this first birthday celebration a memorable one. So, let them eat cake and let the memories roll! 🎂🎉

I hope you find this blog post both informative and entertaining.

Happy first birthday to your little one, and may the cake smashing be epic! 🎂📸