Cake Smash 101: Ways to prepare your 1 year old child

Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating, and a cake smash photo session is the perfect way to capture this sweet moment. But a successful session takes a bit of preparation. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your little one’s cake smash goes smoothly.

Book Early for Best Results

Reach out to plan your session at least 6 weeks in advance. This gives us plenty of time to collaborate on a theme, coordinate colors, and plan out every detail to best suit your needs. Whether you’re dreaming of a whimsical rainbow theme or something more classic, early planning ensures we can bring your vision to life.

Timing is Everything

Schedule your session strategically. The best times are either first thing in the morning when your baby is happiest and most alert, or right after nap time when they’re well-rested and ready to play. A cranky, tired baby won’t enjoy the experience, and it’ll show in the photos.

Outfit Options

Bring a few outfit options so we can capture different looks throughout the session. This variety gives you more choices when selecting your favorites and adds visual interest to your gallery.

Feed Them First

Make sure your baby is fed before the session, and bring along some of their favorite snacks. A hungry baby is an unhappy baby, and we want them comfortable and content throughout the shoot.

The Cake Prep Trick

Here’s an insider tip: give your little one a small piece of cake a few days before the session. This prevents them from being overwhelmed by the new texture and taste during the actual shoot. When they’ve already experienced cake, they’re much more likely to dive right in on session day.

Pack the Essentials

Bring plenty of diapers and wipes for cleanup afterwards. Trust me, you’ll need them! Also pack their favorite toy and an extra snack in case we need a little encouragement or comfort during the session.

Embrace the Mess

Don’t worry about how messy your baby gets—that’s the whole point! The frosting-covered faces, the cake in their hair, the adorable confusion—these messy moments create the most precious, authentic memories. We’re here to capture the joy, not keep them clean.

Family Portraits First

We’ll plan to take some family portraits before the cake comes out. This way, we can document this special milestone with the whole family while everyone is still clean and camera-ready. These photos are just as important as the cake smash itself, preserving this moment in time for parents too.

Ready to book your cake smash session in San Diego? Contact us today and let’s start planning an unforgettable first birthday celebration for your little one!