Celebrating Your Baby's First Birthday: Tips for a Memorable Cake Smash

Tiffany Gill
Sep 20
2 min read

Updated: Oct 14

Preparing for the Big Day

Celebrating a first birthday is a significant milestone. There’s no better way to mark the occasion than with a cake smash! These sessions are fun, messy, and full of memories you’ll treasure today, tomorrow, and forever. To help you feel prepared, I’ve put together some tips on what you can expect and how to get the most out of your little one’s big day.

Outfits and Getting Ready

You don’t have to stress about what your baby will wear. I have outfits available here in the studio. You can check out the client closet for options. Most outfits are size 12 months. You can plan to get your baby dressed once you arrive, so everything stays fresh and picture-ready. Shoes are optional. Honestly, most babies are more comfortable (and adorable!) without them.

Preparing for the Cake

If your session includes a cake smash, try introducing your baby to icing or cake about a week beforehand. The texture of frosting is new for most little ones. Giving them a chance to explore it ahead of time can help the session go more smoothly. Small snacks like yogurt melts or puffs are also great to bring along. They can encourage your baby to interact with the cake when the big moment comes.

Timing is Everything

When scheduling your appointment, keep your baby’s nap time in mind. A well-rested baby is a happy baby! If you’re traveling from out of town, plan your trip so the car ride doubles as nap time if possible.

What to Bring

At the studio, I also provide unscented wipes, a changing table, extra Huggies diapers, and Baby Dove wash, just in case you leave something behind.

Baby Dove, Unscented wipes, Huggies diapers (size 3-5), changing table available.

Helping Your Baby Feel Comfortable

Keep in mind that your baby will be in a new environment. It may take them a little time to warm up to the new surroundings. Think about what usually makes them laugh or smile. Whether it’s a favorite toy, a silly face, or a special song, be ready to share that during the session. Even if we don’t capture endless smiles, these photos still tell your baby’s story. Some of the most treasured images end up being the in-between moments. Yes, even a few tears make for memories you’ll laugh about one day.

For Parents

Be patient with your little one. Babies can sense your energy, and a calm, relaxed parent goes a long way. Be prepared to gently move your crawler or walker back into place if they wander. And don’t worry about the mess; it’s all part of the fun! Parking is available right in front of the studio to make things as easy as possible.

With these tips in mind, you can relax and enjoy watching your little one dive into their first cake. I’ll take care of the rest, capturing every giggle, every messy handprint, and every memory you’ll cherish for years to come.