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Outfits.  There are two outfits allowed.  A cute first birthday outfit, and the cake smash “attire” (usually a diaper/cover…see below). The first few shots I get will be portraits of your baby dressed in a cute outfit for a couple traditional first birthday portraits. Then take a few minutes to change your baby into their cake smash “attire”.

Let your baby have cake at least 2 times in the weeks leading up to the cake smash session. This way they will be familiar with cake enough to move past the exploration phase and they can get excited about it like the rest of us! Feeding them cake ahead of time also helps determine if your baby has any allergies or sensitivity from the icing coloring.  But believe it or not, many babies think the texture of the icing feels weird.  Some babies don’t like it at all and get upset when it won’t easily wipe off, and some babies are very interested in it and examine it very seriously.

It is great to incorporate some decorations from the first birthday party (such as a crafty banner). The most successful cake smash sessions tend to have a simple/clean/uncluttered look.  A DIY banner is usually a perfect look to dress up a cake smash. I am usually not a fan of balloons because they do not reflect well and they tend to cast color & shadows.

Backgrounds.  The backgrounds I have available are white, damask, weathered wood. If there is another color you wish please let me know a couple weeks ahead of time so I can have it in time for your session.

Attire.  Most babies simply wear a diaper cover (like bloomers), a tutu or cloth diaper for the cake smash. A color or pattern-coordinating cloth or designer diaper is fine. Some parents prefer to do the cake smash with the baby fully clothed instead of in a diaper, and this is totally fine with me. Just be aware that the clothes and diaper cover WILL be ruined by the icing coloring. 

Health.  If your baby has a fever or is not feeling well on the day of the session, then it needs to be rescheduled. I will not get good results and good smiles if your baby isn’t feeling well. Just put the cake in the freezer for safe keeping. Take it out of the freezer with enough time to let it thaw prior to the next session.

Weather.  If the cake smash is scheduled outside and the weather is looking a little iffy that day, the session can be moved indoors. The best spot in your house to have the cake smash is usually a dining room, a large entryway, kitchen or where ever there is about a 10×10 space.  No high chair required.

Snacks.  Have some puffs, Cheerios or your baby’s favorite dry finger food on hand to stuff into the cake in case they need help being a little more interested in it. Also, have a sippy cup within arms reach in case your baby gets thirsty. Your baby will need a little break. 

Assistance.  Have a spoon handy within arms reach in case we need to give your baby a little “help” smashing into the cake.Some babies are very clean and dainty with the cake and need some adult help getting messy. 

Toys.  Have a small plastic toy (that can easily be cleaned) handy to give your baby when their back is facing the camera. Your baby will need a reason to sit still, and introducing a toy will help keep their attention for enough time to get some cute shots. 

Cake Type.  Please avoid ordering chocolate cake and please avoid fondant decorations (this can pose as a choking hazard).Please chose plain white cake. Chocolate and red velvet cake do not look appetizing when smashed all over a toddler. The same rule applies to icing. Avoid red icing, chocolate icing, or even colors that make brown when mixed together. Light icing colors with a texture like rosettes photograph best. Please, no dark colors unless it's in small amounts like trims or polka dots. Your smash cake should coordinate with your smash outfit and set-up.

Miscellaneous.  If you prefer to provide a home-baked cake yourself instead of from the bakery, please make sure that no toothpicks or other structural items are placed inside the cake. Also for home-baked cakes, please avoid lining the base plate with tin foil.