Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels joyful, relaxed, and true to your little one.  A cake smash session is exactly that — playful, a little messy, and full of personality.

With just a little preparation, we can help make sure your little one walks into their session feeling confident and happy (and that you walk in feeling calm too)!

Don’t Make It Their Very First Taste of Cake

If your baby has never experienced frosting before, the texture can be surprising. Sticky, soft, sweet — it’s a lot for tiny hands and curious minds.  

I encourage my clients to  try a small “practice run” at home about a week or two before your session. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A cupcake topped with a bit of whipped cream, or even yogurt with a similar texture works perfectly. Let them explore with their hands. Let them squish. Let them investigate.

This can help remove the “what is this?” reaction and replace it with curiosity and confidence when a bigger cake is placed in front of them at their session.

Being a mom myself, I know this stage can be a bit sensory-heavy for one-year-olds. Should your little one find the textures overstimulating, I have simple alternatives on hand (such as a wooden spoon and one-of-a-kind wooden cake) as a comfortable alternative so the session can still feel relaxed and enjoyable. So you can rest assured that no matter what, you can leave your session with beautiful photos and a happy baby!

Protect the Nap Schedule

Mood is everything at this age. The best cake smash sessions happen when baby is well rested, fed (but not overly full) and in their natural happy window.

If your little one thrives in the morning, we aim for that sweet spot. If they’re happiest mid-morning after their first nap, we work around it.

A rested baby equals more smiles, more energy, and more willingness to dig into that cake!

 Keep Outfits Simple and Timeless

 Less is more.

Soft textures, neutral tones, simple rompers or overalls photograph beautifully — especially if you love timeless, heirloom-style imagery. Busy patterns can distract from what truly matters: your baby’s expressions. I have a full client closet of carefully curated outfits that my clients are welcome to choose from, so you don't have to go out and buy something just for one short session.

Barefoot is always perfect.

And don’t forget:

• A backup outfit -- and extra shirt for you too as you may be wrangling your little one who's covered in frosting!

• Wipes

• Their favourite little snack (puffs, yogurt bites, goldfish) in case we need to hide them in the cake

• Something comfy for the ride home

Bring a Comfort Item (Just in Case)

Even the most outgoing little ones can feel unsure in a new space.

If your baby has a favorite lovey, soother, or small stuffed animal, bring it along. We may tuck it out of sight during photos, but having it nearby can provide reassurance and help them settle quickly.

Sometimes the comfort item even sneaks into a few sweet frames — and those can become some of the most meaningful images.

Let Go of "Perfect Pinterest" Expectations

Here’s the honest truth: not every baby “smashes.”

Some dive in headfirst.
Some gently poke.
Some prefer to study the situation before committing.
Some just cry and never touch the cake.

And every single reaction is perfect.

The magic of a cake smash session isn’t in how aggressively they destroy the cake — it’s in their personality. The frosting-covered concentration face. The hesitant fingertip taste. The full belly laugh.

Those are the moments we capture.

A Little Note for Parents:

If you feel relaxed, your baby will too.

These sessions are meant to be joyful and pressure-free. There is no performance required. No expectation for perfection. Just celebration.

One whole year of growth.
One whole year of love.

If you’re a Kamloops mom  who is planning your baby's First Birthday , I would love to create a custom Cake Smash Session to mark this milestone for you!

I offer many Cake Smash themes -  like "Where the Wild Things Are" Cake Smash Session shown in this blog - to more minimal, monochromatic style.  I am always happy to collaborate and come up with something new while still staying true to my style !
Check out MY PORTFOLIO

QUESTIONS? READY TO BOOK YOUR BABY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY CAKE SMASH? LETS CHAT!