If there’s one session I photograph that feels equal parts chaos, celebration, and “I can’t believe we made it through year one,” it’s a first birthday cake smash.
I’ve seen it all… babies who politely poke the icing like they’re unsure of the situation, babies who faceplant straight into the cake (honestly, iconic), and babies who want absolutely nothing to do with it and would rather cuddle mom the whole time. And every single one of those moments? Worth documenting.
If you’re starting to plan your baby’s first birthday session, here are some of my favorite cake smash ideas simple and actually enjoyable for both you and your little one.
Keep the setup simple (trust me on this)
It’s really easy to go down a Pinterest rabbit hole and feel like you need a full-blown themed production. But after photographing so many of these sessions, I can tell you, the simpler the setup, the better the photos.
A clean backdrop, soft colors, maybe a few props or a banner… that’s all you need. Why? Because your baby is the focus, not the decorations. When things are too busy, your eye doesn’t know where to land but when it’s simple, every expression stands out so much more.
Those adorable boutique outfits? I love them. But for cake smash, you want to think practical and cute.
Some of my favorites:
- Simple rompers or bloomers for girls
- Little suspenders or shorts for boys
- Soft, neutral tones or classic pastels
- Barefoot always wins
And here’s the big tip: bring a backup outfit. Between icing, drool, and the occasional “we need a full reset,” having a second option saves the day. I also always recommend a separate outfit for after the cake, especially if you’re planning family photos or a quick clean portrait.
Not every baby loves cake (and that’s okay)
This might surprise you, but a lot of babies aren’t immediately into smashing cake. Some don’t like the texture. Some don’t like being messy. Some just sit there like, “What exactly are we doing here?”
Some of my favorite images have come from:
Tiny finger pokes instead of full smashes
Curious looks at the frosting
Crawling away mid-session
Clinging to mom with icing-covered hands
If your baby doesn’t go all in, it doesn’t mean the session wasn’t a success. It just means we captured their personality at this stage.
Bring a few “comfort items.” A favorite snack, a small toy, or even a familiar spoon can make a huge difference. Sometimes a baby just needs a little encouragement to warm up, and having something familiar nearby can help them feel more at ease in a new environment. Pro tip: puffs or small snacks can also double as a gentle way to get them interacting with the cake area without pressure.
Plan for a little mess (okay… a lot)
Cake smash sessions are not meant to be tidy. I always tell parents—don’t stress about the cleanup. That’s my job, but it’s helpful to come prepared:
Wipes (always more than you think you’ll need)
A towel
A change of clothes for baby
And sometimes… a change of shirt for you
There’s a very real chance you’ll end up with frosting on you too. It happens to the best of us.
Yes, the cake is fun and the photos are adorable, but this session is about something bigger. It’s about marking a year that likely felt both incredibly long and impossibly fast. It’s about celebrating everything you’ve learned, everything your baby has become, and all the tiny in-between moments that got you here. When you look back at these photos years from now, you won’t be thinking about whether the balloons matched perfectly. You’ll remember the way they looked at you and how their hands fit into yours. The stage they were in… right before everything changed again, and that’s what makes these sessions so special.
If you’re planning your baby’s first birthday session, my biggest advice is this: keep it simple, come prepared, and let your baby lead the way. The best moments always come from the in-between anyway.
