Cake Smash Session Guide

Firstly, thank you so much for choosing Cotton Cloud Photography to capture your little one’s first birthday. Cake smash sessions are always my absolute favourites. They’re full of cheeky smiles, big personalities, messy little hands and all the beautiful chaos that comes with this stage of babyhood.

No two babies are ever the same and that’s exactly what makes these sessions so special. Some babies dive straight into the cake, some are a little more cautious, and some are far more interested in crawling around the studio exploring absolutely everything instead. Whatever your little one’s personality, I’ll gently guide the session and capture all the sweet little moments naturally.

Before Your Session

Sleep & Timing

When booking your session, I always recommend choosing a time that works best with your baby’s usual routine. A well-rested baby is generally much happier and more relaxed during their session.

If your little one is usually happiest in the morning, an earlier session is ideal. If they’re better after a midday nap, an afternoon session may work best instead.

Try your best to keep naps and meals as close to normal as possible on the day of your session.

Teething

Around the one year mark, lots of little ones are teething which can sometimes make them a little more unsettled or drooly than usual. If your baby is currently teething, feel free to bring along anything that helps comfort them such as teething gel, dummies or medication if you normally use it.

Styling & Set Design

I have a collection of props, backdrops and styling pieces available to create a beautiful setup for your session.

Before your session we’ll chat about colours, styling and the overall vibe you love most so we can create something that feels perfect for your little one.

You’re also more than welcome to bring along sentimental items or special pieces you’d love included in the session.

About The Cake

The most important thing to remember is that every baby reacts differently to the cake and that is completely normal.

Some babies absolutely LOVE it and make the biggest mess, while others are unsure about the texture, sweetness or simply don’t enjoy getting messy. There is never any pressure for your baby to smash the cake if they don’t want to. I always follow their lead and focus on keeping the experience fun and relaxed.

If you have selected a package that includes a cake we will match it to your selected theme, if you have opted a package to bring your own we are happy to give you local cake maker recommendations.

Please note, Bright coloured icing can sometimes stain skin.

Most importantly, please make sure your little one has tried cake before their session to rule out any allergies or sensitivities.

And honestly? The cake doesn’t need to be extravagant. Your baby is always the focus of the session.

If your little one has a favourite food or unique little obsession, I’m always open to creating something fun and personalised around it too.

Snacks & Drinks

Please bring along:

• Water or milk
• A few favourite snacks
• Anything comforting or familiar for bub

Sometimes hiding little snacks behind the cake works wonders for encouraging curious little hands.

Splash Bath

After the cake smash comes one of the best parts the splash bath (if you have picked a package that includes it)

This is usually where babies completely relax, have fun and show us all those gorgeous giggles and expressions. It’s also the perfect way to clean bub up before heading home.

The bath photos are always such a sweet ending to the session and often become parent favourites.

Siblings

Cake smash sessions are designed primarily around your birthday babe. If siblings are joining in for a few photos at the beginning, I recommend having someone available to take them out afterwards if possible, as younger children can become restless during the session and distract the birthday babe.

If you need to bring siblings along for the full session though, that’s completely okay — just let me know beforehand so we can plan accordingly.

If Bub Is Unwell

If your little one is sick or particularly unsettled leading up to your session, please contact me as soon as possible and we can organise another date.

Happy, healthy babies always photograph best and I want the experience to feel enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

What To Bring

Please bring along:

• Your cake if you didn't select a package with it included
• A towel
• Wet wipes
• A spare outfit for baby
• A spare top for parents (just in case!)
• Snacks and water/milk
• Dummy or comfort item if needed
• Any sentimental items you’d love included
• Any additional outfits you’d like baby photographed in

The biggest thing I want you to remember is that cake smash sessions are meant to be fun, relaxed and full of personality. There is absolutely no expectation for your baby to perform perfectly.

I’ll guide you through everything during the session and work completely around your little one’s mood and personality on the day.

I cannot wait to capture this special milestone for your family and create beautiful memories you’ll treasure forever.

— Courtney

Cotton Cloud Photography