Planning a cake smash photoshoot can feel like a lot at first.

What should your baby wear?
What kind of cake works best?
What if they don’t enjoy it?

The good news is that preparation doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple choices can make the whole experience feel calm, relaxed, and enjoyable for both you and your baby.

a little girl in a pink tutu sits by her cake at her first birthday photo shoot

Plan a Simple, Comfortable Outfit

Cake smash outfits get messy. That’s part of the fun.  Choose something that:

  • Allows easy movement
  • Feels comfortable against the skin
  • Doesn’t matter if it gets covered in icing

Simple outfits often photograph best and keep the focus on your baby’s expressions.

a little boy claps his hands together a she sits behind his cake a first birthday photo shoot.

Bring the Essentials

A little preparation goes a long way.  It helps to have:

  • A spare outfit for after the session
  • Wipes or a towel (definitely a towel if you’re adding the tub splash)
  • A drink or snack your baby enjoys
  • Anything comforting or familiar

Knowing you’ve got everything you need helps you relax into the experience.

Know That There’s No “Right” Reaction

This is one of the biggest worries parents have.

What if your baby doesn’t smash the cake?

The truth is:

  • Some babies dive straight in
  • Some explore gently
  • Some mostly taste
  • Some prefer cuddles

All of these are completely normal.

The goal isn’t to create a perfect, messy moment. It’s to capture your baby as they are.

simple guide to preparing for a first birthday session

What I Take Care of for You

If you’re coming to my studio, a lot of this preparation is already handled.

  • The setup is ready before you arrive
  • The session is guided so you don’t need to think about it
  • Everything is baby-led and pressure-free

We start with clean portraits, move into the cake smash, and can finish with a warm splash bath to clean up.

You don’t need to get everything perfect for a cake smash photoshoot.  The most important thing is that your baby feels comfortable, and you feel relaxed enough to enjoy it.  Everything else falls into place from there.

Your Baby’s First Birthday Photo Guide

Planning your baby’s first birthday photos can feel like a lot at first, but it doesn’t have to be.  Whether you’re thinking about a cake smash, a simple portrait session, or something more styled, this guide brings together everything you need to plan a relaxed, enjoyable experience from start to finish.   If you’re not sure where to start, I’m always happy to guide you.

Start Here

If you’re just getting your bearings, these will help you understand what to expect:

What happens during a cake smash photo shoot
Cake smash FAQs
Feeling nervous about booking a photo shoot

Planning Your Cake Smash

Once you’re ready to start planning, these will help you make the key decisions:

How to choose the perfect cake smash cake
Cake smash outfit ideas for babies
Cake smash theme ideas for first birthdays
Cake smash decoration ideas

First Birthday Photo Shoots in East Grinstead

Celebrate your baby’s first birthday with a relaxed session tailored to you. A First Birthday Shoot can include simple portraits, a cake smash, a fun tub splash, and family or sibling photos, all with three digital images included for £95. It’s a lovely way to mark this milestone and capture your baby’s personality at one.