Cake Smash or Bath Splash? What’s the Best First Birthday Session for Your Baby?
When it comes to celebrating your baby’s first birthday with a photo shoot, there’s no shortage of sweet ideas—but two favourites are the classic Cake Smash and the adorable Bath Splash. Both are fun, full of personality, and make for unforgettable keepsakes. But which one’s right for your little one?
Let’s take a look at both options to help you decide.
Cake Smash Photography: All About the Fun
Cake smashes are a brilliant way to mark that huge milestone—turning one! It’s joyful, messy, and full of giggles as your baby explores their birthday cake (with hands, feet, and usually face too).
Some babies dive straight in, while others are more cautious. Either way, their reactions are always worth capturing. We start the session with a clean outfit and some simple portraits, then bring out the cake for the main event. I keep everything styled simply to make sure the focus is on your baby—though if you have a specific colour scheme or theme in mind, just let me know.
Bath Splash Photography: Clean, Cute and Full of Character
A bath splash session can be the perfect follow-up or an alternative to a cake smash—especially if your baby is happiest splashing in bubbles. It’s relaxed, playful, and lets their little personality shine.
I use a baby-sized tub filled with warm water and bubbles (or milk if you’d prefer a milk bath style), and capture those joyful expressions as they play. It’s also a lovely chance to get some portraits of your baby squeaky clean and content.
Can We Do Both?
Absolutely. If you’re booking a full first birthday session, we can include both the cake smash and the bath splash—the splash acts as a built-in clean-up and adds a whole new set of fun photos to your collection. Some families also like to start the session with a favourite outfit for a few more traditional portraits before the fun (and mess) begins. There’s plenty of time to get all of that done in one easy, fun session.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Like Cake?
You’re not alone—some little ones aren’t too sure about cake. If you think that might be the case, a bath splash can be a lovely alternative or add-on. You’ll still get lots of expressive, joyful images without needing to persuade them to get stuck into icing.
Which Is Best for My Baby?
There’s no right or wrong answer. Cake smashes are great for bold little explorers, while bath splashes suit water lovers. But both work beautifully for every kind of baby—what matters most is capturing this special moment in a way that feels right for your family.
If you’re still not sure, I’m always happy to chat and help you decide.
Ultimate First Birthday Photo Guide
Make your first birthday photos unforgettable! Discover how to prepare, outfit tips, cake selection hints, and info on what to expect at your cake smash and / or tub splash photo session with my article series…
First Birthday Photo Shoots in East Grinstead
Celebrate your baby’s first birthday with a session designed to suit you! Choose the Mini First Birthday Shoot for a simple and sweet session featuring your little one in one outfit against a single backdrop, complete your favourite image for just £45. For an all-inclusive experience, opt for the Full First Birthday Shoot, where we’ll capture your baby’s cake smash, a fun tub splash, and even family or sibling moments, all with three digital images included for £95. Let’s make their first birthday unforgettable—book your session today!
