It’s one of the most common worries parents have before a cake smash photoshoot.  What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?

What if they cry, refuse it, or just sit there looking unimpressed?  The truth is, all of that is completely normal, and it doesn’t ruin the session at all.

a little girl crying dramatically by her cake

Every Baby Reacts Differently

Cake smash sessions are full of surprises.  Some babies:

  • Dive straight in with both hands
  • Poke and explore slowly
  • Prefer tasting rather than smashing
  • Ignore the cake completely

There’s no “correct” reaction.  Your baby’s personality is exactly what we’re there to capture.

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a guide to what to do if your baby doesn't like the cake at their cake smash photo shoot

It’s a New Experience

For many babies, this is their first time:

  • Seeing a whole cake in front of them
  • Touching soft icing
  • Being encouraged to explore something new

It can take a little time.  Some babies warm up slowly, and that’s absolutely fine.

Beautiful Photos Don’t Depend on the Cake

Some of the loveliest images from a cake smash session come from:

  • Curious expressions
  • Little smiles
  • Quiet, thoughtful moments
  • Interactions with you

It’s not about how much cake gets smashed.  It’s about capturing your baby as they are.

What I Do During the Session

You’re never left wondering what to do.  I gently guide the session by:

  • Giving your baby time to settle
  • Encouraging interaction naturally
  • Following their pace, not forcing anything

If your baby isn’t interested in the cake, we simply shift focus.  There is always something to capture.

a little boy sits in a white rolltop bath holding a giant yellow duck at a first birthday photo shoot

The Backup Magic: Splash Bath

Even if the cake isn’t a hit, the session doesn’t end there.  The optional splash bath is often:

  • A favourite part for babies
  • Full of smiles and movement
  • A chance to capture joyful, playful images

For some babies, this becomes the highlight of the session.

If your baby doesn’t like the cake, nothing has gone wrong.  In fact, you’ve just captured something real.  And those are often the moments that matter most.

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.