Cake Smash Prep Guide

What to Expect

ARRIVAL & SESSION TIME

Please arrive to your session 5-15 minutes early if you can, but please do not arrive any earlier than that.

I am usually at the studio about 30–45 minutes before your scheduled session to get your backdrop and everything else set up and ready to go. You do not need to arrive that early!

Plan to be at my studio for approximately 45 minutes to an hour (unless you have a mini then plan to only be there 15-20 minutes). Every baby is different! Some babies need a little more time to warm up to me, the studio, or the cake. If your little one needs breaks to be comforted, held, or simply get used to their surroundings, your session may take closer to an hour.

ABOUT THE CAKE

I provide the cake for your session.

Before your session, I will always ask about any known food allergies. My baker is wonderful at what she does and can accommodate many specific dietary needs and allergies.

Even when there are no known food allergies, it is fairly common for babies to develop some temporary redness or irritation on their skin after getting frosting all over themselves, especially babies with sensitive skin.

If your baby shows signs of a more serious allergic reaction during the session, I recommend stopping the session, contacting your pediatrician immediately, and seeking appropriate medical care. As outlined in your contract, both myself and the baker are not responsible or liable for allergic reactions that may occur after consuming or coming into contact with the cake.

PRACTICE BEFORE YOUR SESSION

If you'd like, I recommend letting your baby try a little cake or frosting sometime during the week before your session. Frosting is a brand-new texture for many babies, and it is very common for them to gag when they first try it. Don't be alarmed if this happens!

Giving them a little practice beforehand can help make the texture feel more familiar on the day of their session.

LET THEM GET MESSY!

If your baby is used to having their hands wiped or cleaned frequently while eating, they may not love the feeling of frosting on their hands. Some babies will immediately hold their hands out to be cleaned or even become upset when they realize they're sticky.

During the session, we try to give them a little time to explore the cake and get messy before wiping their hands. I also have a spoon available that I'll usually introduce after about 5-10 minutes of letting them explore and smash the cake on their own. Sometimes a spoon is all it takes to get them interested!

And don't worry if your baby doesn't completely destroy their cake. Some babies dive right in, while others delicately poke at it or want absolutely nothing to do with it. All of those reactions are completely normal!

BATH TIME



If your cake smash package includes a bath, I will provide towels for your little one. You are also more than welcome to bring a favorite towel from home if you prefer.

Most importantly, come ready to have fun and let your baby lead the way. Cake smash sessions are unpredictable, messy, and sometimes hilarious, and that's part of what makes them so much fun!

What to bring ?