Preparation guide
Preparing for your cake smash session
Cake smash sessions are joyful, messy and so much fun. Here's how it works and how to help your little one have the best time.
- Best age
- Around the 1st birthday
- Allow
- 1–1.5 hours
- Where
- Our studio
- We provide
- Cake, outfits, props & clean-up
The perfect age
Cake smashes are loveliest right around the first birthday, when babies can usually sit up confidently and are curious enough to dig in. A little before or after one is absolutely fine too.
How the session flows
We start with sweet portraits in your themed setup, then bring in the cake for the smash — the messy, giggly bit everyone loves — and finish with a gentle splash/bath to rinse off. Portrait, smash, splash: three lovely chapters in one session.
The cake
We provide a custom cake made for smashing — a soft buttercream sponge. (We don't do donut stacks.) Please tell us about any allergies when you book — nut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free options are available. If your baby hasn't tried cake before, offer a small taste a day or two beforehand so the texture isn't a surprise on the day.
Naps & feeding
Book around your baby's happiest time of day and try to protect a good nap beforehand — a well-rested baby engages far more. Come a little hungry (not starving); a small snack on arrival is fine. Bring a few favourite snacks just in case.
Outfits & theme
- We provide themed outfits and styling — just choose your theme when you book.
- If there's a special outfit you'd love, bring it along (it will get gloriously messy!).
- Bring a towel and a full change of clothes for the journey home.
A little practice helps
Some babies love mess instantly; others are unsure of sticky hands. In the week before, let your little one play with something messy — yoghurt, mashed banana — so the sensation feels familiar and fun.
If baby is hesitant
That's completely normal. We give them time to warm up, and it often helps for you to sit close and break off the first piece together. Once they realise cake is allowed, the magic usually happens.
Siblings, parents & clean-up
- Siblings and parents are welcome to jump in — some of the best frames are shared.
- We handle all the clean-up and the splash, so you don't need to worry about the mess.
- Bring baby wipes and a change of clothes; coffee and refreshments are on for parents, with snacks for the little ones.
Now booking
Tell us what you're celebrating
We'll help you choose the right session, answer your questions and check availability — usually within 24 hours.
Bookings are made at least 1 week in advance. Need it sooner? Message us on WhatsApp for urgent bookings.