A Sweet Mess of Memories: How to Prepare for Your Cake Smash Session

There’s something irresistibly joyful about watching your baby dig into a birthday cake with wide eyes and sticky fingers. At Little Joys Studio, our cake smash sessions aren’t just about the cake — they’re about celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with laughter, colour, and a little bit of beautiful chaos.

If you’re booked in for a cake smash session, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it — and create keepsake images that reflect your little one’s personality and this fleeting, magic-filled season of life.

🧁 What’s Included in a Cake Smash Session?

Each session is designed to be playful, baby-led, and fun. We begin with a few simple, classic portraits before introducing the cake. These first few frames are a lovely way to capture your baby as they are — wide-eyed, maybe a little unsure — before the real mess begins!

Then, the cake comes out and we let the adventure unfold. Some babies dive right in, others need a little encouragement — and that’s okay. No matter how the story plays out, it’s always adorable.

Some even like to skip the cake and opt for their little one's favourite fruit! Here is Belle with fresh Okanagan Peaches!

🎂 What to Bring

• A cake that suits your vision (I recommend light-coloured or pastel icing for a softer, timeless look)

• Any special outfit you'd like baby to wear

• A change of clothes for baby (and maybe for you!)

• Wipes and a towel for easy cleanup

• Any small props or toys that are meaningful or will help baby feel comfortable

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Note: Please make sure your cake does not contain any known allergens. Buttercream or whipped icing works best — fondant is harder for babies to break into.

🎨 Set Styling

At Little Joys Studio, I provide a neutral backdrop, soft lighting, and delicate props that align with the aesthetic of your session. If you have a theme or colour palette in mind, let’s chat ahead of time so I can tailor the setup just for you.

Optional add-ons include seasonal touches or florals — just ask if you’d like to elevate the look further.

🛁 Optional: Mini Milk Bath

A gentle mini milk bath is the perfect way to wind down the session — sweet, soft, and soothing for your little one. It also makes for some absolutely dreamy, painterly images.

If you’d like to include this:

• Please let me know in advance so I can prep the setup

• Bring a towel and clean clothes for baby

• You’re welcome to bring petals, fruit slices, or herbs to float in the water for a customized touch

I use powdered milk to create that creamy soft water look. If your baby has any sensitivities, please let me know and we can adapt the setup accordingly.

🧡 Get Baby Ready: Practice Messy Play

In the days leading up to the session, I recommend introducing your baby to a bit of food play — mashed bananas, icing, yogurt, or even just finger painting in the high chair. This helps normalize messy textures and can make your baby more comfortable and excited to dig in when the cake appears.

📸 Most of All…

Let go of expectations and enjoy the moment. These sessions are meant to be joyful, relaxed, and true to your child. Whether they eat the cake, squish it between their toes, or simply stare in wonder — you’ll walk away with heartfelt, memory-filled images that mark this special first chapter.

Ready to plan your baby’s cake smash session?

Reach out to book your spot »