Smash & splashes can be a lot of fun for both baby and mom/dad, but sometimes they can be a disaster. We all want that kid that loves their cake and smiles and laughs the whole time, but sometimes, that doesn’t always happen. There are a couple tricks to help get your child prepared that I am going to share with you but I also want to share with you some of my tricks in case we have a meltdown!

First and foremost, do not let the cake smash session be the first time your child tastes frosting or feels the texture of cake. Sometimes the sugar and sweetness from the frosting will put them off right away, and the texture of the frosting can be sticky and also start a meltdown. About 2 weeks prior to your session, make some cupcakes and let baby have some sensory time with it. They will be able to feel the different textures of both the frosting and cake as well as taste it, because we all know babies put everything in their mouths. If they are totally cool with it, awesome, don’t worry about the cake being an issue, if they do have a meltdown or don’t seem to like it, try again the next day or a couple days later, so they know that it’s okay and also can adjust to the feeling and taste.

Secondly, let me know ahead of time if baby has stranger danger and takes a while to warm up to new people. I always try to spend a few minutes, or more, when you arrive to get baby used to me. 8-12 months is prime age for your child to start developing a sense of anxiety around new people, especially if they do not attend a daycare or aren’t around many other people in general. Just let me know ahead of time so I can spend extra time getting your babe to warm up to me.

Third, send me their favorite song(s) or show so I can try and have something ready to go in case of a meltdown. Sometimes just singing “Baby Shark” or “ABCs” will do the trick and sometimes they need to see something on a screen or a favorite toy over my camera.

Forth, bring their favorite snack or puffs to hide in the back of the cake. Sometimes even with all prep work, they will not touch the cake and that’s totally okay. Hiding puffs or Cheerios in the back of the cake will allow me to capture your baby “grabbing” their cake, when really they’re just reaching for their snacks. I always have Cheerios readily available when needed but if your child prefers something else, bring it. No harm in trying all the tricks.

Also, start giving your child snacks while they are seated on the floor. Why is this important? When a baby is constantly put into a chair for snack or meal times, sitting on the floor in the studio with a cake in front of them can be another whole obstacle to tackle. I am not saying to give your child ALL the snacks on the floor because mess, BUT a few snacks here and there leading up to the cake smash is a good idea to make sure the smash cake session is not the first time they are eating while sitting on the floor.

Lastly, don’t stress, I got you mama. I handle everything from the cake to the outfit and set up. You express your theme, I will do the rest. I am more minimalistic when it comes to cake smashes because I want your baby as the front and center of the session, not the dramatic set up. Sure those set ups are cute, but I’m always drawn to how extravagant they are, and not the baby. I want you to see your sweet little babe.

Overall, cake smashes can be an amazing additional to your child’s first year milestone sessions but sometimes we have to do some work to get the amazing out of it, and that’s okay. And please remember, not crying is a WIN! Not all babies come in and are happy and excited and smile the entire time. But if your child looks at me, even with a straight face, and does not cry, MAMA that is a huge win for this age.

xoxoxox

Nina - Your Metro Detroit Newborn & Family Photographer

McKinley | Gabby's Dollhouse

Smash & Splash: How To Prepare Your Child