Brooklyn Baby Photography | Newborn, Milestone & Cake Smash Photography in Brooklyn

A first birthday is such a special milestone, and a cake smash session is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate it. At Brooklyn Baby Photography, our cake smash sessions are designed to feel fun, easy, and beautifully styled while keeping the focus on your baby’s personality, expressions, and once-in-a-lifetime first birthday memories.

Whether your little one dives right into the cake or needs a few minutes to warm up, a little preparation can help make the session smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Choose a Time When Your Baby Is Happiest

The best cake smash sessions happen when your baby is well-rested, fed, and comfortable. When booking your session, try to choose a time of day when your baby is usually in their best mood.

For most babies, mornings or early afternoon work best. We generally avoid late afternoon sessions because babies can become tired, overstimulated, or less patient as the day goes on.

A happy baby makes a huge difference in the final gallery, so choosing the right time is one of the best ways to set your session up for success.

Keep the Day Simple

On the day of your session, try not to plan too many activities before your baby’s photos. Cake smash sessions can be exciting, and babies can feel the energy around them.

A calm morning, a good nap, and an easy schedule can help your little one arrive relaxed and ready to play.

If your baby is teething, a little clingy, or not totally themselves, don’t worry. We are very used to working with babies and will gently guide the session based on their comfort level.

Dress Your Baby in Something Easy to Change Out Of

Before the cake comes out, we usually start with a few clean portraits of your baby. These are perfect for classic first birthday photos before things get messy.

Please dress your baby in something easy to take on and off when you arrive. Avoid complicated outfits, tight buttons, or anything that may upset your baby during changing.

At BBP, we provide a curated selection of baby outfits for sizes up to 18 months, with a select few options for older babies. If you have a special outfit you would like to bring, you are welcome to do so.

Let Your Baby Try Cake Before the Session

Some babies love cake immediately. Others are confused by the texture, frosting, or sweetness, especially if they have never had cake before.

Before your cake smash session, it can be helpful to let your baby taste a small cupcake or frosting at home. This gives them a chance to explore the texture in a familiar environment and can make the actual session feel less surprising.

That said, every baby reacts differently. Some babies smash, some nibble, some poke, and some simply pose next to the cake. All of it is adorable and part of the story.

Bring Snacks and Water

Even though cake is part of the session, it is always a good idea to bring a few of your baby’s favorite snacks. Small puffs, crackers, or fruit can help if your baby needs a little break or encouragement.

Water is also helpful, especially after the cake portion.

The goal is never to force your baby to eat the cake. We want them to feel comfortable, curious, and happy.

Expect a Little Mess

Cake smash photography is meant to be playful, so a little mess is part of the fun. Your baby may get frosting on their hands, feet, outfit, hair, or face.

Please bring a change of clothes for your baby and a change of clothes for yourself, just in case. Parents often end up helping, cuddling, or picking up their baby during the session, and frosting can easily transfer.

If your package includes a splash or bath add-on, this is a perfect way to end the session with sweet clean-up photos.

Trust the Process

Every baby participates differently. Some babies love the cake right away, while others need time to explore. Some may smile the whole time, and others may give serious little expressions that are just as precious.

Gallery sizes can vary depending on how much your baby participates, how many outfit changes they tolerate, how they engage with the cake, and how comfortable they feel throughout the session.

At Brooklyn Baby Photography, we gently guide your baby through the experience without pressure. The goal is to capture authentic, beautiful first birthday portraits that feel like your child.