If you’ve already read my post on how to prepare for a milestone session, you know one-year sessions are about so much more than a birthday candle and a cute outfit.
They’re about personality.
Movement.
Expressions.
The cake smash? That’s the fun ending.
As a Chicago cake smash photographer, I include a cake smash with every one-year milestone session. It’s part of the experience — not the entire thing. So let’s talk about how it actually works, how to prep, and how to keep it fun without overwhelming your baby (or you).
When to Schedule with Your Chicago Cake Smash Photographer
One-year sessions tend to work best earlier in the day — when babies are rested, fed, and generally in a better mood.
That doesn’t mean everything has to line up perfectly (because… babies), but choosing a time when your child is usually happiest gives us the best chance for relaxed, smiley moments — especially once cake enters the picture.
What a Cake Smash Really Looks Like
Some babies smash like they’ve been waiting for this moment their whole lives.
Some babies politely poke the frosting and immediately need a moment to process.
Some babies stare at the cake like it might be a trap.
All normal.
And yes — some babies cry during the cake portion. Sticky hands, new textures, big feelings. It happens. And honestly? Those photos often end up being some of the most memorable ones. A pouty lip or a dramatic face in the middle of a cake smash usually becomes a favorite later on.
My job isn’t to force a reaction. It’s to follow your baby’s lead and capture who they are right now.
How the Session Flows
We don’t start with cake. (Almost ever.)
Every one-year session typically begins with:
- Classic milestone photos
- 1–2 outfits
- Sitting, standing, clapping, personality moments
- Mug shots (always — and always adorable, if you did a newborn session with me mugshots show you the amazing growth your baby has had!)
This gives your baby time to:
- Get comfortable in a new space
- Warm up to me (I am a new person, after all — unless they’ve been coming to me for earlier milestones 😉)
If baby’s doing well, I’ll do a few simple, (“naked”) baby photos either before the cake or after a quick cleanup — whatever makes the most sense that day. These are always sweet, simple, and focused on expressions and little details.
About Overstimulation (Because It’s Real)
Babies can get overstimulated, especially with a new environment and new people.
If parents or siblings are joining:
- Sometimes fewer people in the room works best
- Sometimes we start with one parent and add others in as we go
- Sometimes siblings come in later
We read your baby and adjust in real time so things feel calm and natural.
If your baby has stranger danger, let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.
(f they’ve been coming to me since earlier milestones? That usually helps more than you’d think. Familiar face. Familiar space.
The Cake (You Bring It — and That’s a Good Thing)
You bring the cake — and that’s intentional.
Allergies, sensitivities, preferences. You know your baby best, and this keeps everything familiar and safe.
Cake size
- A smaller smash cake around 8–10” works great (a little taller too)
- A full round bakery cake is also totally fine and gives baby more room to explore
Cake color
- Yellow cake is a classic — bright, cheerful, timeless
- Funfetti is a really cute twist on a classic and photographs beautifully
- Brown or chocolate cakes create more contrast. Some families love that look, while others prefer something lighter once things get messy. It’s just good to know going in.
A Note on Frosting (Because It Shows Up Everywhere)
Frosting matters. A lot.
Classic white frosting is always a beautiful choice. Clean, simple, timeless.
One thing to keep in mind: if your baby has a light skin tone, all-white frosting can sometimes blend in once it’s on their hands, cheeks, and nose. If you love the all white look, adding a little bit of color — even a soft pastel that fits your theme — helps it pop once frosting is everywhere.
Sugar sprinkles do the same thing. Small detail. Big impact.
A few frosting notes:
- Avoid brown or black frosting — once things get messy, it can feel heavy on camera
- Some grocery store bakeries use frostings that are very oily. Totally workable, just a little shinier once it’s on skin and clothing
- Some families go with a beautifully decorated cake from a specialty bakery. Others keep it simple
There’s no wrong answer here — just different looks.
One important tip: take the cake out of the fridge before your session so the frosting isn’t super cold for your baby.
Let Your Baby Try Cake Before the Session
This helps more than people expect.
Let your baby try cake and frosting before session day.
A few times. Different days.
First-time sugar plus cameras and a new space can be a lot. Familiarity goes a long way.
Not into cake? That’s okay too.
Some fun alternatives
- Donuts
- Cupcakes
- Other baby-friendly treats
If you’re thinking about an alternative, we’ll talk it through.
What Should Baby Wear?
You’ve got options — and help.
You’re welcome to bring your own outfits, and you’re also welcome to use my full client wardrobe for:
- Pre-cake milestone photos
- Cake smash photos
Some families choose:
- A diaper cover or bloomers
- A small skirt or shorts
- Pants with suspenders
- A full outfit just for the smash
If you’re unsure, wardrobe consults are always available.
Cake Stands (or No Stand at All)
If you have a specific look in mind, you’re welcome to bring your own cake stand.
I also have a few in the studio. And sometimes I skip the stand entirely and place the cake directly on the floor so it doesn’t tip over. Baby-led always wins.
What to Bring With You
A few helpful things to toss in your bag:
- Bottle, sippy cup, or water
- Pacifier (even if they don’t usually use one)
- Diapers
- A small snack if your baby gets hungry
- A favorite toy for smiles — something cute, not something they have to hold the entire time
If your baby has a favorite tiny snack, bring it. Sometimes we’ll hide it on the cake so they naturally reach for it.
Family Photos? Yes.
Family photos are always welcome.
We do them as a separate portion of the session, usually before the cake comes out. Clean clothes. Calm energy. No frosting stress.
And of course if there are siblings we do those too!
Set Design
There are a few options for your cake smash set up. Simple monochrome, baloon arch or a photo wall!
Balloon arches add color, personality, and a little extra birthday feel. If you want one, we’ll plan it.
Photo backdrops can be a fun way to show a recap of your baby’s first year.
And a simple colored or white backdrop is classic and beautiful.
You just let me know what works for you!
One Very Important Note at the End
If your baby loves phones, try not to take yours out during the session.
Once a baby sees a phone, that’s usually all they want — and it can be hard to get them back once it’s in play.
That said, some babies love music, and we absolutely use it when it helps. Music can make babies happy, excited, a little dance-y — and it can also be really calming if they’re feeling unsure or starting to get overwhelmed.
We’ll play music when it makes sense. We just try to avoid handing over a phone with a show or video on it, since that can pull their attention away from everything else happening in the session.
Final Thoughts (From a Chicago Cake Smash Photographer)
Cake smash sessions aren’t about perfection.
They’re about your baby at one — curious, expressive, sometimes thrilled, sometimes unsure, sometimes very done by the end. And that’s exactly what makes them special.
If you’re planning a one-year milestone session and have questions, I’m always happy to talk it through. And if you haven’t yet, take a look at my posts on what milestone sessions are and how to prepare for a milestone session so you know what to expect.
Calm session.
Beautiful images.
No pressure.
Ready to Schedule Your Cake Smash?
If you’re ready to plan your baby’s cake smash, you can schedule your call today right here.
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