How to Prepare for Your Baby’s Indoor Cake Smash Session

May 06, 2025 • 4 min read

Spoiler: It’s going to be adorable—and a little messy!

Smiling one-year-old in a baseball tee and jeans sitting with vintage baseball props and red, white, and blue balloon garland

Your baby’s first birthday is such a big milestone—and what better way to celebrate than with an indoor cake smash session? These sessions are full of fun, sweetness, and yes, frosting in unexpected places. Here’s everything you need to know to help the day go smoothly (and keep stress low).

Keep Outfits Simple (and Ditch the Words)

You might be tempted to grab a shirt with a cute saying, but here’s a pro tip: toddlers wiggle a lot, and text rarely ends up readable in photos. Instead, opt for a simple, solid-colored romper, onesie, or outfit that complements your session theme. Fun textures and subtle patterns can add personality without distraction.

Smiling one-year-old in a vintage baseball-themed birthday setup with "Rookie of the Year" decorations, red, white, and blue balloons, and baseball props

One-year-old boy in jeans and a baseball tee smiles while sitting among red, white, and blue balloons, vintage baseball props, and a “ONE” banner with baseball stitching for his Rookie of the Year first birthday session.

Expect a Cute Setup—Balloons, Backdrops & More

Your baby’s cake smash session is styled with custom balloon garlands and props to make it feel extra special. We’re not talking a simple background—you’ll get full studio-quality setups in your own home. For example, this ”Rookie of the Year” first birthday theme is a favorite among moms and dads. This setup featured:

Large ONE letters with red baseball stitching
A red, white, and blue balloon garland and baseball-themed “ONE” banner (with a baseball for the “O”)
White crates, balls, bat, and baseball gloves to complete the vintage baseball vibe
A smiling one-year-old in a baseball tee and jeans, ready to smash the cake

One-year-old boy in a vintage baseball birthday setup looks confused as he touches his cake for the first time, surrounded by themed props and balloons

Close-up of baby’s hand reaching toward a birthday cake during a vintage baseball-themed first birthday session, capturing curiosity and tiny fingers.

Prep for the Mess

Cake smash sessions are meant to be messy! I bring a large plastic backdrop to protect your floors and a full cleanup kit to handle most of the aftermath. That said, a few extra supplies on your end go a long way.

Paper towels or wipes
A couple of bath towels
A clean change of clothes (for you too, just in case!)

Sometimes the easiest cleanup is wrapping your frosted babe in a towel and heading straight to the tub!

Not All Babies Love the Mess (Practice Helps!)

Believe it or not, not every baby enjoys smashing cake. Some don’t like the texture or feel of frosting on their hands. To help warm them up, try a little “practice smash” ahead of time—a few days before. Spread a sheet or disposable tablecloth on the floor, hand them a cupcake, and let them explore it on their own terms.

And remember—it doesn’t have to be cake! If your little one isn’t a fan of frosting, we can keep the vibe fun and still get adorable photos with something they do love. Donuts, pancakes, pizza, spaghetti—whatever makes them light up. The baby is always the star of the show; the treat is just there to bring out the smiles. And here’s a little behind the scenes trick: I even tuck a few favorite snacks (like puffs or Goldfish) behind the cake to get them curious and engaged without any pressure.

Close-up of icing-covered baby feet after a joyful first birthday cake smash session.

remnants of a baseball smash cake from rookie of the year first birthday photoshoot on tan backdrop

One Quick Note About the Cake (or Donuts, or Pizza…)

For safety and allergy reasons, I can’t provide any food items—but I’ve got you covered with ideas! You’ll need to bring the cake, donuts, or other treats with you, and I’m happy to help guide you on what works best. I recommend The Master’s Baker, in West Chester, PA if you’re looking for something custom. Or if you’re going for simple and classic, Wegmans’ Mini Ultimate white cakes are a perfect fit for a clean and sweet smash. Add a custom cake topper (I have a few cute options on hand!) and it’s photo-ready in no time.

I’ve Got Cleanup Covered

While frosting can fly, I’ll take care of most of the mess. I bring along a full cleanup kit with wipes, trash bags, and anything else we might need to leave your space just as clean as I found it.

grinning one-year-old with parents at birthday photo session

Let’s Make It Easy, Fun, and So Worth It

You don’t need to stress—I’ll bring the studio to you. With full setups, custom backdrops, professional lighting, and a little birthday magic, your living room becomes the perfect photo-ready space. You just focus on snuggling your birthday babe and getting ready for some unforgettable moments.

Want to book your baby’s cake smash session?

Grab a spot and let’s celebrate!

Looking for a way to celebrate that’s a little more laid back, but still super fun for your birthday kid?

Check out my Glow & Grow Outdoor Birthday Photos and find out why they’re worth it.

Don’t Forget to Pin it!

cake smash prep, outfits, cleanup and smiles

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