One of the biggest questions parents ask before their baby’s cake smash session is, “What do I actually need to bring?”
The good news? I provide almost everything for the session. The custom backdrop, props, setup, and cake are all planned and designed around your baby’s outfit and chosen theme. However, there are a few important things parents do need to bring to help the session run smoothly.
1. Your Baby’s Outfit
The biggest thing you’ll need to bring is your baby’s cake smash outfit. This is actually where the entire session design starts for me.
I ask clients to send me a photo of the outfit at least three weeks before the session date. This gives me enough time to plan and build a completely custom setup around it. Everything from the backdrop colors to the props and cake details are designed to coordinate with the outfit and theme you choose.
Because every session is custom, planning ahead makes a huge difference.
2. Any Headbands, Hats, or Accessories
If your baby will be wearing a bow, hat, suspenders, or other accessories during the cake smash portion, I ask parents to bring those items as well.
Cake smash sessions get messy fast. I personally prefer not to reuse accessories that have been covered in frosting or cake, so having your own accessories ensures everything matches perfectly and stays clean for your baby.
3. A Favorite Snack
This is probably my best cake smash tip for parents.
Not all babies actually like cake. And honestly… that’s completely normal.
I always encourage parents to bring a snack their baby already enjoys eating. Baby puffs, Cheerios, or small snacks work great. If needed, we can tuck a few pieces into the cake to encourage your baby to explore and interact with it.
Sometimes babies are unsure about the frosting or texture at first. Familiar snacks can help them warm up to the experience and keep the session fun and relaxed.
4. A Change of Clothes for Baby (And Maybe You)
Cake smash sessions are messy in the best possible way. Bringing a clean outfit for afterward is always a good idea.
And honestly? Sometimes parents end up wearing frosting too.
5. Patience and Flexibility
Babies have their own personalities, and cake smash sessions always go a little differently than expected. Some babies dive right into the cake. Others take their time. Some are more interested in the spoon than the frosting.
That’s okay.
Some of the best images come from the unexpected moments. My goal is never perfection. It’s documenting your baby exactly as they are during this stage of life.
If you’re looking for an Indianapolis Cake Smash Photographer, I’d love to help you plan a custom first birthday session for your little one.
