When I mention Cake Smash for my newborn clients in the studio, not always they know what am I talking about. So here it is the complete Guide of What is a Cake Smash and How to prepare for the best one!
CAKE Smash is pretty much in the words… it is a cake being smashed by your one year old. It is really great fun experience for everyone and a milestone that is captured in a most unique way! 

I decorate the set up for the Cake smash according to your colour choices and preferences, themes and characters.
It always start with Birthday portrait, then Cake Smash and we end it with the splash in the tub.
You are always welcome to bring outfits to the cake smash, but I always have an outfit ready too, to go with your chosen theme. 

To smash the actual cake is great fun! but those who are not biggest fan of cake, can bring other foods! We could do watermelon, spaghetti, fruit, pizza, tacos...anything you know will be fun for your baby! I have the parents to provide the food, and of course everything is agreed prior to the shoot so all the details go together nicely!
Now about the food… Is it necessary? yes! If you don’t believe me, try to put your one year old in the middle of the room and start the clock on how long they will last without getting upset, moving, and overall getting super annoyed, wanting mummy. Food gives child an adventure. It is something that they can play and get messy and also tastes amazing (by this age you know that everything that baby touches goes to their mouth as well!) They enjoy squeezing, building, bashing with the wooden spoon (one of my props) splashing, throwing.. the game is endless. AND SO MUCH FUN!!!

Now you think… What if my child will not like it, what if grump will kick in.. what if they will not want to do it…
The answer is PREPARATION! If prepared for the occasion, babies will recognise and play. Because Babies loves playing!

And yes, babies around this age sometimes experience stronger separation and stranger anxiety. In order to bring babies fun out I always let kids warm up and have toys and songs for them in case they need them. few minutes and they are more curious of their surroundings then they are sad. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE AWESOME FUN CAKE SMASH?

To prepare baby, let them play in mashed potatoes or some kind of mushy food before the cake as often as you can. Also give baby cake or a cupcake (WITH BUTTERCREAM ICING) a couple times, a week and few days before the cake smash. The sugary icing is a shock and often parents will be disappointed when baby isn't interested at all because they've never had it before. There is a much better chance of a successful smash if your baby has touched it and tasted it before! 
(If worried about sugar intake, make it with smallest amount of sugar, just tasty enough for babies taste buds, or mix in some berries for sweetness)

BRING SNACKS! - some of your babies favourite snacks (the ones that they reach out and put their hand out to get it) and if they aren't digging into the cake, we will put some of those in the back and then they will have another game of it! 

Timing - Baby is best after nap time or early in the morning, shortly after they've been awake. When booking your session, think of your babies routine and traveling time (most babies sleep in the car) 

Extra People - Siblings and extra people in the room can be very distracting to baby. I suggest bringing one other person with yourself. (However sometimes if siblings wants to join join in they are most welcome to come) 

Please Bring a towel for after splash in the tub. bigger towel is great to swaddle and dry them quicker.

Parent Tip - Come with clothes you don't mind getting messy because you WILL get messy too! :) 

WHEN TO RESCHEDULE:
If your baby is ill (raised temperature, ear ache, really bad cold, chest infection etc)
If your baby is suffering from severe teething (temperature, rash, etc)
Those two are main reasons, but you it can be more. You should let me know at least 48h prior the session in order not to loose your deposit.
(The set ups are costly and usually some parts are made a day or two before the session. )
Usually we can reschedule in a few days time and have a fab session once baby is feeling great, with loads of smiles involved!

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and feel that now you can prepare for your babies Amazing Cake Smash.
Here in our studio we enjoy cake smashes a lot and would love to celebrate with you.
Here is more information on our “ONE AND ALL” Cake smash package:
www.almashomestudio.uk/cake-smash
We usually get Cake smashes booked and planned in advance, so send us a message now and enquire about our diary availability for your babies special occasion!
Any questions? Happy to answer!
drop me a line to: alma@almashomestudio.uk
All my love and for the love of Cake Smashes!
Alma