What to know before buying a cake for your baby’s cake smash session

    Your baby’s cake smash session; it’s here! Already?!

I remember everyone telling my husband and me to treasure every moment because “the first year goes by so quickly”. I am sorry to say, they weren’t wrong. Despite the heartbreak of realizing time is passing much quicker than my heart can take, I also have found that as time marches on every new milestone is a fun and exciting adventure for our little family.

Which is why the end of their babyhood and the start of this next adventure (toddlerhood) should be celebrated! YOU MADE IT!! Well lucky for you, today I am here to make your party and your baby’s cake smash session planning MUCH easier!

What is a Smash Cake?

Every party needs a cake and a standard cake just isn’t going to cut it here! There is a BIG difference between a standard cake for a child or an adult’s birthday party versus a baby’s first birthday smash cake. A smash cake is a birthday cake that is perfectly sized for your little one’s chubby little baby hands to dig in and chow down on! No seriously, it’s a baby-sized cake that is perfectly proportioned to the size of a baby so that the cake doesn’t become a massive overwhelming distraction from the celebration! Also, baby drool and baby germs. Even if Mama is fine with sharing all the germs with her baby, the guests at your party likely will not be so obliging.

Plus, your baby isn’t going to eat an entire cake all by themselves; that would be a waste!

What type of cake should I order for my baby’s cake smash session?

Before I get into the details as to where you should order your baby’s first birthday cake smash session, it’s important that you know what to ask for.

• The perfect-sized smash cake is about 6-8″ round and tall. Notice how in the photos you can still see the baby’s face and clothing? Those are important details that an adult-sized cake would otherwise hide!
• Keep it simple. Avoid fondant and stick to regular buttercream icing – for a smooth, creamy, baby-friendly frosting. **Fondant is a choking hazard and not very tasty for a baby.
• Be sure to let the bakery know of any food allergies. ((Note: Sometimes it’s a good idea to rule out food allergies by having your baby try some cake at home before a photo shoot or party.))
• If the cake was refrigerated, allow 2-3 hours before your session or party to come to room temperature.  This makes it easier for your baby to dig in!

Should I purchase a smash cake from a bakery?

I suggest either making your own smash cake for your baby’s cake smash session (see my post for a Healthy Homemade Cake Smash Recipe for Baby’s First Birthday here!) OR for us busy Mamas who are short on time; purchase one from a local bakery that offers smash cakes.

Here’s why:

• You can specify what ingredients are used – so if your baby has a dairy, egg, nut, soy, gluten, **insert all the food allergies here** you are sure to avoid them!
• You are sure to have a perfectly sized cake for your baby’s birthday (6-8″)
• These cakes are VERY inexpensive! (Usually around $20-65 depending on the design)
• You can have a custom cake design to match your baby’s theme – a very important detail!
• Let’s be honest; you don’t have eight arms or all the time in the world.
• You want to make sure that your baby ACTUALLY LIKES and eats this cake!
• You are supporting a small business! This is one very important and often overlooked detail!

Where can I find a Bakery that offers a cake for my baby’s smash cake session?

Wondering where you can buy a smash cake from a professional bakery? Typically many any local bakery that offers cakes will be able to make a smash cake for your little one. It’s a good idea to call around or email with a picture of the specifications of exactly what you are looking for so that they can help serve you. This also gives you the opportunity to price shop around your area. However, the more ornate the details of the cake, the harder it may be to find a baker with the skills to pull of exactly what you are hoping for. My personal favorite and my suggestion to clients is to keep it simple and instead go all out with the cake topper. Fresh flowers, fruit, or a custom cake topper are SO precious and much easier to have designed to your specifications.

How far in advance should I order my baby’s cake?

Last but certainly not least; make arrangements to order your cake several weeks IN ADVANCE. I recommend at least 2-3 weeks prior to your baby’s cake smash session to leave some wiggle room. Many bakeries (especially here in Milwaukee) get booked out for a month+ during busy seasons. So do not delay in getting your cake ordered for your baby’s cake smash session!

Ready to start planning your baby’s first birthday cake smash session? Let’s connect!

Check out some of my other ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE baby sessions here.

Rachel Harmeling Photography is a maternity, newborn, baby & family photographer serving the greater Milwaukee area, including Kenosha, Madison, Oak Creek, Wauwatosa, Franklin, Sturtevant West Allis, Brookfield, New Berlin, White fish bay, and Milwaukee County.

Are you planning on making a trip to England soon? Check out my friend Miriam’s post all about Beaches near London, England.