CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAKE. The best cakes to smash are plain old vanilla sponge cakes. They're soft and crumbly and easy for little hands to break up. Buttercream icing will create the perfect messy fun you're after, but pick your colour carefully - red icing can leave your baby looking like a vampire and brown can look like... Well I'm sure you can guess.
GET A SMASHING OUTFIT. These photos will be treasured family memories, so you're obviously going to want bubs to look their best. Keep in mind that they're going to get good and messy so don't put them in their Sunday best. It's a great opportunity for a fun, colorful over the top look. If you're planning on a "nappy only" look, a nappy cover can make this look a bit snappier
GET THE SET RIGHT. My shoots take place either outdoor in a location with lots of natural light or indoors with a neutral bright background.
PREPARE FOR A MESS. There will be icing everywhere and I don't just mean on the baby. Be prepared for the fact that you're going to get it all over your clothes as well. A spare outfit for everyone is advised. If you're doing your own shoot at home either do it on a tiled floor or put down a plastic mat for an easy clean up.
DECORATE! Less is usually more. You've got a baby, you've got a cake, you don't need to go overboard on the props. I provide cute bunting and balloons, which are helpful in keeping your baby engaged and smiley for the photos. Special individual letters spelling 'ONE' and even a cake stand if required!
SUGAR My precious one was only going to eat organic and never touch sugar. Ha! At two I’m incredibly grateful if she will eat literally anything. Picky eating has left me at my wits end and if the occasional cupcake slips into the mix, oh well, at least she’s getting some calories from somewhere!
GIVE A LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT. Some babies will give right in, others might find the whole thing a bit overwhelming. They may need you to show them that it's OK to play with the icing. Once they have a taste they'll probably be happy to have more.
SAFETY FIRST. As with all new foods it's a good idea to start slowly to make sure your child doesn't have an allergy. If there is an ingredient in the cake or icing that your baby hasn't had before it's best to give them a taste a couple of weeks prior to rule out any reactions before you let them dive right in.
HAVE FUN! More than anything this is about celebrating your baby's birthday! Don't stress if the details aren't exactly perfect. Your tot will still love it and you when you look back at your photos you'll always only really care about how much you all enjoyed it as a family.