The first year of a baby’s life is a whirlwind of incredible milestones: first smile, first laugh, first foods, first steps, and more. As their 1st birthday approaches, parents no doubt want a way to celebrate this magical milestone with loved ones. And while a traditional kids’ birthday party is a great idea, many parents have embraced a newer option with open arms: the smash cake photoshoot.

A smash cake is a baby-sized cake that your little one can happily smash, smush, and get messy with. It’s a fun, sensory experience that’s kid-friendly, where the mess is the fun! You’ll get photos focused on your 1-year-old’s raw, joyful reactions and candid expressions, and it’s a nice and intimate complement to a larger birthday party.

Designing the Ideal Smash Cake for Your Little One

The star of the photoshoot is, of course, the birthday cake. Of course, it needs to be crafted with baby in mind:

  • Size: Edith Patisserie’s smash cakes vary between 4” to 10” in size, ensuring they’re suitable even for tiny hands.
  • Structure: Edith Patisserie’s smash cakes are made with light, fluffy sponge with a tender, moist crumb that crumbles well while staying yummy.
  • Ingredients: Edith Patisserie uses no egg, dairy, or added sugar in our 1-year-old birthday cakes, with gluten-free and keto/sugar-free options too, ensuring they’re ideal for your little one to enjoy. We also use safe, edible decorations like fresh fruit, cream, or edible flowers.

Customising the design adds an extra layer of creativity to the big moment. From whimsical to wild, countless 1st birthday themes translate beautifully to a photo session:

  • “Wild One”: Think leafy backdrops, animal figurines, and a Rustic Cake with Strawberries and Thyme (Baby Smash-Friendly).
  • “Under the Sea”: Blue and green streamers or balloons, coral reef-inspired toy fish decor, and an Underwater Mermaid Dream Cake.
  • “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”: Dreamy star and moon backdrop and decor paired with the Pastel Blue Ombre Cake with Crescent Moon and Stars or Sun & Moon Pastel Blue Ombre Cake.

Note: Some of these designs aren’t listed as smash cakes, but our patisserie takes custom orders too! Reach out with your ideas to place a custom 1st birthday cake order.

Tip: For 1st birthday decorations, simple is often best. Use a solid-coloured blanket or a vinyl backdrop to make your baby the focal point. Add a few themed props, but avoid small items that could pose a choking hazard. This way, the photos will be all about your baby's joyous reactions.

Preparing for the Big Smash: Tips for Parents


A little bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to make your photoshoot a little less chaotic:

  • Schedule it for a time when your baby is typically well-rested and happy, usually after a nap
  • Feed them a light snack beforehand so they aren’t too hungry but still have an appetite for the cake
  • Choose an outfit that's adorable but also easy to clean, like onesies
  • Have a clean-up kit ready with towels, wipes, and a change of clothes
  • Simply let your baby explore, don’t pressure them too much. If they’re hesitant, you can gently guide their hand to the cake or demonstrate with your own fingers. They might be wondering why mum and dad are encouraging them to make a mess for once!

A smash cake photoshoot is a beautiful way to celebrate your baby’s 1st birthday and capture a fleeting moment in their life. With a little planning and the right smash cake, you can create a magical experience that's both fun for your baby and stress-free for you.

Edith Patisserie is committed to helping you create this unforgettable memory. Our 1st birthday cake creations are designed to be safe, delicious, and photo-ready, ensuring your photoshoot is a resounding success. From low sugar cake options to custom birthday cakes with names, we provide the perfect centerpiece for this special celebration.