What If My Baby Won't Eat the Cake?

Every baby does cake smash their own way
After photographing first birthdays at my Dundee studio, I can tell you there's no such thing as a typical cake smash. Broadly, little ones fall into a few camps:
• The enthusiasts. Both hands in straight away, icing everywhere within a minute.
• The investigators. One careful finger, a long suspicious look, then maybe another poke.
• The ones who couldn't care less. They'd much rather play with the balloons, the lights or the edge of the backdrop.
• The creative ones. Like our wee friend here, who found an entirely new use for cake.
Every one of these makes lovely photographs, because every one of them shows who your child actually is at one. That's the bit you'll want to remember.

"But what if it all goes wrong?"
These are the worries parents mention most often, usually a little apologetically, as if their baby is the first ever to have them.
What if my baby won't touch the cake? It happens more often than you'd think. Some babies have never been allowed to make a mess with food and aren't sure they're allowed now. We give them time, and sometimes a gentle nudge helps. If they still aren't interested, that curious, slightly sceptical face often turns out to be a favourite photo.
What if my baby cries? A new place, bright lights and a strange sticky thing in front of them can be a lot for a one-year-old. A wobble is completely normal. We stop, cuddle, play and try again when they're ready.
What if my baby won't sit still? Most one-year-olds don't. Crawling off, standing up and turning round to look at you are all part of it. I work around your child rather than expecting them to hold a pose.
The photographs parents love most often come from the moments that didn't go to plan.

How a child-led session works at the studio

My first birthday sessions are child-led. In plain terms, that means your baby sets the pace, not the clock and not me.

• There's time built in for breaks. Feeds, cuddles, nappy changes and a bit of play are all part of the session.
• We don't force poses. I'll follow what your little one is doing and photograph it as it happens.
• It doesn't have to be cake. First birthday sessions can be simple and classic, a cake smash, or finished with a bath splash to clean up. We'll choose together what suits your child.
• You're right there. Parents stay close the whole time, which helps babies feel safe in a new place.
Before the session, we'll talk through your plans so you know exactly what to expect on the day.

A few simple things that help on the day

You can't plan how your baby will react, but you can give them the best chance of enjoying it.

• Work around naps. A rested baby is a happier baby. If you can, choose a session time just after their usual nap.
• Don't arrive starving or stuffed. A light feed beforehand keeps hunger away without leaving them too full to be curious about the cake.
• Bring a favourite toy or comforter. Something familiar helps in a new place.
• Pack a spare outfit for the journey home. Trust me on this one.
• Mention any allergies. Let me know when we plan the session so we can think about the cake together.
• Relax. Babies pick up on our nerves. If you're enjoying it, they're far more likely to as well.

Frequently asked questions

Does my baby have to eat the cake for the photos to work? No. Some of the best cake smash photographs show babies who barely touched it. Their expression and personality matter far more than the amount of cake.

What if my child doesn't cooperate? That's completely normal. Sessions are child-led and planned around breaks, play and natural interaction rather than posing.

How far in advance should I book a first birthday session? I recommend booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead to secure your date, especially if you'd like the session close to their birthday.

Do we have to do a cake smash? Not at all. First birthday sessions can be simple and classic, include a cake smash, or end with a bath splash.

Where is the studio? Zoom Photo Studio is in Dundee, and families come from Angus, Perth, Fife and across Scotland.

Planning a first birthday photoshoot in Dundee?

Your baby doesn't need to perform, and you don't need to worry about how it'll go. My job is to photograph whatever your little one decides to do, and to make the session feel relaxed for you both.

If you're planning a cake smash or first birthday session, send me a message and I'll talk you through how it all works.

Want to read more first? Download my free Ultimate Guide to Your Smash Cake Session, with everything you need to know before the day.