So you've booked a Cake Smash for your baby's 1st Birthday. We've planned everything from the theme, decorations, outfit and cake but on the day of the photo shoot they decide they just don't fancy cake today.

What now?!

There are actually a few things you can do to prepare for your Cake Smash that might make things a bit easier.

• If they've only ever eaten sitting in a high chair, let them sit and eat on the floor a few times so it's not a brand new experience.

• Let them get messy. If they haven't had much experience with messy play, introduce it to them before the photo shoot.

• Give them some cake before the day of the shoot. This way it's not a brand new food.

  You did all of that and they're still not a fan? That's fine!

• Hiding their favourite snacks in the cake lets them interact with it without having to dig right in.

• Wooden spoons! Did you know cakes make very good drums? They're also fun to prod and poke.

• Pre- smash photos. I offer the option to have photos taken before the cake is introduced.

• Splash photos. I have a little tin bath that we fill with water and bubbles for some fun splashing. Babies LOVE this part and it has the added bonus of helping to clean them! (These photos are completely optional)

Whether your baby is an enthusiastic smasher or a reluctant cake prodder, Cake Smashes are always SO much fun and are lovely photo memories to look back on as they grow.