A cake smash session sounds like the ultimate baby dream, right? A whole cake to themselves, no rules about mess, and plenty of fun. But every baby is unique, and sometimes, despite all the planning and excitement, they just don’t love the experience and you start hearing the lyrics “Its my party and I’ll cry if I want to” in your head. And that’s okay! Crying, hesitation, or full-on cake avoidance are more common than you might think, and there are ways to turn those moments into sweet memories, too.

At Aurora Joy Photography, we’ve seen it all—from cake-smashing superstars to little ones who’d rather sit this one out. Here’s what you need to know if your baby isn’t into their cake smash session.

1. It’s a Lot for Little Ones

For some babies, the new environment, bright lights, and unfamiliar cake can feel overwhelming. After all, they’re still figuring out the world, and this is a pretty big experience for a tiny human.

What We Do:
We take things slow. Our sessions are baby-led, meaning we follow your child’s comfort level and let them explore at their own pace. If your baby needs a little extra time to settle, we’re here for it. Check out some of our other cake smash sessions to see what others get up to.

2. Some Babies Just Don’t Like Cake

As much as we’d all love to dive into a frosted masterpiece, some babies simply aren’t fans of the texture or taste of cake. Sticky frosting and squishy sponge can be a sensory overload, leading to uncertainty or even tears.

What We Do:
We can swap out the cake for an alternative, like fruit, a doughnut tower, or even a pancake stack. These options are often more familiar to little ones and can bring back the smiles.

3. Tears Can Happen—and That’s Okay!

Babies cry—it’s how they communicate when something feels off. Maybe they’re a little tired, hungry, or just not in the mood for photos that day. Crying doesn’t mean the session is ruined; it’s simply a natural part of the experience.

What We Do:
We keep the atmosphere calm, encourage breaks, and even get parents involved to soothe their little one. A cuddle with Mum or Dad can work wonders, and those moments can create some of the most heartfelt photos of the session.

4. It’s Not Always About the Cake

While the cake is the star of the show, some babies prefer to play with the props, crawl around the set, or simply sit and observe. That’s perfectly fine! Cake smash sessions are about celebrating your child’s milestone, no matter how they choose to participate.

What We Do:
We pivot. If the cake isn’t a hit, we’ll focus on other moments—big smiles, curious gazes, or tiny hands clutching a balloon. These candid shots often turn out to be the most treasured.

5. You’ll Still Love the Memories

Even if your child doesn’t take to the cake smash in the way you envisioned, the photos will still capture a special time in their life. The scrunched-up faces, cautious pokes at the cake, or even the teary moments are part of your child’s unique personality and story.

Why It Matters:
Years from now, you’ll look back on those photos with a smile, remembering exactly what made your baby special at that age.

At Aurora Joy Photography, we’ve worked with every type of baby personality, from giggling adventurers to cautious observers. Our Melbourne studio is designed to create a relaxed, welcoming environment where your little one can shine—however they choose to do so.

If your baby cries, we’re here to support you with patience, creativity, and a touch of humour. Every session is tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring we capture their authentic self in every frame.

It’s completely normal for a baby to be unsure about their cake smash session, and it doesn’t mean the experience is a failure. With flexibility, understanding, and a little bit of magic, we’ll turn even the teariest moments into cherished memories.

Ready to celebrate your little one’s milestone? Book your cake smash session today with Aurora Joy Photography—where the mess (and the occasional tears) are all part of the fun.

Cake: Cakes by Red