TIP #5: Let them eat cake! (or ice cream! or fruit!)
I know it might seem crazy to you or me, but not all babies like cake...especially if they've never had it before their session or aren't used to eating sugar. Most store bought or bakery cakes will have very sweet icing that can hurt baby's teeth or just be startling to eat if she's never had anything like it before.
Don't be surprised if your baby doesn't tear into the cake immediately...or at all. Some babies don't like the texture on their hands or face. Some babies don't like getting dirty. Some babies love it, but aren't sure what to do with it in the beginning because they've never been given carte blanche with such a large amount of food. You may have to help your baby out and show them that
1. The cake is edible.
2. They are allowed to dig in.
3. There is cake under all that icing. (I've seen lots of babies love cake but hate the icing.)
Also - a cake smash session doesn't HAVE to involve cake! :) Don't like giving your kiddo all that sugar? Try those adorable fruit "cakes" like you can find here: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/watermelon-cake-167158.aspx Does your kiddo love ice cream instead of cake? Or what about popsicles? Or a cupcake for a more manageable size? If you don't want to do a traditional cake, you have so many other options! So don't be afraid to do something different - especially if you know what baby likes already!
Hope these tips help make your baby's 1 year session and cake smash a SMASH!!