Allergy baby - To cake smash or not to cake smash?
For every parent their baby turning one years old is a huge milestone. Some people choose to plan a huge party, some choose a special day out (I remember doing the zoo with my son) and some parents want their baby’s cheeky smile and chubby little legs captured in the form of a cake smash photo session. However what happens when your baby has allergies. Should your baby do a cake smash with dietary restrictions?
Personally and from a photography business point of view I’ve noticed a huge rise over the last 10 years in diagnosed dietary conditions. Years ago a lot of baby’s would have been tarred with the ‘colic’ brush or baby that doesn’t sleep, is upset a lot etc. My own son didn’t get diagnosed with a lactose allergy till after one years old. As a first time mum I was palmed off with cream for his very dry skin and eczema breakouts and told his loose nappies were ‘normal’. Where now days more young baby’s are diagnosed quicker, put on prescription milks, foods and sometimes medication. For me as a business (and a mum) dietary issues are important and I take them extremely serious, our daughter has a rare metabolic condition which means she can’t eat protein. And is on a very strict diet. So I understand the importance and also the frustrations surrounding food restrictions for little ones.
Should your baby do a cake smash if they suffer from an allergy?
This is a question I get a lot. As with any photoshoot its always down to the parents and what they feel comfortable doing. Do my bakers accommodate allergies? Yes. For most common allergies such as Dairy, Soy, Egg and Gluten a cake can be created so it’s not only safe but delicious for your little one.
What if my baby has more complex allergies such as nuts, fruit etc?
In more complex allergies cases I always recommend a client ether provides their own cake, maybe sourcing their own baker who can cater for allergies. Some parents prefer even baking their own. We are luckier in this day an age there are more options of flours, egg replacements and prescription ingredients.
The other options are a non cake birthday mini session which I offer, these sessions still have balloons and props, are slightly shorter and less messy. Another alternative would be replacing the cake with another type of food such as a melon smash, or fruit smash. Or any food that you felt safe.
With all severe allergy clients I always advise to bring their own spoon. Even though all props are throughly cleaned as we all know baby’s put everything in their mouths! It also helps that all my cake smashes are shot on acrylic floor so it’s squeaky clean and safe every time. If your baby does have any allergies or dietary restrictions and your thinking of booking a cake smash, most photographers will be able to explain what they recommend as a business, what alternatives they offer also. As a mum of two children with dietary restrictions I understand its a scary and frustrating sometimes but don’t miss out on having this special milestone captured, there’s always options.
Mini Birthday session (No cake)
If you have any questions or would like to discuss booking your baby’s birthday session I would love to hear from you!