What Is a Splash Bath Session?
June 12th, 2026 by Megan
If you've been looking into first birthday photography, you've probably heard the terms cake smash and splash bath. But what exactly is a splash bath session?
A splash bath is a fun, bubbly mini bath photo session that typically takes place immediately after a baby's cake smash. It gives your little one a chance to splash, play, and get cleaned up while creating some of the sweetest photos of their first birthday milestone. Many photographers include the bath portion because babies often love playing in warm water and bubbles, making for natural smiles and joyful expressions.
Why Add a Splash Bath After a Cake Smash?
Let's be honest—cake smash sessions can get messy!
By the end of the session, your baby may have frosting in their hair, on their hands, and sometimes even between their toes. A splash bath is the perfect way to clean up while continuing the fun. It also gives us an entirely different set of images than the cake smash itself.
Some of the reasons parents love including a splash bath are:
- It helps clean baby up after the cake smash.
- Babies often relax and have fun splashing in the water.
- It creates a second look and variety in your gallery.
- It captures your baby's personality and expressions.
- The images are adorable and timeless.
What Happens During a Splash Bath Session?
After we finish the cake smash portion, I bring out a small baby-sized tub filled with warm water and bubbles. Your little one gets to splash, play, and explore while I capture all the giggles, curious expressions, and water splashes.
Some babies are hesitant at first, while others immediately start splashing and laughing. Either way, these moments create genuine images that parents absolutely love.
What Should You Bring?
For your splash bath session, I recommend bringing:
- A towel
- A change of clothes for baby
- Any favorite bath toys your little one enjoys
I take care of the setup so you can simply enjoy watching your little one have fun.
Capturing This Once-in-a-Lifetime Milestone
Your baby's first birthday is a huge milestone. They are no longer a newborn, but they're not quite a toddler yet. A cake smash followed by a splash bath captures this fun, playful stage perfectly.
Some of my favorite images from first birthday sessions happen during the splash bath. The smiles are genuine, the expressions are priceless, and parents love seeing their little one's personality shine through.
If you're planning your baby's first birthday session, consider adding a splash bath to complete the experience. It's the perfect ending to a cake smash and creates beautiful memories you'll treasure long after the bubbles are gone.
Posted in: Cake Smash