In 2013, when I was pregnant with my first baby, all I wanted for my 30th birthday that year was a sewing machine. I couldn't wait to start sewing up super cute bibs, outfits, sheets and burp cloths before he arrived.
3 months before he arrived and my new sewing machine was ready to go I began searching for only the most premium fabrics, afterall, only the best for this first baby. Regular towelling as a backing to bibs just wasn't going to cut it, we all know how scratchy it can be when too dry and how rough it can feel even when too wet. I searched high and low for the most ultra absorbent and silky soft to touch towelling and happily settled on double sided organic bamboo towelling.
Shortly after Mason arrived I quickly realised burp cloths were our best friends! He was an excessive drooler, he suffered food intolerances so a big spewer too. Burp cloths were everywhere in our house, where his head lay in his cot, on our bed, in every bag and both cars, we couldn't live without them. But let's be honest, a beautiful burp cloth is a necessity when someone else is holding your baby to protect their clothes. A dirty towel is not attractive and no one wants to deal touch those!
Friends from Mother's groups were desperate for nice burp cloths and I started sewing sets up for their baby's and that's where the business idea came about.
Beautiful burp cloth gift packs were created, our signature item for our first business, Bubs Burps and Bibs.
Why I will only use organic bamboo terry towelling...
Bamboo is a versatile and eco-friendly plant that is used in various industries, including textiles. Organic bamboo towelling, in particular, has become increasingly popular due to its sustainability and numerous benefits. In 2018 we welcomed our daughter Emilia and I was excited to be using the organic bamboo terry towelling again in our everyday lives!
Here's why...
1. Silky soft and comfortable
One of the most significant benefits of organic bamboo towelling is its softness and comfort. Its fibres are much finer than cotton, making it more delicate and gentle on the skin. Organic bamboo towelling products are perfect for baby's with sensitive skin, allergies or eczema.
2. Highly absorbent
Another advantage of organic bamboo towelling is its high absorbency. It can absorb up to three times its weight in water, making it the ideal material for bath towels, face cloths and other household textiles. It is also quick-drying, reducing the likelihood of developing odours.
3. Eco-friendly
Organic bamboo towelling is an eco-friendly option compared to cotton, which is one of the most polluting crops globally. Bamboo grows naturally and requires minimal water, fertilisers and pesticides, making it a sustainable alternative. Moreover, organic bamboo towelling is biodegradable, so it won't end up in landfills forever.
4. Antibacterial and hypoallergenic
Bamboo has natural antibacterial properties, which prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. This makes organic bamboo towelling a hygienic and healthy choice for household items. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic, so it won't cause irritations or rashes.
5. Durable and long-lasting
Organic bamboo towelling products are durable and long-lasting, thanks to the strength of bamboo fibres. They can withstand multiple washes without losing their softness, absorbency or shape.
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When considering a cake smash photo session as a way to celebrate your baby's 1st birthday, it's easy to get caught up researching some amazing set ups and considering...DIY (doing it yourself). However, with so many preparations to think about, often the best option for busy families is to leave the hard work to a professional, here is why...
1. Location
Often professional cake smash photographers have purpose built studios with the perfect lighting, backdrops and flooring. They know the 'secret spots' to perfect outdoor venues and often have access to private properties with exceptional backdrops. They have an eye for the best outdoor lighting.
Photo Credit: Outback Impressions Photography
https://www.facebook.com/Outback-Impressions-Photography-1994109024137188
2. Equipment
There is no doubt that photographers have the BEST cameras and the absolute best skills in using them. They've had far more experience in photography and editing than most people. They are experienced in the editing process of the photos and software they use.
Photo Credit: Melissa Micale Photography
https://www.facebook.com/melissamicalephotography/
3. Props
They have done the hard work for you. They have the ideas, they have the props and they know exactly how to set up the décor to maximise the space and work with the baby and cake as the centre of focus.
Photo Credit: Jessica Schmierer Photography
https://www.facebook.com/Jessicaschmiererphotography
4. Outfits
If your photographer doesn't already supply your baby's special outfit (we work with many photographers to provide cake smash appropriate outfits) then definitely shop our range at www.playtimethreads.com.au
Photo Credit: Jessica Schmierer Photography
https://www.facebook.com/Jessicaschmiererphotography
5. Cakes
Photographers know the best local cake makers with the best recipes for the perfect cake smash experience.
Photo Credit: Alana Taylor Photography
https://www.alanataylorphotography.com/themed-cake-smashes
6. Experience
Photographers have years of experience working with this age group. They have the charm and tricks to get the best smiles and facial expressions from your baby.
7. Time & Patience
A DIY can be quite stressful, after months of preparations you can feel quite deflated when things just don't go according to plan. If the day you've organised the session for has poor weather and lighting - a photographer has the correct lighting and indoor space that this just won't be an issue.
Made your own cake but it was a complete failure?....a photographer would have already used a professional cake maker to provide the perfect cake.
Camera failed....eeeek! What a disaster. Often photographers will use more than one camera or switch back up methods to ensure the special moments of the session are still captured.
Photo Credit: Lyndall Katsoulis Photography
https://www.facebook.com/lyndallkatsoulisphotography
8. Conclusion
Don't get me wrong...a DIY Cake smash can certainly be done! But consider this as a celebration of your 1st year of your baby's life and congratulate yourself too. Take a break from the stress of planning and running your own session if you want to and enjoy a professional photographer's expertise capturing the special moments.
Rach x
]]>Due to the timing of Emilia's 1st birthday (Christmas Eve...I know bad timing) we are in fact fortunate enough every year to have family around from near and far to celebrate with her.
We thought it would be a lot of fun to get her big cousins involved in a fun 'smash' at the elderly Grandparents house so they could enjoy the moment too. We opted for a watermelon smash... purely for something different and certainly fresh and cooling on a warm Summer day on the Sunshine Coast.
DIY cake smash sessions became extremely popular during lockdowns in place between 2020 - 2022. With limited options to go out and celebrate baby's birthday, families took to creating their own special moments from home!
If you are planning on saving a few $$ and have the time to plan your own baby's cake smash photo session, let's start at the beginning...
1. Where to set up
Whenever you are planning photos the most important thing to consider is lighting. Have a look around your house/backyard/park to find a spot that has a lot of natural light but is not hit with direct sunlight that will cause shadows. We decided on a shady spot in the garden when the sun was hidden by trees.
The next thing to consider is your backdrop. If you have a nice white wall that would be perfect! If not, a crisp wrinkle free white sheet / tablecloth could work or you could even head to your local Bunnings and grab a vinyl flooring piece (a metre should be plenty). Here we opted for a green hedge in our outdoor set up. A beach set up would be fantastic too, either the ocean or sand dune would make a wonderful backdrop depended on where the sun is shining.
2. The Cake (and in our case the watermelon)
The colour of your cake will completely depend on your colour scheme for your photo session. Having trouble deciding on a theme? You could either start with something special you want to incorporate into the session, perhaps a favourite headband, toy or simply gain inspiration through one of the hundreds of outfits we have in stock.
Consider the colour of the cake frosting too. White frosting may look good, but it is also the hardest to photograph, since white objects are more prone to becoming overexposed highlights. Blue icing does look good but blue does tend to stain more than other colours.
PRO TIP: If your baby is unfamiliar with cake...hide a little toy at the back of the cake to encourage them to scoop/dig it out.
3. The Props & Decor
Perhaps you are a minimalist and want the baby and cake to shine in the photos or you LOVE the idea of an over styled backdrop, but their are so many wonderful props that can be sourced from cheap stores.
Bunting, paper tassels, balloons and floral wreaths can all be created from cheap materials.
4. The Outfit
With your cake, decor and theme in mind, its important that the special outfit is not overlooked! After all, the baby is the star of the photo session. You will need an outfit to withstand that level of fun - all of our nappy covers, singlets, bow ties, rompers, overalls and playsuits are machine washable, yay!
As you may have guessed, the outfit is always my favourite item to see in photos!
5. The Timing
Timing of a baby's day/schedule is crucial to planning your photo session! You know what time of the day your baby is at their best - either first thing in the morning after wake up, perhaps after their 1st nap of the day, perhaps after their 2nd...whatever timing you choose, ensure baby is at their happiest to ensure lots of smiles!
6. Siblings & Family
This is a special moment for the baby and if you have siblings or family members around for the photoshoot, get them involved too!
7. The Clean Up
8. Conclusion
A cake smash photo session is a fun way to celebrate a 1st birthday - a cake smash allows the child to do anything they want with their cake. Drool on it, eat it, throw it and smash it in their own faces.
It's very exciting and the cake is meant to be destroyed by the birthday boy or girl. So have fun and cherish this memory that will last forever!