How to Make a Diaper Cake

Everyone knows that babies cost a lot of money. A baby shower is thrown to not only celebrate the coming of a new life, but it also gives the mom-to-be a chance to acquire all the necessities she will need. If you ask any mother, she'll probably tell you that her biggest expenses consist of baby formula and of course, diapers. That's why a diaper cake is so popular to give as a gift at a baby shower - it definitely helps the mom-to-be out a lot!

A baby diaper cake isn't a real cake. It's a bunch of diapers stacked and decorated and given as a gift at the baby shower. It's a great gift because it's not only absolutely adorable, but allows the mom-to-be to stack up before the new baby arrives. Unfortunately you can't eat the cake, but here's step-by-step instructions to assist you in "baking" your diaper cake.

Ingredients:

- At least 40 diapers (The number of diapers will vary depending on how large you want the cake to be.)

- A cardboard cake platter (Visit your local party store), a tray, or a cake stand.

- Various sizes of rubber bands

- Scissors

- Clear tape and/or 1 or 2 paper towel rolls or baby bottles

- Ribbon (The ribbon should be at least one inch wide. You'll probably need at least 7-10 feet. Again, the length will vary depending on how large the cake is.)

- Decorations (A cake topper if you wish - perhaps a stuffed animal or toy; and other small items for decorations: pacifers, socks, small toys, etc.)

Making a Diaper Cake:

1. Roll the diapers first. Secure each rolled diaper with a rubber band.

2. Use the larger rubber bands to create a bundle of diapers. Depending on how large your bottom tiers are, you may need to create more than one - an inner and outer bundle. If you are using a paper towel roll or bottle, be sure to put them in the center first and create the first tier around it.

3. Work up from the bottom tier, or create all the tiers separately. Stack them and use the tape to hold them together. But if you're using a paper towel roll or bottle, the tape may not be necessary.

4. Wrap the ribbon around each tier of the cake so the rubber bands are hidden.

5. Add the finishing touches: add tiny flowers around the top of each tier, display your cake topper, and try using curling ribbon to attach any loose items that you'd like to use, such as a pacifier. Perhaps there's even some practical baby shower favors you could attach.

© 2010 Kelsey Bowen, Little Things Baby