Imagine going to a baby shower and finding a masterfully created centerpiece to catch your eye on the table, fittingly serving its practical purpose. Diaper cakes are thoughtful and creative presents that double as a stunning party decoration.
And if you’re planning the baby shower yourself, here’s a complete guide on how to plan a baby shower that ensures your diaper cake steals the show.
Today, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to make a diaper cake, from gathering materials to adding the final touches.
What is a diaper cake?
A diaper cake consists of some diapers rolled and stacked in a tiered presentation like a cake. It differs from a normal cake because it is made of diapers, while additional baby accessories are attached for decoration: bibs, baby bottles, plush toys, and many others.
Diaper cakes all over the centerpiece of the baby shower serve as both a festive centerpiece and a practical gift made of essentials that new parents will be grateful for in their newborn. This cute combination of function and design makes diaper cakes popular at these events.
Before diving into the steps, check out these outdoor baby shower ideas for a beautiful backdrop that complements your diaper cake.
Diaper cake essentials
To make a diaper cake, you will need a few critical things. Here they are:
- Diapers 🍼 the most crucial component. Most diaper cakes contain 50 to 100 diapers according to the size one intends to make.
- Rubber bands 🌀 to hold onto a single diaper roll.
- Cardboard rounds 📦 to give a supportive bottom to each cake tier.
- Ribbons 🎀 to cover up all the rubber bands and add color and texture to your cake.
- Decorative items 🎉 include small baby care items, plush toys, pacifiers, and teething rings, which customize the cake and give it a personalized touch.
- Adhesive tape or glue dots 📏 bind the decorative elements and tiers without damage to the diapers.
Looking for more specific themes? Find creative baby shower ideas for boys and baby shower ideas for girls to help you with your decoration choice. If God blessed you with twins, look at the baby shower ideas for twins.
How to make a diaper cake
If you are looking for some ideas for a diaper cake, making it might seem overwhelming. A diaper cake is less complicated than it may seem. Here’s how to make a simple three-tier diaper cake:
Materials
- 60 to 65 size 1 or 2 diapers (but it does not hurt to have some extra on hand, just in case; the total number you will need depends on the size and brand of the diaper)
- Assortment pack of rubber bands
- Wrapping paper tube or an empty paper towel roll (cut to 18″)
- 10″ round cardboard cake board
- Pair of scissors
- Ribbon (1 ½” to 2 ½” wide)
- Regular clear or double-sided tape
- Glue gun with glue hot
- Any other embellishments you’d like to add, including bows or extra baby things (if desired)
- Cake stand for display (if desired)
1. Roll the diapers 🔄
Start by rolling each diaper from the open to the closed end as tightly as possible to compact the roll. Take each roll and fasten it with a small rubber band. This is important because the tighter the rolls are, the less lumpy the cake will be, and they are much easier to work with since they will not unroll or shift when putting it all together.
2. Form the base tier 🎂
Place the diapers on their ends in a circular pattern around a cardboard round, using about 36 diapers for a standard size. Take a large rubber band around the circle to hold it in place. This bottom layer should be well-braced since it will support the entire cake. For this tier’s centerpiece, set a bottle of baby lotion or even a stuffed animal to create stability.
Add fun activities such as a diaper raffle baby shower game to your guests’ entertainment, which makes the event fun to all present.
3. Create additional tiers 📦
Do the same with the second tier, which has fewer diapers, about 18, and even fewer diapers on the top tier, about 6 to 8. Each successive tier should be smaller to make it visually appealing in a pyramid-like shape.
When assembling these tiers, ensure they are well-centered and balanced on the below tiers so they won’t tip over. You may find it helpful to loosen or reposition diapers slightly in each tier to get one perfectly aligned.
4. Stack the tiers 🗼
Place each tier carefully onto the larger one, centering it carefully so it does not fall over. This may require a gentle touch and patience to ensure the structure is not misaligned or unstable.
Alternatively, you could use double-sided tape or even a few discreetly placed glue dots between the tiers to hold them together without damaging the diapers.
5. Decorate your cake 🎀
Wrap each tier with ribbons to cover the rubber bands, using the color or pattern of the baby shower theme or nursery. Then, embellish the cake with various decorations (for example, small toys, pacifiers, teething rings, etc.) by tucking them into the ribbons or gluing them with tape or glue dots.
Looking for prizes for baby shower games? Here are the best options that your guests will love and remember.
Diaper cake decoration ideas
- Classic pink or blue ribbon design 🎀 One simple yet elegant idea for a diaper cake would be wrapping wide satin ribbons in pink or blue around each tier to add an added touch of luxury. You can decorate with bows of complementary color or floral accents for a finished, refined look.
- Jungle safari theme 🦁On top of your diaper cake with cuddly jungle animals, from lions down to the tiniest monkeys and elephants. Have fun and be artsy as you add green and brown ribbons to give a vine and tree-like look.
Throwing a brunch? Take the Jungle safari theme into the baby shower brunch ideas for a fun morning celebration.
- Vintage floral 🌸 Attach the artificial flowers and lace around each tier for a soft, vintage look. Pastels should include soft pinks, mint green, or lavender for a gentle, appealing look.
- Nautical adventure ⚓ Perfect for ocean-loving families, this can be decorated with navy blue and white stripes, mini anchors, ropes, and a plush sailboat to set sail on this nautical adventure.
- Luxury gold and white ✨ For elegance, use gold ribbons and white artificial roses. This theme is especially suitable for showers where sophistication is one of the essential decor elements.
- Under the stars 🌌 A cake with a celestial theme featuring twinkling stars, moons, and soft blue and silver shades could make an incredible and serene sight.
- Minimalist chic 🖤 Keep it simple. Use clean lines with minimal decoration. Monochromatic ribbons, a single plush toy, and a name tag in a custom font will add a modern touch.
- Balloons and bubbles 🎈 Attach small balloons or bubble-shaped ornaments to make your creation fun and festive, giving it a light and airy feel.
- Custom monogram 🎩 Allow the personalization of the cake with the baby’s initials using custom-designed letters. This will add that personal touch that the parents surely will be grateful for.
Besides, it would be nice to include some baby shower wishes & messages to personalize it, along with a unique gift: a diaper cake.
With these guidelines in mind, let your creativity take over to shape and mold a diaper cake, beautiful but full of love, with best wishes for the new baby. So, roll up those diapers, and let your imagination lead you to a memorable and meaningful baby shower gift.
FAQs
What is the best type of diaper to use for a diaper cake?
White disposable diapers with minor patterns are always good for diaper cake ideas. This helps the cake stay neat and classy. Sizes 1 or 2 are preferred because of their balanced size and working well for most diaper cakes.
Can I use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones for a diaper cake?
Yes, cloth diapers can be used to make a diaper cake. They offer a reusable, eco-friendly alternative that will most likely be appreciated by parents who use cloth diapers on their babies. Cloth diapers also bring a different texture and color to the cake. Just make sure they are rolled tightly and secured tight so they will help keep the cake in shape.
How can I ensure the diaper cake is stable during transport?
Begin with a sturdy base for your diaper cake. Internal supports, like dowels or thick straws, hold the tiers together. Next, place the cake in an appropriately sized, flat-bottomed box that fits snugly around the base to prevent it from moving around during transportation.
Are there any alternatives to a bottle of baby lotion for the core of the diaper cake?
Of course, baby lotions or shampoos are essential for added utility. Still, you can also use items like a rolled-up baby blanket, a jumbo stuffed animal, or even a bottle of sparkling cider for a celebratory touch. The most important thing is to use an item that provides stability and suits the parents-to-be’s theme or preference.
What creative ways to personalize a diaper cake for a baby shower?
Personalizing a diaper cake can make it even more special. You can use elements that coordinate with the baby’s nursery theme, such as ocean creatures for a nautical nursery or soft pastels for a vintage one. You can also use the baby’s name with decorative blocks or banners.
Read our guide on the photo backdrop stands every event photographer should have.
Adding handmade touches, like knit booties or a crocheted blanket serving as the topper, will make diaper cakes personal, speaking volumes about the giver’s craftsmanship and thoughtfulness.
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