Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Diaper Cake

Diapers can be turned into a baby shower centerpiece that doubles as a useful gift.

Create a centerpiece that doubles as a gift for your next baby shower. Diaper cakes resemble a cake but are made of rolled diapers and other goodies that come in handy for the new baby. While the main structure of the cake is made of the diapers, theme-appropriate decorations on the cake allow you to give the mom-to-be the other items that she needs. Small gifts also can be tucked into the diaper layers for the recipient to find later.

Things You'll Need

• Cake platter
• Paper towel tube
• Tape
• Disposable diapers
• Rubber bands
• Ribbon
• Double-sided tape
• Decorations

Instructions

1. Stand the paper towel tube on end in the center of a round cake platter. Tape the tube to the platter so that it doesn't fall over.

2. Open the diapers lengthwise but leave the tabs tucked in. Roll the disposable diapers tightly. Secure each roll with a rubber band around its center.

3. Wrap three unfolded but unrolled diapers around the base of the tube. Secure the diapers to the tube with a rubber band.

4. Stand approximately five to seven of the rolls around the paper towel tube. Stand a second row of diapers around the first row. Wrap a large rubber band around the outside of this first layer to secure it to the tube.

5. Wrap three unfolded, unrolled diapers around the tube on top of the first cake layer and secure with a rubber band. Stand a row of rolled diapers around these and secure with a rubber band to form the second layer of the cake.

6. Place five rolled diapers around the top of the tube to form the final layer of the cake. Secure with a rubber band.

7. Wrap a 2-inch-wide ribbon around each cake layer to hide the rubber bands. Tie the ribbons in a bow or secure the ends together with double-sided tape.

8. Attach small toys, teething rings and other baby items to each tier of the cake with short lengths of ribbon. Place a larger doll on top as the cake topper.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap a receiving blanket around each tier to camouflage the diapers and give the cake a smoother outside surface.

• Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers if you prefer.

• Do not use newborn-sized diapers, as these are too small for many babies. Instead use size 1 diapers, as these will be used by most newborns.

References

• Best Baby Shower Ideas: You Too Can Make Diaper Cakes!
• Baby Shower Central: Diaper Cake Ingredients