A diaper cake is a collection of diapers that is rolled and stacked to look like a traditional tier cake. You can stuff the center of the cake with useful baby items such as baby powder, lotion, etc. Diaper cakes make a creative and thoughtful centerpiece for a baby shower and are useful long after the shower is over!
A typical diaper cake is made of at least two tiers. Items used in the diaper cake include disposable diapers, baby lotion and powder. For the purpose of this instruction we will make a 3 tier cake but the size and shape of the cake and what’s included is really up to you. The number of diapers will vary as well depending on the overall size of your cake and the number of tiers. To make a diaper cake I will guide through each tier beginning with the top layer:
Top Tier
To make the top layer of the diaper cake use either a baby bottle or rolled up diaper as the center. To make a rolled diaper roll the diaper starting at the top end. When finished rolling the diaper wrap a rubber band around it to prevent it from unrolling. I like the idea of using an item such as a baby bottle or some other baby item of similar size as a way to hide one more useful item in the cake. Stack rolled diapers around the center of the cake and wrap with a rubber band.
Middle and Bottom Tiers
To make the middle and bottom layer of the cake repeat Step 1 increasing the number of diapers to make the tiers bigger. Another idea for the center of the cake not mentioned in the above step would be to use rolled baby wash clothes. That would add another “secret” baby gift to be revealed as the cake is disassembled for usage by the new mom. Increase the number of diapers used for each layer so that the layers will be different sizes. Substitute baby small baby gifts in place of diapers. To hide gifts in the cake, remove one or two diapers and hide a gift in each of the layers. Once you have all the gifts hidden in the cake you are then ready to assemble your cake.
To make the base for the larger layer cut a cardboard circle or you could use a pizza pan or other decorative tray. Secure the layers with 1 or 2 wooden dowels. To make transport easier if the baby shower will be held at a different location you may want to assemble the cake at the shower location. Be careful not to pierce any of the diapers will the dowels and make sure the dowels are long enough to secure all the layers.
Finishing Off
Hide the rubber band with a colorful ribbon of your choice. To finish off wrap the cake in cellophane and tie with bows or other appropriate cake toppers such as a small baby safe stuffed toy. Suggestions for items to hide throughout the cake include coupons, baby spoons, or pacifiers.
