The Basics for a Boy Baby Diaper Cake

Making your own diaper cake is an economical alternative to buying commercially prepared "cakes." It also allows for personalization and creativity. The process is rather simple and doesn't take a great deal of time. It can also be a great way to showcase a "group" gift - members of the group can contribute the extras and the cake can be presented together.

You will need:

Diapers (8-56 depending on size of cake)
Large sheet of cardboard, pizza pan, or tray
Large rubber bands or string to secure diapers
Thin dowels (for stability for larger cakes)
Optional: Small bath toys, towels, and diapering supplies (for surprises inside the cake)
Optional: Socks or ribbons (for decoration)

First, decide what kind of diaper cake you will make. Will the new mom use cloth or plastic diapers? Does she prefer environmentally friendly diapers or more mainstream brands? You can usually find out this information from the mother to avoid ruining the surprise. You also need to decide what size you will make. You can make a cake with one to three layers, depending on the number of diapers you want to use and if you want to hide gifts inside. The last decision to make will be the theme for your cake. Possible themes are discussed at the bottom of the article.

When you are ready to begin, roll up one diaper and put a medium rubber band around it to hold it. Continue to roll up diapers, adding to the rubber band, until you have about eight or so for the top layer. Replace the medium rubber band with a larger rubber band and continue to add to the layer, using about thirty-two diapers. Secure these with a large rubber band or ribbon. Measure the bottom layer to determine how big of a tray you will need (this varies depending on size and type of diaper). If you choose to include "extras", remove a few diapers and replace with baby bath, lotion, and so on. Use heavier extras for the bottom layer to make sure the cake is stable. Place dowels between some of the innermost diapers if you are worried about stability (it may be helpful to make the top layer next so you know how close to the center to place the dowels).

Create the second layer. This layer will have about sixteen diapers. Place it over the dowels, making sure that the dowels go between the diapers. You may remove a few diapers from this layer as well, to add diaper rash cream, burp cloths, or other lightweight extras (such as diaper covers if using cloth diapers).

The top layer will have about eight diapers. Stick these on to the top of the cake, making sure dowels go between some diapers.

Now you're ready to be creative with the outside of the cake. You can tie a ribbon around each layer to match the colors of the nursery or the baby shower decorations. Decorate the outside to match the theme of the cake.

Theme ideas:
Clothing cake - replace some diapers with onesies, sleepers, t-shirts, and more. Use socks on the outside to add color.

Bath supplies - use heavy extras like baby bath, shampoo, and lotion on the bottom. Lighter extras include washcloths and bath toys. Use towels to replace some diapers, either on the inside or in a pattern around the outside.

Health and safety - fill the inside of the cake with first aid supplies: thermometer, comb, brush, and childproofing supplies.

Be creative - the sky's the limit with theme ideas!