Step by Step Diaper Cake Instructions

Before you go out and buy a diaper cake centerpiece to take to your next baby shower, consider making your own. They are not only easy to make, they are fun too!

Every diaper cake is unique. They can be elaborate and expensive, made several tiers high and stuffed with baby clothes, toys, and other gifts for the expectant parents. However, a one tier cake with simple, inexpensive embellishments may be best.

Before taking that first step, take a few minutes to consider what you would like the final version to look like. What is your budget? What types of gifts, if any, do you want to include? Would you like the cake the match the theme of the baby shower?

Once you have an idea in mind, it's time to get started. A base will be the first thing needed for the diaper cake. A large round platter can be used, or to save money, consider covering a piece of cardboard with wrapping paper.

The next step is to get the diapers ready. When possible, ask the new parents or the baby shower organizer what brand the parents want to use. Prepare these by rolling and securing with clear rubber bands. After rolling the amount you think you will need, it's time to start building.

If the cake is more than one tier high, an anchor will be needed for the middle to hold the tiers together. A sturdy wooden dowel cut to the height of the cake works well for this purpose. However, instead of using a dowel, a baby bottle or lotion container can be used to anchor the middle.

To start building, place an oversized rubber band around the center roll or the anchor. Add diaper rolls around the center, forming a circle inside the rubber band. If the cake is multiple tiers, add another rubber band to this first base, and repeat the process once more for a two tier cake, or two times more for one that is three layers high.

Once the base is complete, repeat the process on the next tier, adding one less layer of diapers to each tier as you work your way up.

After finishing building the tiers for the cake, it's time to decorate it. Wide ribbon, baby blankets, or even decorative scrapbook paper can be wrapped around each layer, and used to hide the rubber bands holding everything together. The topper can be anything, from a stuffed animal or rubber duckie, to an adorable pair of baby shoes. For the finishing touch, decorate with baby rattles, feeding spoons and bibs, and small toys.