Diaper cakes are easy to make, especially this no-roll diaper cake! Create this easy diaper cake in just minutes with these tips and tricks.
I like to give useful gifts when I go to baby showers, everyone loves buying newborn clothes but I'm a diaper girl-I give diapers because they are useful and something I know will get used. But I do like to dress them up a bit into a pretty little diaper cake, just because a gift is practical doesn't mean it can't be cute!
How to make a diaper cake without rolling
You'll need a base, diapers, large rubber bands, dowel, and various sizes of round dishes or bowls. Instead of rolling the diapers, we'll be created a swirled pattern using the dishes as a template.
- To create the largest of the swirled layers place a stack of diapers in the large pan and curve around the plate to let them form a circle. Adjust until the spacing is just right. Then use a rubber band around the outside to hold it together.
- I like to place a little surprise in the middle of the bottom layer-here it is a tube of diaper cream. Repeat for the second layer. I formed the top layer in my hands before securing with a rubber band as I didn't have a small enough dish.
- Stack the layers and insert a dowel down the middle to hold it up.
- Tie ribbon around each layer to cover the rubber bands and decorate as you like. (I used roughly 50 diapers for this cake.)
- Decorate as desired (see below for ideas)
How to decorate a diaper cake
- cake topper
- tissue paper flowers
- silk flowers
- scrapbooks paper flowers
- curling ribbon
- small toys
- ribbon & bows
- floral picks
- baby booties
- stuffed animals
- rubber duckies
FAQs
I suggest finding plain or subtlety patterned diapers for your diaper cake. You can also choose diapers with a fun pattern that matches your decorating idea.
While any size diaper will work, I like to gift size 2 or 3 diapers so I use those in my diaper cakes. Babies grow quickly and many will outgrow newborn and size one diapers before they can use them all if they received many as gifts.
Depending on the size of your cake you'll need between 40-75 diapers for a three tiered diaper cake.
The base can be a pizza pan (get one at the Dollar Tree inexpensively), cake board, charger, or even a piece of cardboard cut to size.
What else can I make with diapers?
To complement the diaper cake I made a little basket with the leftover diapers and ribbon. I also made a couple of cutey-patooty diaper babies. These guys are adorable and super cute.
Simply roll a diaper up and secure with a rubber band. Then using a baby washcloth, wrap the bottom ⅔ of the diaper up swaddle style. Roll a baby sock up and use as a hat. You can dot some eyes on with a sharpie like I did or glue on a couple of googly eyes.
What do you like to give expecting parents at baby showers? Do you have any tried and true parenting advice to give new parents? Find more DIY Baby Shower Crafts here.
Michaela says
This reminds me of a similar tutorial I found several months ago via Pinterest https://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-roll-diaper-cake-tutorial.html
Bobi Jensen says
So cute!
I have a weekend party I'd love for you to share this on:
https://westernwarmth.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Bobi
angie says
love your diaper gifts the basket is so super cute will have to possibly borrow this idea
come see what I shared at https://shopannies.blogspot.com
Melissa says
Thanks so much Angie, I'd love to see your version if you make one! Thanks for stopping by!
Tonia@thegunnysack says
What a great diaper cake! I love your tutorial and think using the bowl is a cool idea!
Melissa says
Thanks so much Tonia...its amazing how easy these are, isn't it? thanks for stopping by!
Melissa
Laura Beth says
What a fabulous diaper cake! I love how you used the bowl to shape everything up!
Melissa says
Thanks Laura!
Crystal says
Too cute!! I love the added ribbon!! I haven't been to a baby shower in a long time. Most of my friends, myself included, are done having kids. When I used to go, I give a basket/hamper with diapers, Desitin, my favorite sippy cups, travel toys, and something for the Mom like a Starbucks gift card.
Melissa says
Crystal, that is such a great idea to include a little something for the mom, I've never heard of that and it sounds like such an ice touch-I'm definitely going to start using that idea! My baby shower days are starting to dwindle down as well...for a few years there it seemed like there was once every month!
Courtenay says
Oh. Man. Why don't I have any showers to go to? I had no idea these diaper cakes were so easy to make! And those babies too!
Melissa says
You better tell people to start breeding so you can make some diaper cakes Courtenay! (just kidding!)
Ann says
Pretty dang cute! I think the ribbon was the perfect touch. No babies around here but I've pinned for later...fingers crossed!
Melissa says
Thanks so much Ann! 🙂
lucy says
How great does that ribbon look with those diapers? That is a great "double-duty" gift! So cute and SO practical! The diaper babies are adorable. My sister is still in baby making years.....maybe I can do this for her soon!!
Melissa says
Thanks Lucy! By the way-loving your arrow chalkboards-too cool!
Inspire Me Heather says
Oh my gosh, that looks too cute! I love the non-traditional baby brown too, it "goes" with the tan & blue on the diapers! I'm going to have to save this for the next shower, that makes a wonderful gift!
Melissa says
Thanks Heather! Love, love, love your table runner round up by the way! I just bought material to make one soon!
Gwen says
Oh, lord have mercy! Those diaper babies are beyond cute! I've seen diaper cakes, but never diaper babies! I'm going to do that for my niece and nephew's new baby. They will LOVE it!
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says
Oh my goodness! These are too cute! I am definitely going to copy for my friend's upcoming baby shower!
Meg Morris says
I like handmade things. I usually make some burp cloths and a pacifier clip. I'm going to try my hand at a car seat cover for a friend who's due in February. I like to try and use fabric that fits the parents' personalities, too.
Melissa says
Oh Meg- I wish I had your sewing skills!