I am often asked whether it is better to
make a diaper cake yourself or purchase one ready made. Obviously I am a little bit biased because my core business is making baby diaper cakes. Nonetheless, I thought is would make sense to compare both options and then let the reader decide for themselves the best choice.
There are many places to find information on
how to make a diaper cake. You Tube has a slew of
how to make a diaper cake videos, and you can also find diaper cake instructions through a Google search. It doesn't matter where you find the information because regardless, you will be making one if not multiple trips to the store for supplies. So let's start with the basics. You will need to find a cake plate to work with. Depending on the size of design you want to make, you may get stuck buying a package of cake plates because typically they are not sold individually. So unless you are making multiple diaper cakes for baby shower centerpieces, you won't have much use for the remaining plates. Next comes the diapers. You can get these just about anywhere, however, based on the size of your design you will probably not use an entire box of diapers. I guess you can give the new mom the extra diapers you don't use. It would be a bit awkward if you made a baby shower diaper cake and then tell the expectant mom "By the way, here are some extra diapers I didn't use" along with your hand made diaper cake gift.
Next comes the selection of the ribbon. You can select the
ribbons and bows you would like to use from many different sources. There are literally hundreds of ribbon styles to choose from so the biggest problem will be picking one or multiple ones to use. Again, you will end up buying a whole roll of ribbon and unless you can use the remaining ribbon elsewhere you will have some waste. Lastly, comes the part I enjoy, which is picking a plush toy to adorn the top of the diaper cake. Again, the sky is the limit as far as choices so this shouldn't be too big of a problem to find one that works for your design. Many styles also include baby care necessities such as baby shampoo, baby lotion, and powder. These items are optional based on your own design concept. After you get these supplies rounded up, all that remains is gathering up some common items many home crafters have around the house and you can get started.
So far, I discussed the things you need to buy to make a baby diaper cake. Let's talk about why people like to make their own diaper cake. Probably the main reason is to offer a
personalized baby gift that is hand made. Usually, the person making a diaper cake knows the expectant mom very well and wants to create a special experience for the new mom. This person isn't going to give a store bought baby gift as "anyone" can do that. Instead, they are creative and want to show that creativity through a thoughtful unique baby gift. Others may make a diaper cake to save money. I personally think, based on the emails I get, that many "do-it-yourselfers" underestimate the costs and time involved to make a diaper cake. How do I know? Because I get messages routinely asking about where to buy supplies, or how to attach items because their way isn't working. So I can only surmise that they must be having problems making their diaper cake. Does this happen to everyone? No, and I am not trying to persuade anyone from making their own diaper cake, if that is their desire. I just believes, sometimes people underestimate what it takes to make a diaper cake that they can be proud to give as a baby gift.
On the other hand, some choose to buy a handmade
diaper cake directly from a company such as
Lil' Baby Cakes. There are many reasons for this with probably the key one being the buyer gets a professionally handmade diaper cake ready for baby gift giving. Instead of having to run around town looking for supplies and themes, one can merely go online and browse from pages of diaper cake designs looking for the right fit. The baby gift buyer only needs to pick an appropriate size and style, make the purchase, and then have it shipped to the new mom. It couldn't be any easier.
Who tends to buy
diaper cakes online? Primarily I would say they are busy folks who don't have the time or energy to create their own diaper cake. Another possibility is those who live away from the expectant mom and really need the convenience of being able to purchase a diaper cake that is already made. Companies may also choose to purchase a diaper cake online as it is a easy way to purchase a unique baby gift that the new mom would enjoy.
Regardless of whether you make a
diaper cake or purchase one for a baby shower, you definitely have choices. If you are the creative type, you many enjoy the process of researching a design and then moving forward to
make your own diaper cake. I'm sure the new mom would really appreciate the thoughtfulness and the personalized nature of the baby gift. Similarly, if you are making a baby shower diaper cake, you and the other ladies planning the shower can work with each other to personalize the entire event and add your own special touches. Alternatively, for those who choose to purchase a diaper cake directly, you can choose from many popular styles and themes, all ready for gift giving. Either way, the expectant mom will receive a baby gift she is sure to love. A diaper cake is not only practical, but a baby gift that she'll talk about long after the baby comes.
What are your thoughts? I welcome your comments.
