Choosing a diaper cake...

I recently read a list of recommendations on ehow.com written up by another maker of diaper cakes listing how to choose the right diaper cake. Most of her suggestions, of course, lead a consumer to purchase diaper cakes from her which makes perfect sense, but she does have some really good recommendations if you don't know what you are looking at.

First, she recommends examining the style of cake - rolled or spiral cake. She lists the pros of spiral cakes that I described in my last blog post about ease for the new mom. Increased stability of the rolled diaper cakes is not discussed, but since she doesn't make that variety, she may be unaware of this benefit. This benefit of the spiral cakes, however, may be one of the main reasons they are growing in popularity.

Second, the author recommends checking out the brand of diapers. She recommends diaper cakes made with quality brand name diapers. I have to say, I agree whole-heartedly. When giving a gift, most people wouldn't want to give a store brand pack of diapers so it makes sense to select a diaper cake with brand name diapers. I typically will use Luvs which are very popular, however, since diaper cakes can be customized and personalized, I can and have made cakes with other brands if the expectant mom has chosen or prefers another brand. Typically, I'll check out the registry to see if she has a preference and make the cake with that type, otherwise, I'll use Luvs which is still a quality brand.

The third recommendation is to consider the size of the diaper in the cake. The author prefers size 1 diapers for the cakes and in my experience, this is typically what you find. Size 1 is a great size for most babies and almost all babies will be able to use them. Newborn diapers, like newborn clothes, aren't always needed and may go unused by a new mom if the baby is on the larger side. Larger size diapers are also typically usable, but I will most likely reserve these for gifts given after the baby is born or for sip 'n' see parties. Again, since the cakes can be customized, if the shower or baby welcome party (sip 'n' see) is held for an older baby rather than a newborn, larger diapers are preferred.

Fourth on the list of recommendations is to examine the number of diapers on the cake. This can vary widely from cake to cake and while it should be considered, in my opinion, it should be not be the major deciding factor of the diaper cake. More importantly, the number of diapers compared to the overall cost/value of the diaper cake should be considered. In general, while diapers build the structure of the cake, they may not make up to main cost of the cake. Make sure you know what you are paying for. If one cake has say, 50 diapers on it, but you also get several blankets or baby items, it may be more worth it than a diaper cake at the same price that has more diapers but no additional usable baby items. 20 diapers may equal the cost of a single blanket.

The final recommendation on this site mentioned the use of additional baby items. The author does not use baby items on her cakes and lists the reasoning that the gift giver may not know if the baby items will be used by the mom or if the items are of good quality - they may not get used and therefore become a waste of money. She makes a very good point for purchasers to be aware of. I personally like the value of the additional baby items and if the price is comparable, it is a better value than a cake with just diapers and decorations. Also, since diaper cakes are so customizable, items can be selected directly from the registry so the new mom is sure to get items that she picked out for her new baby. If I have a cake that is not specific to the person, I try to use items that are of good quality and BPA free. To me, it goes back to the diaper brand issue - most gift givers do not want to give store brand or generic gifts.

One recommendation I would add to her list would be to consider the overall value. Some diaper cakes take more time to put together - rolled cakes take much more time and care than spiral cakes. Ribbon, appliques, flowers, cake boards, wrappings, and other decorations can add cost to the cake so be aware that you aren't paying just for the diapers. Brand name, licensed, or hand made baby items incorporated into the cake will also add to the overall cost, so consider the value. If your cake is made up of 50 diapers and a few strips of ribbon, it probably isn't worth $60, but don't think it's reasonable to pay only $10 for it, that may just cover the cost for the diapers themselves and not the decorations, not to mention additional time and care of the person who made it.

Happy hunting! =)