| I've been to more Baby Showers than I really | | | | |
| care to remember. Mainly because they all run | | | | - Tuck your baby items in the ribbons as |
| together in a big baby blur! Making a shower | | | | decorations |
| stand out in the eyes of the guests and the | | | | |
| mom to be is easier and more affordable than | | | | - Top your cake off with something fitting |
| you may think! Especially if you have someone | | | | the theme of your party. Whether it be a |
| to split the cost with you and find the | | | | small stuffed toy, a baby bottle or rattle |
| perfect baby shower gift. | | | | |
| | | | Some of the best Baby Shower "activities" are |
| Having a theme is cute, but not necessary! | | | | things you may have never considered! When I |
| Fun patterns and bright colors make the mood | | | | was pregnant with my second child, we took |
| seem much more lively then the pale pink and | | | | several packs of plain white onesies in sizes |
| blue that we usually see! Think big dots and | | | | up to nine months and permanent marker and |
| swirls and stripes! Plus, with this "theme" | | | | paint pens. Each guest got to "decorate" a |
| it's easy to mix and match things from | | | | onesie for the baby! Just make sure to |
| different stores (and catch them on sale)! | | | | prewash all of them before the shower! And do |
| | | | NOT use puffy paint - I lost a lot of cute |
| For a centerpiece- one of the trendiest (and | | | | designs that way! The puffy paint will wash |
| fun!) gifts is a "Diaper Cake". Directions | | | | off (even though it says its washable)! |
| for making them are just below, and they are | | | | |
| so much fun to decorate - you can use baby | | | | A guest book with the name of the person and |
| toys, bibs, blankets, onesies...pretty much | | | | the gift! This makes sending thank you notes |
| anything! The "topper" to the cake can be a | | | | super easy and is a terrific memory of the |
| stuffed animal or anything you can get to | | | | shower! |
| balance on top! | | | | |
| | | | "Advice Books"- This can be a nice journal |
| How to make a diaper cake you will need: | | | | style notebook in a design mom to be would |
| | | | like! All the guests get to write tips and |
| - 16" disposable cardboard platter (you can | | | | tricks for the new mom! They can also add |
| buy one from a craft store like Michaels or | | | | their personal thoughts and prayers and hopes |
| cut your own from a larger box) | | | | for the new family! |
| | | | |
| - Baby bottle or empty cardboard towel roll | | | | Scrapbook Kits: It's all the rage! Scrapbook |
| | | | kits are available (usually matching your |
| - 8 feet of 1" wide ribbon | | | | baby shower theme) and are a great way to |
| | | | preserve this special day. By adding photos, |
| - Rubber bands of different sizes | | | | scraps of gift-wrap, ribbon, a copy of the |
| | | | invitation and advice cards to name just a |
| - Clear adhesive tape | | | | few, it's a wonderful way to personalize and |
| | | | preserve this special day for a memorable |
| - Approximately 50 newborn diapers | | | | keepsake. |
| | | | |
| - Decorative baby items (bibs, socks, toys) | | | | Gift Giving Time! |
| | | | |
| - Cake Topper (candy filled baby bottle or | | | | I had about 50 receiving blankets. I only |
| stuffed animal) | | | | used two. Since mom will get plenty at the |
| | | | hospital, and no doubt someone will give her |
| The number of diapers you will require | | | | more, spare her! Give her a baby shower gift |
| depends on the size and number of tiers you | | | | that is unique and stand out (and they can |
| would like your cake to have. On average 50 | | | | cost as much or as little as you want to |
| newborn diapers will create a standard sized | | | | spend)! Here are some of my all time favorite |
| 3-layered cake. | | | | baby shower gifts (to give and receive)! |
| | | | |
| - 20 diapers for the bottom layer | | | | A gift bag filled with safety items like bath |
| | | | faucet covers and bath thermometers, cabinet |
| - 10 to 15 diapers for the middle layer | | | | locks and outlet covers! Toilet locks are |
| | | | good too (I found the DVD remote in the |
| - 5 diapers for the top layer | | | | toilet this morning)! Books to read to baby |
| | | | |
| To assemble your cake: | | | | A Baby Monitor |
| | | | |
| - Use a cardboard paper towel roll or a baby | | | | A play mat or floor gym |
| bottle to roll your diapers | | | | |
| | | | A designer diaper bag pre filled with some |
| - When rolling your diapers, have them opened | | | | onesies, diapers, rash creme, a formula |
| lengthwise with tabs tucked in | | | | dispenser (if mom will be formula feeding or |
| | | | supplementing with formula), small blanket |
| - Secure your diapers with a rubber band | | | | and a couple of toys (I always liked the |
| whenever necessary | | | | "sassy" brand toys!) |
| | | | |
| - Fold and wrap a receiving blanket around | | | | A Boppy Pillow or new cover if mom already |
| each tier using tape to hold in place | | | | has one |
| | | | |
| - Use a ribbon to cover and hide the rubber | | | | Small gift bag or duffle bag of goodies for |
| band and as a decorative touch. | | | | mom to take to the hospital! Snacks, bottled |
| | | | water, warm soft socks, a lightweight nursing |
| - Assemble your tiers on top of your cake | | | | gown and bathrobe and shower gel and lotion! |
| platter, using adhesive tape | | | | |