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