How to Make a Nappy Cake: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Trying to think of the perfect baby shower present? Or maybe you’re the host looking for a show-stopper of a centrepiece? Nappy cakes are fun to make, practical and a guaranteed talking point. And they are relatively easy to make, too. Learn how to make a nappy cake with our step-by-step guide, discover clever nappy cake ideas, and get inspired!

What Is a Nappy Cake?

A nappy cake is basically a bunch of nappies arranged in a way to look like a fancy tiered cake, topped with ribbons, baby essentials and little touches like cheeky signs or cute paper props. It looks fantastic and is genuinely useful for new parents. Perfect as the centrepiece at a baby shower, or as a one-of-a-kind gift that everyone will be talking about.

You can go all-out with themed nappy cakes—jungle, safari, favourite football colours, or whatever matches the parent-to-be’s style. Try popping on a little plant, giving it a modern twist with succulents, or base it on the mum or dad’s hobbies.

And remember, nappy cakes aren’t just for baby showers! Why not surprise a colleague on their last day before maternity leave, take one along to a baby shower, or use it to warmly welcome a new arrival?

No matter what the occasion, a DIY nappy cake just makes people smile. Plus, with so many nappy cake decoration ideas, building one is as much fun as the big reveal!

Diaper Cake Supplies

Making a DIY nappy cake with newborn nappies is a doddle. Gather your bits and bobs, and you’ll have a gorgeous centrepiece or gift up and ready in no time. Here’s what you’ll need for your nappy cake:

• Nappies: One or two packets of nappies are usually enough for a medium nappy cake, more for bigger ones. Your base layer might need 20 to 60 nappies, the next one 10 to 40, and the top 5 to 20. Totally flexible—it’s your call!

• Elastic bands: A big band for each tier, plus smaller ones if you’re rolling nappies individually.

• Ribbon: Holds everything together and makes it pretty.

• Base: Try sturdy cardboard, a cake stand, a tray, or even a rustic wooden slice.

• Glue: Handy for sticking ribbon or decorations, but not a must.

• Dowels: To keep your layers from wobbling about.

• Scissors: You’ll need these for cutting and prep.

• Extra stuff: Add small baby presents, like bibs, dummies, tiny toys, or get crafty with your own touches. Search our nappy cake decoration ideas for more inspiration!

• Wrapping: Cellophane or soft tulle gives your finished cake that professional touch.

With these nappy cake supplies, you’re good to go. See below for our detailed nappy cake tutorials and get your creative juices flowing.

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What Pampers Nappies to Use?

If you want your DIY nappy cake to be brilliant, pick the softest, most reliable nappies—like Pampers Premium Protection New Baby, Harmonie or Baby-Dry. They’re gentle, strong and perfect for building a proper cake with.

Wondering what size nappies are best for a nappy cake? It’s totally up to you! Bigger sizes are a bit sturdier, but a mix looks great and is more useful for the parents as their little one grows. One size per layer keeps it neat, or go with a mix.

Grab Pampers for your nappy cake and you’ll have something practical, beautiful and sure to put a smile on the parents’ faces. Let’s get into the step-by-step instructions.

How Many Nappies Do You Need to Make a Nappy Cake?

How many nappies go into a nappy cake? Well, that depends! A small one might use about 25 to 30, a bigger cake might need 60+, and grand, three-tiered beauties can use anywhere from 60 to 100 nappies.

Handy guide:

• Base layer: 20 to 60 nappies

• Second tier: 10 to 40 nappies

• Top tier: 5 to 20 nappies.

No need to stress! If you’re after ideas for nappy cakes or how many to use, it’s totally flexible. Giant nappy cakes can go 100+ nappies, sweet little ones need far fewer than 20. Think about your base, your tiers, and what will look just right in the centre of the party.

Related Articles

Ideas for Baby Shower Themes and Decorations

Nappy Cake Decorating Ideas and Tutorials

Ready to take your nappy cake ideas up a notch? Whether you’re after a showpiece or a cute gift, you can get creative here. Try traditional nappy cakes, themed designs and crafty tutorials - all the inspiration you need for the best baby shower centrepiece.

Traditional Nappy Cake

Slide 1 of 9

Step 1

Choose a Solid Base

Start with something firm: a cake board, tray or piece of card. Want it to look polished? Wrap the board in foil or nice paper first.

Step 2

Prep the Nappies

You’ve got two main techniques:

• Roll-up style. Roll each nappy tightly (start with the waistband), fasten with a tiny elastic band.

• Wraparound style. Stand unrolled nappies around a central core. A baby bottle or a kitchen roll works nicely.

Step 3

Build the base

For a rolled-up nappy cake, stand your nappy rolls upright in a ring, packing them in so they form a solid round. Fasten the whole base with a big elastic band or a wide ribbon. If you’re using elastic, you can always hide it later with pretty ribbon.

Stick down your ribbon with a dab of hot glue if needed (just keep glue off the nappies), or tie it in a neat bow you can cover with a fun topper.

Step 4

Add the Second Tier (Option A)

Build the next floor

Going for a second tier? Wedge a few wooden dowels inside the base roll ring so your next layer stays steady and upright.

Step 5

Second Tier Cake (Option A)

Secure the Second Tier

Same as before: Use a big elastic or wide ribbon to keep things in place. If you see the dowels poking out, just trim them down or swap for shorter bits.

Step 4

Wraparound Cake (Option B)

Stabilise the Layer

Stick a clean kitchen roll or baby bottle upright in the centre of your base. Wrap unrolled nappies all the way round until you’ve built up your cake’s bottom tier.

Step 5

Wraparound Cake (Option B)

Add more tiers

For extra tiers, just keep stacking and wrapping nappies in smaller circles up the core. Hold each up with elastic bands or ribbon. Three layers? Just repeat, making each one a bit smaller as you go.

Step 6

Time to Decorate

Mask any elastics with your ribbon. Now have fun: add baby toys, fresh flowers, or fun little decorations. Pop a special topper on (like a teddy or ‘oh baby’ sign) to finish it off.

Step 7

Wrap your masterpiece

Cover your nappy cake in cellophane or tulle—bundle it up from the bottom, cinch at the top, then tie off with a ribbon.

Teddy Bear Nappy Cake

For a seriously cute teddy bear nappy cake (great as a centrepiece or just a brilliant present), here’s what to grab:

Supplies:

• 60 Pampers nappies (size 1 or 2)

• One sturdy cake board, at least 30 centimetres across

• One soft teddy bear (for the top of your cake)

• Elastic bands, big and small

• Wide ribbon (about 3-4 cm across or wider)

• Optional: narrow fancy ribbon for fun touches

• Baby extras (dummies, bibs, socks, little toys)

• Wooden dowels or paper straws for support

• Hot glue (for ribbon only!)

• Scissors

• Wrapping (tulle, cellophane or fancy paper)

Step 1 Start the bottom layer

• Roll up each nappy (graphics inside) and pop a mini elastic band around it

• Stand 40 rolls up tight together in a ring on the cake board

• Secure the base with a massive elastic band or wrap around a wide ribbon. Hide any elastics with more ribbon

• Poke two wooden dowels down the centre for extra support if needed.

Step 2 Build your next layer

• Make a smaller ring with 15 nappy rolls.

• Secure it all in place with elastic or ribbon.

• Carefully thread this centre ring onto your dowels.

Step 3 Add the tiny top tier

• Create a little 5-roll nappy circle

• Tie up with an elastic and a ribbon

• Pop it right on the top, again over the dowels to hold everything steady.

Step 4 Time for decorations

• Wrap ribbon around every tier, tie bows or layer up for a posh look

• Tuck in bibs, socks or dummies between the nappies anywhere you fancy

• Set the teddy bear on top. Fix gently with tape or a soft ribbon, just so it stays in place.

Step 5 Wrap it up!

Bundle the whole nappy cake in tulle or cellophane for safe travels and extra wow factor. Gather the wrapping above the bear and tie off with a bright ribbon.

Step 6 Fancy extras

• Add mini flowers or leaves for a bit of magic

• Use ribbons that match your baby shower theme.

And you’re sorted! A sweet teddy bear nappy cake that is as useful as it is adorable. It’s sure to charm any new parent.

Motorcycle Nappy Cake

To build a nappy cake that looks like a motorbike, here’s your checklist:

• 72 Pampers nappies (size 1 or 2)

• One empty kitchen roll

• 20-centimetre cake tin

• Two baby blankets

• Two bibs

• Baby bottle

• One pair of baby mitts or socks

• Elastic bands

• Ribbon (3-4 cm, plus thin ribbon for fun if you like)

• Fancy bows

• Hot glue (again, only for ribbon).

Step 1 Make the Wheels

• Fan 24 nappies around the edge of the cake tin in a spiral

• Pop the kitchen roll in the centre as a placeholder, then band the nappies together with an elastic band

• Gently lift the wheel out and repeat twice for three wheels total. You only need the tube in the first one.

Step 2 Assemble the Wheels

• Wrap a ribbon around each wheel to hide the elastic bands. Stick the ends with a spot of hot glue (avoid the nappies)

• Slide the tube through the middle of the two wheels (these are the back wheels). Hide the tube inside if you can

• Slot the third wheel right between the back wheels for the front.

Step 3 Tie the Wheels Together

• Take one blanket, fold it diagonally, roll tight and thread it through the tube and the front wheel to connect the lot

• Tie with an elastic band and spin the blanket so the band is hidden. Cover any showing tube with ribbon.

Step 4 Shape the Seat

• Roll one nappy, then wrap four more around it into a little bundle. Secured? Ribbon it!

• Stick this mini roll between the back wheels—it’s the motorcycle seat

• Drape a bib over the seat for cuteness.

Step 5 Add the Front Fender and Headlight

• Place the other bib on the front wheel (fender style)

• Set the baby bottle on top as the headlight (cap should face the back).

Step 6 Make the Handlebars

• Fold the second blanket diagonally and roll it into a tube, holding it with elastic bands at the ends and the middle

• Thread the blanket through the front wheel, balance the two sides evenly, pull up the ends and strap over the bottle’s top

• Arrange to look like handlebars, wrap a bow to hide the band, then slip socks or mitts over the blanket ends for grips.

Step 7 Add the Finishing Touches

Pop a soft toy on the seat - it’s your biker! A splash of double-sided tape keeps tiny hands on the bars. If the kitchen roll holes show, hide with extra socks.

Done and dusted - your nappy bike is ready to take centre stage!

Princess Nappy Cake

Dreaming of a princess nappy cake or even a nappy cake castle? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 88 Pampers nappies (size 1 or 2)

• 40-centimetre cake board (decorated)

• Elastic bands, big ones

• Ribbon (big and small)

• 9 wooden skewers

• 9 bright straws

• Scrapbook and construction paper

• Hot glue gun

• Baby essentials (teethers, bibs, dummies, etc).

Step 1 Make the castle’s bottom layer

• Fold 15 nappies in half (waistband in), pile in a row and tie up with elastic. Repeat 3x for three rows as the base.

Step 2 Build middle and top layers

• Make two more rows of 12 nappies (middle), and a single row of 8 for the top

• Stack the base, middle and top in a pyramid

• Big ribbon around each layer, add skinny ribbon if you want it extra special.

Step 3 Create the turrets

• Roll a nappy around a wooden skewer, band it, and cover with ribbon. Repeat for 8 turrets

• Cone hats: Cut scrapbook paper into semi-circles, curl into cones and glue together, leaving a hole for a straw flag

• Central turret is 3 rolled nappies with a skewer stuck through and topped with a bigger cone.

Step 4 Add the flags & finishing touches

• Cut 9 diamonds from coloured paper, wrap around each straw for cute castle flags

• Stick the straws through your turret cones.

Step 5 Build the castle!

Push each skewer’s end carefully down into your castle structure so turrets stand up proud. Dress it up with accessories as you please.

Ta da! Your princess nappy cake castle is ready for the royal baby shower. It’ll win hearts and become the star of the day.

Jungle Nappy Cake

To make a jungle theme nappy cake - sometimes called a safari nappy cake -here’s all you need:

• 102 Pampers nappies (size 1 or 2)

• Three round tins (25, 20 and 15 cm)

• Three big elastic bands

• Old toilet rolls

• Big cake base (at least 25 cm)

• 30 feet of ribbon

• Baby essentials: bibs, washcloths, dummies, soft toys

• Fake leaves and decorative branches

• Hot glue gun.

Step 1 Build the layers

Fill your biggest cake tin with nappies in a spiral. Toilet roll in the centre, band it all up. Do the same for the other two, using the smaller tins for the second and third layers.

Step 2 Prep the base

Set your big cake base flat, arrange the fake leaves and branches to overhang the edges, glue them down and give them time to dry.

Step 3 Stack up your cake

Take the toilet rolls out and stack the nappy layers from biggest to smallest on the base.

Step 4 Time to decorate

Tie ribbon around every tier, stick the ends down with hot glue (but do not glue nappies )

Pop in bibs, tiny toys and dummies inside the middle of the nappy cake for hidden surprises.

Step 5 Finishing Touches

Surround your nappy cake with soft jungle animals and slot more leaves between the layers for a wild effect. Looks great and makes the perfect safari centrepiece!

Pram Nappy Cake

For a baby pram nappy cake, here’s all you’ll need:

• 61 Pampers nappies (size N or 1)

• 2 shoeboxes

• 1 elastic roll

• Ribbon or fabric

• Elastic bands

• Hot glue gun

• Baby accessories: blankets, toys, dummies, bottles, etc.

Step 1 Create the pram base

• Take the lids off 2 shoeboxes and trim a quarter inch off one box’s end

• Slot the shorter box inside the other in an L-shape, and glue to secure

• Loosely wrap the elastic around the bottom box, glue the ends together, and leave to dry.

Step 2 Add the nappies

• Roll each nappy tightly, tie with a band

• Arrange the nappies around the bottom box under the elastic band

• For the pram canopy, repeat with more rolled nappies, layering over the vertical box and around the side/top, stopping where the boxes meet

• Tuck any visible elastic away between nappies.

Step 3 Pretty it up with ribbon

• Use ribbon or fabric around the base and canopy to hide the elastic bands

• Layer different colours for style, and stick the ends (not nappies) with a bit of glue.

Step 4 Build the wheels

• Roll five nappies together as a wheel, secure with a large elastic band, wrap with ribbon and glue down the ends

• Make four wheels in total this way.

Step 5 Finish with accessories

• Stick the wheels along the bottom of the pram with the nappy ends pointing out

• Fill up the pram with baby goodies: blankets, soft toys, bottles, dummies, the lot.

There you go! A pram nappy cake that’s bound to be admired at any party.

Train Nappy Cake

All aboard for a nappy cake train! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 106 Pampers nappies

• 3 long skinny ribbons

• Six big ribbons (about 46 cm each)

• Two fleece blankets

• Two extra baby blankets

• Safety pins

• Bib

• Canister of wipes

• Pair of baby socks

• Elastic bands

• 22 x 36 cm foam core

• Teething rings or link toys for effect

• Accessories: bottles, dummies, teddies, etc.

Step 1 Build the wheels

• Roll one nappy tightly around a thin ribbon and secure with an elastic band

• Add seven more nappies, wrapping and banding to make one big wheel

• Make six wheels, then cover each with wide ribbon, glued at the ends (no glue on nappies).

Step 2 Make the train cab

• Stack 12 nappies, alternating the orientation (waistband in/out), and secure with a rubber band. Repeat to create two stacks

• Wrap a baby blanket around the two stacks and secure it with safety pins. This will form the cab

• Place the cab on top of the wheels.

Step 3 Add the Train Base and Boiler

• Lay out a fleece blanket with the inside facing up. Place the foam core in the centre and fold the blanket over it, securing it with safety pins. This will be the training base.

• Wrap the second fleece blanket around the wet wipes canister to create the boiler and secure it with pins. Place the boiler in front of the cab.

Step 4 Assemble the train

• Drape a bib over the front of the base as the train grill

• Use the thin ribbons from the wheels to connect the cab, boiler, and base by pulling them over the top and glueing the ends together

• Add a rolled nappy wrapped in baby socks to create the front light, and secure a teething ring as decoration.

Step 5 Make the train cars

• Roll 21 nappies and secure each with a rubber band

• Wrap an elastic band around a small box and slip the rolled nappies between the elastic and the box until fully covered

• Cover the elastic with ribbon and glue the ends together (avoiding glue on the nappies)

• Add four wheels to each car using rolled nappies secured with rubber bands. Glue the ribbon from the wheels to the bottom of the box

• Fill the cars with baby accessories and connect them to the engine using link toys or teething rings.

All finished! The cutest nappy cake train is ideal for baby shower fun.

Bathtub Nappy Cake

To make a nappy bathtub cake, gather:

• 52 Pampers nappies

• Elastic bands

• Half-inch elastic tape

• Cardboard box (30 x 24 x 9 cm)

• Hot glue gun

• 2 pairs of baby socks

• 4 mini baby cream jars

• Old wire coat hanger

• Wire cutters

• Tough sticky tape

• Ribbon, different widths

• 2 teether rings

• Gift shred

• Bath toys: rubber ducks, washcloths, soaps and towels.

Step 1 Make the tub base

• Roll 29 nappies tightly, graphics side up, and secure with rubber bands

• Wrap the elastic band around the box, glueing the ends together

• Insert the rolled nappies vertically under the elastic until the box is fully surrounded.

Step 2 Make a tap

• Cut off the twisted portion of a wire hanger with wire snips and straighten it

• Fold the wire in half and tape the ends together. Bend it into a 'J' shape

• Wrap nappies around the wire, securing each with a rubber band. Leave 10 cm of exposed wire at the bottom.

Step 3 Assemble the bath's feet

• Fill 4 baby socks with small jars of baby cream, leaving the tops exposed.

• Glue the jars to the bottom corners of the box, ensuring the sock toes point outward to resemble claw feet.

Step 4 Put it all together

• Insert the exposed wire of the tap into the centre of a nappy roll on the bathtub

• Wrap the ribbon around the tap, spiralling it upward, and tuck the end into the spout. Glue the base of the ribbon to the box for stability.

Step 5 Decorate and fill the bathtub

• Wrap a wide ribbon around the bathtub’s elastic band, then layer a thinner ribbon on top for contrast

• Line the inside of the tub with flat nappies to create a padded base. Add teething rings at the tap base as handles.

Step 6 Add ‘water’ and the final touches

• Cover the flat nappies with gift shreds to mimic water. Add some shreds to the spout for a running water effect.

• Fill the tub with bath-themed items like rubber ducks, bath products, washcloths and towels.

Now you’ve got the best nappy cake bath in town!

Jeep Nappy Cake

Building a Jeep nappy cake? Here’s your gear list:

• Cardboard box

• Scissors (good and sharp)

• Safety pins

• Felt

• Glue and glue gun

• Ribbon

• Tape and duct tape

• 4 elastic bands

• 36 pack of newborn nappies

• 4 baby bottles

• 4 baby blankets

• Teething tablets and cold tablets

• More baby goodies for 'cargo'

Step 1 Shape your Jeep

• Measure up from the bottom of your box by about 15 cm, chop off the top bit

• Cut out two long strips for rails, and take out the front panel entirely.

Step 2 Wrap it up

• Wrap the box in a blanket, pin it in place

• Fold another blanket for the jeep's bonnet and wrap that around the front.

Step 3 Make chunky tyres

• Each tyre needs 7 nappies: 5 laid end-to-end, rolled up tight and secured with an elastic band

• Wrap 2 more nappies around the sides and secure them with another rubber band

• Top off with ribbon taped around each wheel.

Step 4 Add details

• Wrap the cardboard strips with black felt to make Jeep rails and mirrors. Attach them to the box using tape.

• Roll the baby bottles in a baby blanket to form the headlights. Place 5 nappies vertically between the bottles to create the grill, and 3 horizontally underneath.

• Add small bottles (like teething tablets) under the headlights as additional details.

Step 5 Attach your wheels

• Thread the ribbon through the tyres and tie them around the hood and back of the Jeep

• For stability, place the Jeep on a paper-covered cardboard platform.

Step 6 Finishing flourishes

• Add homemade Jeep extras—licence plate, tyre marks, tags

• Fill the back with baby loot so your nappy cake Jeep is loaded and ready for adventure!

Nappy Cake Decoration Ideas

Decorating your nappy cake is half the fun! Try these ideas for nappy cakes to make your nappy cake decorations really pop:

• Ribbon or fabric layers. Wide, bold or patterned ribbons keep it together in style. Layer up or add lace, hessian, felt - whatever fits your look.

• Flowers and greenery. Real or fake flowers, leafy bits - lovely for a natural or glam nappy cake.

• Themed paper cutouts. Fix fairies, animals or cute baby shapes to match your shower vibe.

• Topper ideas. Soft toys, baby booties or rubber ducks make fabulous toppers.

• Seasonal inspiration. Pumpkins, snowy bits, sunflowers - make it suit the season!

• Creative base swaps. Instead of cardboard, try a thick wood slice, glittery tray or special gift box.

• Practical gifts. Tuck dummies, teether rings, bibs - useful and decorative!

• Twinkle lights. Battery fairy lights around the tiers really give it a wow factor.

• Simple but stunning. A single-tier nappy cake with a posh ribbon and a topper can be just as charming.

No matter your nappy cake ideas, these nappy cake decoration ideas will give your creation the spotlight it deserves at the party.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to nappy cakes, there’s no wrong way to do it. Big, small, mega-fancy or delightfully simple - it’s the thought (and the effort) that really matters. Have a blast making yours, and enjoy the look on their face when you reveal your nappy cake masterpiece.

For bags of baby shower ideas, browse our articles for planning a baby shower or see shower gifts for the parent-to-be for extra inspiration.

And before you go, don’t forget to check out the latest news and updates on the Pampers Club loyalty application. Let us keep you up-to-date with valuable rewards and savings!