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Expecting Mom Gets Called Out By Her Sister-In-Law For Not Wanting A ‘Diaper Cake’ For The Upcoming Baby Shower
Expecting Mom Gets Called Out By Her Sister-In-Law For Not Wanting A ‘Diaper Cake’ For The Upcoming Baby Shower
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Expecting Mom Gets Called Out By Her Sister-In-Law For Not Wanting A ‘Diaper Cake’ For The Upcoming Baby Shower

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The birth of a child, especially the first one, is always a great joy, but also a great stress. And, of course, a lot of expenses, and one of the main items of these expenses is diapers. Many, many diapers. And in many ways, this is why a diaper cake is considered by people to be an integral part of any baby shower.

However, not all expecting mothers are delighted with the very idea of a diaper cake, believing it to be impractical. For example, like the Reddit user u/AITA-diapercake, who even had a quarrel with her sister-in-law over this. And so here’s the story we are going to tell you now.

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    The author of the post was pregnant with her first child when her sister-in-law informed her of her desire to gift a huge diaper cake for her upcoming baby shower

    Image credits: Pixabay (not the actual image)

    The sister-in-law seemed to be extremely excited about becoming an aunt for the first time in her life

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    Image credits: u/AITA-diapercake 

    Image credits: Personal Creations (not the actual image)

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    Image credits: u/AITA-diapercake 

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    However, the mom-to-be wasn’t happy over this idea, claiming that she’s not even sure whether to choose disposable or cloth diapers

    Image credits: sloom studio (not the actual image)

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    Image credits: u/AITA-diapercake 

    After some kind of family drama, the future mom agreed to have a diaper cake but just asked her SIL not to use much glue for it

    So, the original poster (OP) at the time of the events described was pregnant with her first child, and planned to arrange a baby shower before the birth, but without much scope, just a small party for the closest people in her backyard. However, not all relatives shared the mom-to-be’s idea – in particular, her husband’s sister.

    The sister-in-law was very excited about the fact that she would soon become an aunt, and decided to take an active part in the organization of the upcoming baby shower. She informed the mother-to-be that she was planning to give her a large diaper cake. However, the OP, as it turned out, had no idea that such a tradition even existed, and also decided that it was basically impractical.

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    Firstly, as the author of the post admitted, at the time of the story, she and her husband had not yet decided whether they would use disposable vs cloth diapers, and secondly, when assembling a diaper cake, inevitably, some of the diapers that form the outer layer will be damaged by glue. And besides, while stocking up on diapers is always good, the OP admitted that just a big box is better because it’s easier to store.

    The original poster shared these thoughts with her sister-in-law, and said that she would probably refuse a gift in this form. But the woman was incredibly upset and even called the OP ‘ungrateful’, claiming that diaper cakes are more than traditional. A family drama followed, but then the husband and relatives nevertheless convinced the expecting mom that the diaper cake was cool, and that it was worth agreeing to this idea.

    However, people in the comments could not help but note that from the side of the future aunt, this behavior looks completely childish, and that it is simply inappropriate to throw a tantrum over this. “Sounds like your SIL needs to get her diaper changed,” commenters sarcastically wrote. After all, this is the OP’s baby shower, so any aggression towards her looks like an overreaction, people in the comments think.

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    Image credits: Kampus Production (not the actual image)

    By the way, despite the fact that the diaper cake is considered an American tradition, the idea itself first appeared in the UK. So, according to AnOther Mag, “In 1988, Jennifer Steadman rolled her son’s nappies into a cake shape by accident and later decided to make a ‘cake’ for her nephew a few months after. The first cakes were very simple in design, but over the years she developed various methods of making them more and more extravagant.”

    Of course, diaper manufacturers such as Pampers also played a big role in the development of the tradition. In particular, on the company’s official website, you can find a whole section on diaper cakes, with detailed instructions on how to make it yourself. “No matter how or when you’re giving the diaper cake to the mom-to-be, she will be surprised and delighted – and you’ll have a pretty good time creating it, too!” the website states – but this, as we see, does not always bring joy to future parents.

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    In any case, only mom and dad have the right to choose what type of diapers to use for their future kid, and also decide if they want to have a diaper cake for the baby shower. And if relatives impose their own views, it is totally inappropriate anyway. Like, for example, with these in-laws, who forbade the new mother from breastfeeding while in their house if she was outside the guest room. By the way, what do you think about diaper cakes?

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    People in the comments agreed that diaper cakes are a big tradition yet the SIL’s behavior looks childish and totally inappropriate

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    Oleg Tarasenko

    Oleg Tarasenko

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

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    Oleg Tarasenko

    Oleg Tarasenko

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

    What do you think ?
    Dylan Toeback
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NTA, it’s a stupid decoration that’s wasteful, whether it’s “traditional” or not. Also, WTH is with your husband? Why doesn’t HE be the guest of honor at the shower since he’s getting so much input?

    Ms.GB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not wasteful, the diapers aren't traditionally pinned or hot glued together they are rolled and tied together very neatly with ribbon and typically inside you would put clothing, blankets, and other baby accessories.

    Load More Replies...
    madbakes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have seen diaper cakes. A couple of my friends received diaper cakes. They hated them, as getting the diapers into a flat shape again is a huge pain. That's of course if you can try to use them at all since some diapers will be unusable.

    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont know how to feel about the fact that these sanitary products have been opened and handled in ways I will never know are sanitary and then expect me to use them on my new born babies sensitive butt, it doesnt seem like a very good idea but thats just my opinion.

    Load More Replies...
    Slinkaste
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hot glue and diapers? Hot glue can ruin the diapers. I mean, if she hot glue diapers together, you can tear a hole in the diapers outer tissue when you try to separate them. Actually say, I’m not a fan of diapers as a gift for newborn. You never know what size your child will need (my daughter was big enough and newborn size was too small for her), you don’t know if your child will have any allergies of diapers. That’s why I had few samples from different and after first try on I knew what kind of diapers my baby needs and my husband delivered.

    Ms.GB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never know anyone to use anything but ribbon and rubber bands for making a diaper cake. The whole point is to be able to use the diapers afterward. I think a lot of people don't know how a diaper cake is made unless they are just doing it for decorating which is really silly because diapers are expensive.

    Load More Replies...
    HC
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone needs to learn how to keep a secret. Diaper cakes are lame and don't taste very good. I'm pregnant and want the real cake. The tastier the better.

    Lee-Ann
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The hot glue will ruin the diapers. SIL and Hubby are the A's

    InvincibleRodent
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the hell is wrong with people calling this person the AH? You have every right to reject a gift you don't want, regardless of the reason, the occasion, or the gifter's intention! She told her SIL nicely that she doesn't want a diaper cake, so she should not be getting a fkin diaper cake. The husband is 100% the AH here, and the fact that SIL is so emotionally attached to this (frankly, dumb and superficial) idea makes it sound like this is more of a thing for her, rather than an actual gift for OP anyway.

    J.Shabadoo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was going to post a very similar response. Totally agree with everything you said. I probably would have asked SIL if she could use washcloths and burp cloths instead. Those can be pinned together and taken apart easily.

    Load More Replies...
    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So the husband completely ignored his wife's opinion and went behind her back to make his sister happy. I hope that was a one off, otherwise he is going to end up with a very unhappy and isolated wife.

    Rachel Ainsworth
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess a normal gift wouldnt look good enough on Instagram???

    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THESE ARE STILL A THING?!? I'm almost 60, and I thought that was a thing with my mother's generation! That said, I know she drug me to baby showers when I was a kid, and you can make those cakes with baby wash clothes, burp rags, onesies...all things that the baby will need at some point provided you don't use really small onesies. As for being a gift, personally I hate for people to waste their money on something I might not or will not use, but it is their money and their gift. All you can do in advance is suggest an alternative, but they will do what they do. And if she gets a bunch of diapers she can't use, donate to a local women's shelter or nursery where they might be needed.

    Emmy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately those places will almost certainly not take them if they've been opened and not glued together. The organization o volunteer at certainly will not.

    Load More Replies...
    Claire Jones
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God! I feel like this is so petty and not at all an issue that a family should argue over 🙄

    Load More Comments
    Dylan Toeback
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NTA, it’s a stupid decoration that’s wasteful, whether it’s “traditional” or not. Also, WTH is with your husband? Why doesn’t HE be the guest of honor at the shower since he’s getting so much input?

    Ms.GB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not wasteful, the diapers aren't traditionally pinned or hot glued together they are rolled and tied together very neatly with ribbon and typically inside you would put clothing, blankets, and other baby accessories.

    Load More Replies...
    madbakes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have seen diaper cakes. A couple of my friends received diaper cakes. They hated them, as getting the diapers into a flat shape again is a huge pain. That's of course if you can try to use them at all since some diapers will be unusable.

    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont know how to feel about the fact that these sanitary products have been opened and handled in ways I will never know are sanitary and then expect me to use them on my new born babies sensitive butt, it doesnt seem like a very good idea but thats just my opinion.

    Load More Replies...
    Slinkaste
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hot glue and diapers? Hot glue can ruin the diapers. I mean, if she hot glue diapers together, you can tear a hole in the diapers outer tissue when you try to separate them. Actually say, I’m not a fan of diapers as a gift for newborn. You never know what size your child will need (my daughter was big enough and newborn size was too small for her), you don’t know if your child will have any allergies of diapers. That’s why I had few samples from different and after first try on I knew what kind of diapers my baby needs and my husband delivered.

    Ms.GB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never know anyone to use anything but ribbon and rubber bands for making a diaper cake. The whole point is to be able to use the diapers afterward. I think a lot of people don't know how a diaper cake is made unless they are just doing it for decorating which is really silly because diapers are expensive.

    Load More Replies...
    HC
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone needs to learn how to keep a secret. Diaper cakes are lame and don't taste very good. I'm pregnant and want the real cake. The tastier the better.

    Lee-Ann
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The hot glue will ruin the diapers. SIL and Hubby are the A's

    InvincibleRodent
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the hell is wrong with people calling this person the AH? You have every right to reject a gift you don't want, regardless of the reason, the occasion, or the gifter's intention! She told her SIL nicely that she doesn't want a diaper cake, so she should not be getting a fkin diaper cake. The husband is 100% the AH here, and the fact that SIL is so emotionally attached to this (frankly, dumb and superficial) idea makes it sound like this is more of a thing for her, rather than an actual gift for OP anyway.

    J.Shabadoo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was going to post a very similar response. Totally agree with everything you said. I probably would have asked SIL if she could use washcloths and burp cloths instead. Those can be pinned together and taken apart easily.

    Load More Replies...
    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So the husband completely ignored his wife's opinion and went behind her back to make his sister happy. I hope that was a one off, otherwise he is going to end up with a very unhappy and isolated wife.

    Rachel Ainsworth
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess a normal gift wouldnt look good enough on Instagram???

    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THESE ARE STILL A THING?!? I'm almost 60, and I thought that was a thing with my mother's generation! That said, I know she drug me to baby showers when I was a kid, and you can make those cakes with baby wash clothes, burp rags, onesies...all things that the baby will need at some point provided you don't use really small onesies. As for being a gift, personally I hate for people to waste their money on something I might not or will not use, but it is their money and their gift. All you can do in advance is suggest an alternative, but they will do what they do. And if she gets a bunch of diapers she can't use, donate to a local women's shelter or nursery where they might be needed.

    Emmy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately those places will almost certainly not take them if they've been opened and not glued together. The organization o volunteer at certainly will not.

    Load More Replies...
    Claire Jones
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God! I feel like this is so petty and not at all an issue that a family should argue over 🙄

    Load More Comments
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