The Quilts Zone Blog

An infant bath is a type of celebration which is designed in order to welcome the newest fellow member in the family. Although child bathrooms were initially intended just for first-borns, contemporary practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby which comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Note, however, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

· “Daddy’s shower” – a men-only party for dads-to-be

· “Grandma’s shower” – a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

· “Diaper showers” or “baby sprinkles” – a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It’s quite common for any baby shower celebration to have a concept, that the entire party centers on. Baby shower celebration essentials typically consist of games, provides, as well as food… and a cake!

A party is not complete without a cake, and this also applies to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. All-in-together – this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method – this is done by ‘creaming’ butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method – this is done by ‘rubbing’ the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix – this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making – this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

· Angelfood cake

· Butter cake

· Butterfly cake

· Carrot cake

· Cheesecake

· Chocolate cake

· Chiffon cake

· Cupcake

· Devil’s food cake

· Fruit cake

· Gingerbread

· Ice cream cake

· Mooncake

· Pineapple upside down cake

· Pound cake

· Spice cake

· Sponge cake

A side from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. 1 good idea would be to style a baby shower dessert and make this seem like an expectant stomach. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children’s toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Plaything block cakes could be further enhanced through surrounding all of them with sweets or even small plaything vehicles.

Of course, you can also test and then try to develop ideas of your own. Remember that the ‘goal’ is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.