Lifelike dolls: Is it a hobby or is she crazy?

Truly Christen
Sep 21, 2018
9 min read

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. – Dr. Seuss

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I remember being six years old in grade one and my teacher asking, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” My reply to this question has always been the same to this day “A mother.”

Ever since I can remember I have always loved children, so naturally, as a child, I gravitated towards baby dolls as my main toy. I was the kid who would want the baby alive and baby Annabelle's because of the realistic features that were being incorporated in these interactive toys. Ironically, this is how I came to find out about reborn dolls.

What is a Reborn Doll?

Now, a reborn doll defined loosely is a doll made to look as realistic as possible. From my own understanding being in the reborn community as well as from a source found on the internet, a more detailed definition would be a doll that has been artistically altered. Quite often these alterations are done to give these dolls a realistic look but there are other dolls that have alterations to make them look like the stuff from 'fairytales' or 'mythological creatures' as well as like animals. Some of these can be seen in the Avatar reborns, chimpanzee, monkey, piglet, puppy reborns and zombie, vampire, alien and fairy reborns. Though the majority of collectors seem to gravitate more towards the realistic reborn we do from time to time see these fantasy and animal reborns.

What are Reborn Dolls Made off?

A typical reborn doll is made up of Vinyl limbs and a cloth body. The Vinyl or silicone limbs are painted with heat set or air dry paints. Genesis Heat Set oil-based paints are the most common paints used to create a reborn doll. After the painting process, the limbs and body are filled with tiny glass beads to give the doll's weight. Other items used for weight are poly pellets and silicone fat inserts, however, glass beads require less to add more weight. The limbs and body are also stuffed with polyfill to give it the soft cuddly feeling. Recently, there is an emergence of silicone being used to create full body and/ or partial silicone reborn dolls. These silicone versions have added realism in the fact that they can be full-bodied- anatomically correct, enabling them to have all the real parts a baby would have as well as more flexible and have more realistic movements in the limbs. Some reborn dolls are open-eyed which means the option of different eye colours is available. Another optional feature is that of a belly plate can be added to the cloth bodied dolls, which can either be gender-neutral or anatomically correct. Also, some of these babies are made with hair. The most common fibre used for this is mohair which is most often the wool of alpacas on the other hand for older dolls and for better realism the use of human hair is also acceptable.

How I found out about Reborn dolls?

Okay, Okay enough about the general aspects of reborn dolls, I know you all want to know how I first came to know about these wonderful works of art. Now for those of you who know me on a personal level, you know that I get baby fever quite frequently even when I was younger. I was 13 when I found out about reborns and in one of those baby fever moods but Obviously, I was too to have a baby and my mother was just not cooperating when I asked for another sibling (Insert emoji) who knows why (insert shaking head here) parents I tell you. With all this I did what any 13-year-old baby and doll lover would do, I set out on the internet using the keywords "Realistic baby dolls". This search brought up a number of results like the baby alive dolls and the baby Annabelle which by then I had already owned. The result, however, that caught my attention were the google images, my first encounter with a doll looking so real it just had to be a real baby. I was surprised, however, when I clicked on the link under the image to see an eBay bid. It was indeed a doll. The listing had the term 'reborn doll' in it, so, I researched the term and was thrust into a world that was indeed my own personal heaven. Unfortunately, I no longer have the picture of that very first reborn I saw nor is it on Google anymore, but the realism on that baby doll was breathtaking.

Why I collect Reborn Dolls?

If the reasons why I collect these dolls have not been made clear to you by now then let me go ahead and outline them. I collect reborn dolls for many reasons. My top three reasons, however, are pretty straightforward.

1. I collect them as a substitute

The fact that I am young, 22, and not fully in possession of my assets typically means that I am not yet financially able to have, raise and/or support the development of a child. The reborns therefore, become a substitute child in that, I can get the feeling of holding a baby, caring for a baby--of course not to the point where I think they actually need food to survive or to be changed frequently, without the added burden of financially maintaining a living, growing, breathing, dependent human being. Let's be real though, of course, I buy them real clothes and even real accessories such as strollers or bassinets and even bottles my justification, however, is that not only is baby shopping my retail therapy but all that I buy is actually put away for my future children.

2. Therapy

These dolls are therapeutic for many and though I am not yet ready to delve into my own demons, I can honestly say that they have been a therapeutic measure for me through some of my weakest moments. Just picking up one of the baby dolls and holding them gives me a calm feeling. I do not know why personally, but it is said that the body releases 'Oxytocin' a chemical that gives one ' a feel-good' sensation, whenever one holds or hugs a small infant or child. Some professionals believe that the lifelike characteristics in features and weight of a reborn doll, that mimics that of an infant or small child-yes there are toddler-sized and even child-sized reborn dolls- tricks the body into releasing this same feel-good chemical when a reborn is held or cuddled. There is ongoing research about the positive effects holding and/ or cuddling a reborn has on individuals with Alzheimer's.

3. Appreciation of the Art Work

Thirdly, let's not forget, that though these are dolls, there is a deep level of artistry that goes into making them. It is no different than someone buying a Van Gough painting and hanging it in their homes. These dolls are artworks that deserve as much admiration and awe as any other work of art. I developed My own deep awe and admiration after starting to learn how to make them myself. As they say, sometimes you never understand or appreciate things until you have to work for it yourself and though I had really appreciated these creations from the start, I gained a more profound respect for the hard work that goes into making these beautiful creations.

How My Friends and Family Feel about my collection?

Many individuals in the reborn community have had mixed reactions from family and friends pertaining to the reborn hobby. Reactions ranging from ostracization to complete acceptance are seen in varying degrees. I believe the more severe reactions are caused by misinformation. I, on the other hand, was blessed with the most accepting friends and family I could ever ask for. Each of my friends believes that as long as I am happy and not harming anyone then I should be allowed to enjoy and collect whatever I choose to. My family are just as accepting though at first, they were a bit sceptical about the amount of money these dolls cost.

Why Did I start making Reborn Dolls?

Above I referred to the price of these dolls. A general price range for a good quality vinyl reborn doll typically ranges from $USD300 to the low thousands. For silicones, it can be anywhere around $USD1,000 to, and I have personally seen bids go up to, $USD 10,000. With this being said it was only logical for me to want to find a cheaper way to facilitate my hobby, thus I ventured into learning how to create these pieces of art. It is significantly cheaper to make your own as you do not have to deal with artist fees for time spent to create this art piece, but rather only pay for the supplies, however, I believe that paying for the good quality and effort of an artist is definitely worth it.

Who Made My Dolls and their Details?

Name: Qadirah Sahayl

Size: 19 inches long (Newborn Size)

Ethnicity: Mixed Race

Artist: Courtney Monk of Forever Babies Nursery

Qadirah was my first ever professionally made reborn baby doll. I had her custom-made which means I had full controls over her skin tone, kit and weight. She has a magnet inside her head that holds a magnetized pacifier in place. You can find her artist on Facebook or Instagram. She came home to me on July 24th, 2016 this day is the day I consider her 'birth date'.

Name: Camden Jayce

Size: 18 inches long (Newborn Size)

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Artist:

Camden is actually the last professionally made reborn I got. He was not custom made. I received him on February 19th, 2018.

He has a partial torso that stops just below the belly button. He has a detachable umbilical cord. He can take a modified pacifier since his mouth is partially open. A modded pacifier is one where some if not most of the nipple is cut off leaving a small piece that will fit into the opening of the mouth of the doll.

Name: Cyrus Majid

Size: 22 inches long (3 Month sized) Ethnicity: Mixed Race Artist: Betty-Ann Blackburn of Sweet thingz Nursery

Cyrus came to me on February 17th, 2017. He was made pretty much less than 20 minutes from where I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I delivered his kit and picked the finished product up. He was my only boy reborn for a while. He takes a modified pacifier and an anatomically correct torso plate. He is rooted with mohair.

Name: Jamaica Mariposa

Size: 22 inches long (6 Month sized)

Ethnicity: Mixed Race

Artist: Courtney Monk of Forever Babies Nursery

Jamaica is the dearest to me. She came to me on July 12th, 2017. She was made but the same artist as Qadirah. She takes a magnetized pacifier and is rooted with very soft mohair. She has a present moon 'birthmark' on her right thigh. She was custom-made, customized to my liking. Her name Jamaica Mariposa, Nickname: Jah'Mari was picked for two reasons One to showcase my culture and remind me of where I am from, Jamaica, as well as the love I have for my second language, Spanish and my obsession with butterflies -Mariposa is a butterfly in Spanish. Two, I just thought the name suited her facial features. To date, this little one is my favourite reborn and she goes everywhere with me. Yes, she is here in Jamaica with me. ;)

Name: Disney Eliyana Elias

Size: 28 inches long (12 Month sized)

Ethnicity: Mixed Race

Artist: ME!

This little one was created by me. She is the size of a typical 1 year old and is rooted with human hair. She takes a modified pacifier and is weighted pretty heavily. she does not have a. creation as of yet as I am not completely finished making her as yet. She was, however, put together for later finishing in February 2018.

Name: Alylah Monet Royale

Size: 29.5 inches long (24 Month sized)

Ethnicity: Mixed Race

Artist: ME!

Alylah is the first toddler I ever painted. She is the size of a 2-year-old and also takes a modified pacifier. She was finished somewhat on June 11th, 2016. She has straight legs which enable her to stand whether leaning against something or without support. She is not yet rooted but sometimes sports a yarn wig or a partial wig.

The best thing about having all these reborns of varying sizes is that when I sew, I have a set of models to try on the items as well as for photographs to add to my business website.

For me collecting reborn dolls is a fun hobby that is very beneficial to me. If that makes me crazy then so be it. Being 'normal' and 'fitting in' has never been one of my aspirations.

"Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you?" ~Fanny Brice

"It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not."~Andre Gide

"Fitting in allows you to blend in with everyone else, but being different allows you to be yourself, to be unique and to be more creative." ~Sonya Parker

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