How to Buy Reborn Babies

If you want a realistic-looking baby doll, you might love a reborn baby. Reborns have been carefully hand-painted by artists to look realistic. Some people buy reborns as collector’s items, some people use them for therapeutic purposes, and other people have them for fun. Since these dolls aren’t mass-produced, you can’t just find them in a normal toy store. Instead, look online for reborn babies or go to a craft fair or convention. Then, check to make sure the doll has all the features you want before buying.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Finding Reborn Babies

  1. Artists use different models, called kits, to create their reborn dolls. Find out which kits you like can help with your shopping process. Some are created from awake kits (eyes open), and some with asleep kits (eyes closed). [1]
    • You can also decide what size kit you want because there are options for preemies, newborns, or bigger dolls.
    • A simple google search of “reborn baby kits” should lead you to websites that describe different kits.
    • Different artists are willing to do different things. Some artists don’t root hair, for example, because it is too time-consuming, so if you care about rooted hair you’ll want to find a different artist.
  2. Both sites offer you the ability to search through many different artists’ work. Type in “reborn doll” and whatever kit you are looking for into the search bar, and browse the different options. Read reviews and examine the photos to find a reborn baby that looks promising. [2]
    • It’s best to go for artists that have already sold many reborns and have lots of positive reviews.
    • The cheapest options might be tempting, but check that they are not just factory-made dolls. Some dolls called “reborn” online are really just marked up, cheap baby dolls.
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  3. Reborn artists often call their webpages "reborn nurseries." Artists often sell their work through Facebook, Instagram, or their own website. It’s best to use a reputable site where people leave reviews. [3]
    • If you’ve already heard of a specific reborn artist that you follow on YouTube or social media, check whether they sell dolls.
    • Be wary of scammers and try to avoid first-time artists because their work won’t be as quality.
  4. You might not be able to do this on eBay, but if you are buying a doll through Etsy or on Facebook or Instagram, you should be able to contact the seller directly and ask for a safety picture. In the picture, the seller should show you the doll and a piece of paper on which they write the date, their name, and some specific message you request. [4]
    • This way, you can verify that they in fact still have the doll and aren’t scamming you with old pictures.
    • Of course, it is possible for people to fake these safety pictures, but it will help weed out unethical sellers.
    • You can also request additional pictures from the artist that aren’t posted online.
  5. As the popularity of reborn baby dolls increases, there are more doll conventions, but they still might be hard to find. Plan ahead by searching online for when the next convention will be. Conventions often have tables where many artists sell their dolls, and you can explore a range of options. [5]
    • Follow local artists on their social media to find out if they are going to be at conventions near you.
  6. You can narrow down your search according to your price range. Custom-made reborns and reborns with many features are going to be more expensive. Deciding your price range ahead of time can help keep you from getting carried away by all the possibilities. [6]
    • If you’re looking for a doll for a child, you might be better off with a normal baby doll which is often under $10.
    • If you are willing to buy a doll second hand, you might be able to get a quality reborn for $150.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Ensuring the Doll is High Quality

  1. Many artists will take custom orders and create a reborn baby doll that looks like the picture you send them. For example, if you want a doll that resembles your child who is now an adult, you can provide baby pictures of your child to the artist, who can then replicate a reborn baby doll based on your child's features. [7]
  2. If you’ve heard of a feature that you think would be cool, don’t assume that the baby doll comes like that automatically, because dolls vary a lot. Most reborn babies come with joints so that you can reposition them, but you should check just in case. Some reborns can come with magnets in their mouths so that pacifiers stick or little hospital bracelets to make it look like they just came home from the hospital. [8]
    • Some reborns come scented or with baby perfume. [9]
  3. Look at the skin to see if it has a matte appearance and is painted with quality paint. Check for realistic mottling and veining. Many artists use Genesis paints, though other brands work as well. The first paint to rub of if usually on the fingers, toes, and mouth, so be extra careful when looking at those areas. [10]
    • Look for details like wrinkles and blushing on the feet.
  4. Reborn babies often have hand-rooted mohair or even hand-rooted real human hair. For a cheaper hair option, you can also buy a reborn which has their hair painted on. Ask the seller what type of hair they used before you buy. [11]
    • If you want to be able to style and play with the reborn’s hair, don’t get it painted on.
  5. Reborn baby dolls are weighted so that they feel like real babies. They are often between 7 to 9 pounds (3.2 to 4.1 kg), but you should check that the doll is a weight you’re comfortable carrying around. You want the doll to be heavy enough to feel satisfying in your arms, but not so heavy that you can’t carry it comfortably.
    • If it’s a newborn reborn, the head should be pretty heavy, and you’ll have to support it with your hand.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I send a picture of a reborn doll so that it can be made?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can! Make sure that you send a good and clear photo of what you want the doll to look like.
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      Tips

      • You can also buy reborn baby kits that contain doll body parts and the materials needed to make your own reborn baby. These kits can usually be purchased from reborn doll artists or from online retailers.
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      • Be aware of the return policy when you buy.
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      • Once you have found your perfect reborn, you can buy clothes and accessories and enjoy dressing up the doll.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/bwn9q9J4x-s?t=58
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/yEp29i1Qt74?t=85
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/FdRKjtuZDLw?t=153
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/fvRGR-CrLt8?t=512
      5. ↑ https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/reborn-dolls-tradeshow-with-daughter/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/PUUPiog7OuU?t=60
      7. ↑ https://video.vice.com/en_us/video/ksanagenimena-mora/55a5092496ff96657d862bb8
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/EFSfPcwRiFU?t=54
      9. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/photo-gallery-reborn-baby-dolls/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/PUUPiog7OuU?t=469
      2. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/photo-gallery-reborn-baby-dolls/

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