Caring for Reborns: The Do’s and the Don’ts
- therebornhub
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 6
The moment I held my first reborn, I was shocked. I knew based on the description that he would be weighted, but I was amazed by how his head flopped. The realism was incredible. His head fell like a real baby, and his head required support. His tiny veins, his mottling, and his little lashes were evidence of the artist’s capabilities. I was almost scared to handle my reborn at first because I wanted to keep his art and realism intact.
I quickly realized that care for your reborn doll is so significant. Handling a reborn incorrectly can lead to paint being rubbed off, paint chipping, and in the case of silicone, tearing. This hobby is an investment for collectors, and we want to handle these babies the best we can. It’s also important to maintain good condition in case you want to resell your baby. But for many collectors, it’s much more than just resale value. These dolls are art, the provide comfort, and emotional connection. Taking care of them isn’t just about preserving them, it’s also about respecting the artists and honoring the baby.
Support the Head
Reborns are created to look and feel as realistic as possible. Part of that realism is the floppy, weighted head. When you pick up your reborn, the head will fall back, the same way a newborns head does.
The lifelike details make handling them special, but it also means you must support their head always. The limbs are also lightly weighted, and they need support too. Think of it like this: If you would not hold a real baby that way, don’t do it with your reborn.
Do:
*Always support the head
*Hold the weighted limbs when picking them up
Don’t:
*Grab the baby by the head or limbs
*Swing the doll around
Be Gentle
Being gentle is key. A reborn is a piece of art made with many paint layers, finely rooted hair, and delicate lashes. Handling them rough can lead to lasting damage.
When I pick up my reborn, I’m reminded of when my kids were little. I hold them carefully, dress them gently, and protect their hair and paint with soft touches. It’s not only safer for the doll, but it also strengthens the nurturing experience of collecting.
Do:
*Handle gently, as you would a newborn
*Use loose clothing
Don’t:
*Force the clothing over the head and limbs
*Bend limbs in odd ways or let small children handle roughly
Cleaning
Cleaning should always be soft and minimal.
For vinyl reborns:
*Use a damp cloth for dust and dirt.
*A q-tip works for tiny creases like fingers or ears.
*Never rub too hard as the paint layers can rub off.
*Never immerse in water because water can seep into the cloth body and cause mold.
For silicone reborns:
*Wash lightly with lukewarm water.
*Steer clear of scrubbing with chemicals.
*Don’t use wipes, alcohol, or disinfectants as they can harm the paint or texture.
Do:
*Use a damp cloth or q-tip
*Keep the cleaning gentle and limited
Don’t:
*Use soaps, chemicals, or baby wipes
*Dunk your reborn in water
Caring for Hair
How you care for their hair depends on what kinds they have:
*Painted hair doesn’t need special care. Be careful not to scratch it.
*Rooted hair only requires light misting with water before brushing. Use a baby brush or a soft toothbrush and avoid pulling on the hair.
*For silicone reborns with rooted hair, be extra careful. The hair can’t be glued from the inside so it can fall out with rough handling.
Some collectors choose to use mohair conditioner, but it’s not necessary. Water works fine. They key is not to brush too hard.
Do:
*Spray lightly with water
*Brush with a soft baby brush or toothbrush
Don’t:
*Submerge the head in water
*Use heat tools, use strong chemicals, or brush too often
Wash Clothes and Blankets
This is one step that is most often disregarded. New clothes and blankets can stain your doll. Be especially cautious of dark dyes like red, dark blue, or black.
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It’s important to prewash clothes, blankets, and even accessories like plushies or pacifiers. Use fragrance free detergent. If you want to put darker clothing on your reborn, it may be smart to layer it on top of a white onesie.
Do:
*Clean all new clothes and blankets before use
Don’t:
*Clothe your reborn with dark, unwashed clothes
*Wrap them in dyed fabrics for a long period of time
Store in a Cool, Dry Space
Reborns are sensitive to their environment.
*Heat can melt vinyl or warp it.
*Cold can cause brittle and cracking material.
*Sunlight can cause fading paint and yellowing.
*Humidity can make the vinyl sticky and damage silicone.
The best storage is a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If displayed, keep them away from windows. To store them long term, use breathable blankets. Avoid sealed plastic bags that can hold in moisture.
Do:
*Store in a cool, dry area
*Use breathable fabrics to cover them
Don’t:
*Leave your reborn in hot cars, humid basements, or bright sunlight
*Store in tightly sealed plastic bags
Silicone Special Instructions
Silicone babies are even more delicate than vinyl and need special care.
*Handle carefully. Stretching or pulling on fingers or limbs can damage them.
*After handling them, silicone gets tacky. Powdering can help restore a smooth, matte feel. Use silicone matting powder or cornstarch and apply with a soft brush.
*Be gentle with accessories like pacifiers so the mouth doesn’t tear.
Do:
*Powder silicone regularly to decrease stickiness
*Use a soft cosmetic brush to apply powder
*Handle with extra care and support the whole body
Don’t:
*Stretch or yank on fragile areas like fingers or the mouth
Conclusion
Collecting reborns is a privilege and a pleasure. These dolls aren’t toys. They’re works of art produced with extensive time and skill. Collectors invest hundreds, even thousands of dollars on reborns, and the best way to honor that is by caring for them properly.
Remember to support the head, handle gently, clean softly, brush their hair with care, wash clothes, store wisely, and give silicone extra treatment. Every step shows the love for this hobby.
Taking care of reborns isn’t a chore. It’s part of the experience of owning them. Cherishing them fortifies your emotional bond, protects their beauty, and make certain your babies continue to bring you peace and comfort for years to come.
Remember: Handle gently, take proper precautions, and love kindly. The more gentle you care for your reborn, the longer they’ll keep bringing you joy.
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