Vinyl vs Silicone: Which Reborn is Right for Me?

I bought my first silicone doll years ago, and I was overwhelmed with excitement! I remember seeing her for the first time and being stunned how real she felt. Silicone is so soft and flexible and it was unlike anything else in the doll world. Silicone bends and squishes in a way that vinyl doesn't and I was so happy to have my new baby.

I was inexperienced and what I didn't realize was how much care a silicone baby requires. Over time, my baby began to grow sticky. No matter how careful I was, dust, pet hair, and tiny bits of lint clung to her skin. Even worse, one day I noticed a tear in the delicate face. I had spent a significant amount of money on her, and I felt heartbroken and disappointed.

This experience changed the way I collect reborns. I have since leaned more toward vinyl dolls. Vinyl is not as flexible or squishy as silicone, but it holds up more over time, it's more durable, and it requires less upkeep. This blog is all about helping you decide whether vinyl or silicone is the right fit for you.

The Difference Between Vinyl and Silicone

Vinyl and silicone are two very different materials.

• Vinyl is a harder plastic. It's firmer to the touch, but the paint sticks better which means artists can add amazing detail like realistic veining and tiny mottling. Vinyl reborns are lighter in weigh and easier to pose for photography.

• Silicone is a softer rubber like material. It's extremely lifelike to hold due to it's bendability and flexibility. Some collectors feel the experience of cuddling a silicone doll is the closets thing to holding a real newborn.

Both vinyl and silicone are beautiful works of art, created by skilled artists. They're very different, though, and they come with unique pros, cons, and lifestyle considerations.

Lifestyle Fit

Lets discuss the lifestyle aspect. Which doll is right for you varies depending on your needs.

• If you have kids or pets, vinyl may be the best fit. It's let fragile and easier to keep clean.

• If you are into realism or roleplay, silicone may be more fulfilling. Because it feels like real baby skin and can be bathed, roleplay with silicone may be more engaging.

• If you're on a budget or just starting out, vinyl may be the safer option. You can get a gorgeous and detailed baby without spending thousands.

Vinyl Reborns

Pros

More durable: Vinyl dolls don't tear easily. The paint is less likely to wear over time making them longer lasting. You can give lots of cuddles without them wearing down.

More affordable. Vinyl is much less expensive to produce making it more budget friendly. Prices for vinyl are typically $400-$2,000 depending on the artists skill level.

Paint holds up beautifully. Vinyl takes paint well which allows artists to make realistic details like veins and blushing. This means vinyl can look more realistic in photos.

Pet friendly. While you should always be careful having your reborns around pets, vinyl can handle pet hair better than delicate silicone.

Lighter weight. Vinyl is easier to carry, pose, and dress. This is great for collectors who want to handle their dolls frequently.

Better resale value. Vinyl reborns tend to hold their resale value better due to their durability.

Cons

Can't be bathed. Water and moisture can cause molding or mildew.

Less realistic skin texture. Unlike silicone, vinyl doesn't replicate human skin. Their limbs are firmer and not bendable.

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Silicone Reborns

Pros

Feels realistic. Silicone is soft, squishy, and flexible, and has a real skin feel. When you hold one, the realism is undeniable.

Can be bathed. Roleplay is so much more fun when you can fully bathe your baby.

Cons

Fragile. Silicone can easily tear, especially around the fingers, toes, and mouth.

Requires upkeep. Silicone gets sticky and has to be powdered with baby powder or cornstarch after handling them.

Attracts lint and pet hair. When it gets sticky, it's a magnet for hair, dust, and lint.

Stiff joints. Because they don't have the ball joints like vinyl, their arms and legs don't move as freely.

High price. Full body silicone babies typically cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Other Options

If you aren't sure that you want to commit to one or the other, there are thankfully hybrid options.

• Silicone cuddle baby. These dolls have a silicone head attached to a soft cloth body. This makes them cuddly, lighter to hold, and less expensive.

• Partial silicone reborn. These babies have a silicone head and limbs but a cloth body. They're flexible, great cuddlers, and a middle ground in both price and realism.

Budget Considerations

Vinyl: $400-$2,000 depending on the sculpt and artist.

Silicone: $2,000-$6,000 or more depending on the artist, or partial vs full body.

For your budget, you may be able to buy one premium silicone, or a small collection of vinyl dolls for the same price.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there is no single "best" option. What it comes down to is what you value most as a collector:

• Do you want the look of realism in photos and details? Vinyl may be the perfect fit for you.

• Do you prefer the feel of realism? Maybe silicone is worth the investment.

• Do you want a little of both? A partial silicone might be the best of both worlds.

Whatever you decide, it's so important to research artists, ask questions, and protect yourself from scams. Scammers often post counterfeits as authentic reborns. If you want to learn more about protecting yourself from scams, check out my other blog post on how to tell authentic from counterfeit reborns so you can shop with confidence.

The most important thing, whether your collection is silicone or vinyl, is that your dolls bring you comfort and a sense of connection.