What Not to Say to a Reborn Parent (And What Is Okay to Ask)

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Many people who enjoy collecting reborns also enjoy sharing them online with like minded people. I'm one of those people! Through sharing my life with reborns, I've found such a wonderful and supportive community. But with sharing online... comes comments. Lots of them.

Some people are truly curious and mean well. Others? They're straight up rude and not interested in understanding the hobby at all. I've seen it all. So, let's break down what's acceptable to ask, and what's better left unsaid.

Newborn Baby Bear Outfit Suit Girls Boys

What Not to Say to Reborn Collectors

These comments often feel dismissive, judgmental, or based on misunderstanding:

"You need therapy."

You never know what someone has been through or what support they already have. For some people, reborns are part of their healing journey. Suggesting therapy implies something is "wrong" with someone enjoying a harmless hobby... and that's just not okay.

"Why don't you just adopt?"

I know collectors who have kids, collectors who don't want kids, and collectors who have experienced loss. This is a hobby. Adoption is not a hobby replacement. Adoption is deeply personal, emotional, and expensive. It has nothing to do with collecting art.

"It's not a real baby."

Trust me... we know. I don't treat my reborns like real babies because they're not. I can set a reborn down and leave the house, something you definitely shouldn't do with a real baby.

"That's creepy."

Everyone has opinions, but kindness matters. Calling reborns creepy or weird is not a helpful "opinion." If you have nothing nice to say... maybe don't say anything.

"Did you lose a baby?"

This is incredibly invasive. Not everyone collects reborns due to grief, and asking can reopen very deep wounds for someone who has experienced loss. Be sensitive.

"You're too old to play with dolls."

Comfort is not age restricted. And if someone does play with dolls? That's totally valid. You are never too old for joy.

"Isn't that a waste of money?"

People spend money on video games, sports gear, sneakers, collectibles... the list goes on. If something brings someone happiness and it hurts no one? It's not a waste.

"It looks dead."

It can't look dead if it was never alive! But honestly, this comment is so disrespectful. Artists pour hours of work into creating lifelike babies, and collectors invest a lot into their hobby. Referring to the artistry as "dead" is unnecessary and hurtful.

Carter's Child of Mine Baby Knit Bootie, Size Newborn

What's Okay to Ask Instead

These questions show curiosity and respect, and most collectors love answering them!

"What got you into collecting reborns?"

Usually, the story is adorable! Mine started because I saw them online and thought they were just so cute.

"How long does it take to make one?"

Hours and hours! Each artist works differently, but every reborn is created with patience and skill.

"Do you have a favorite sculpt pr artist?"

Yes! Most collectors love talking about the artists they adore, the babies they've bonded with, and the sculpts on their wish lists.

"How do you take care of them?"

Gently. They're artwork, and we want to protect them so they last for years.

"How often do you dress them?"

Personally, I change mine about once a week. Enough to enjoy them, but not so often that I wear them down.

"What do you love most about your dolls?"

There's so much to love! The realism, the soft hair, the adorable tiny outfits... but the weight and comfort are definitely my favorite part.

"How many babies are in your collection?"

At this time, I have four. I've had many over the years, but I like keeping a small collection so I can stay bonded with each one.

"Do you name them and give them personalities?"

Absolutely! Naming them is one of my favorite parts. Sometimes I even imagine what their personality would be like.

BABY Muslin Swaddle Blankets

Final Thoughts

Reborn collectors enjoy this hobby for so many different reasons: art comfort, nostalgia, companionship, emotional support, or just plain fun. There's a big difference between asking respectful questions and making hurtful assumptions.

A little kindness goes a long way. Speak with curiosity, not judgement. You might just discover a fascinating hobby and make a friend along the way!

I'll always welcome open minded questions and answer honestly. Thanks for learning with me!

Christopher Cuddle