Here is what you should look for:

• Skin tone/texture: What sets apart Reborns from standard dolls is their lifelike features and you’ll want skin tone and texture to look and feel as natural as possible.
• Realistic features: Features such as freckles, moles, wrinkling and even small pimples may be important to you so examine dolls up close and carefully.
• Body quality: Suede will feel more natural than cloth and silicone will feel more natural than vinyl. Check for proportionality, as well.
• Hair: You may or may not want hair on your Reborn. Whatever you decide, make sure it looks realistic whether it is painted on, rooted, or glued onto the doll’s head. You’ll also want to check manufacturer recommendations if washing/styling will matter.
• Weight: If a true realistic feel is what you are looking for, weight will make a difference.
• “Limited edition” or “sold-out” claims: These terms are sometimes used to increase the cost but can also be inaccurate.
• Seller’s history: Depending on where you purchase your doll, a seller’s history may be available and this is where you will gain the most insight. Read carefully customer reviews and you’ll easily discover whether you can or cannot trust the seller.
• BONUS TIP: Ask for CLEAR pictures before buying! You’ll want full body pictures of your doll including close ups and ask for pictures of the dolls clothed and unclothed so you can see the type of body you’ll be getting.

There are basically three types of materials that make a Reborn stand out:

• Silicone: This material is best for collectors and not meant to be heavily handled. It is susceptible to wear and tear but it does feel more like a baby’s skin than other materials. These are the most expensive dolls on the market with prices ranging from $200 – $1,000.
• Flex Touch Vinyl: A combination of silicone and vinyl, this will be the closest you can get to a vinyl doll feeling like silicone. These dolls will be cheaper than silicone but have some qualities of silicone. Flex Touch Vinyl does well against wear and tear. They are suitable for play and collecting.
• Gentle Touch Vinyl: These dolls are made completely of vinyl. These dolls typically have very realistic features as well as a realistic feel. They are also highly resistant to wear and tear. In addition, you’ll find these dolls to be the least expensive option.

While not necessarily difficult, Reborn dolls do require a bit more care than standard dolls. There are hand-painted details and hair to think about when caring for your Reborn. Use the following suggestions to maintain your doll:

• Avoid direct heat and sunlight.
• Avoid staining your doll by testing fabrics if they are highly pigmented (you can rub fabric on a test piece of vinyl) and washing all clothing before dressing your doll.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets if your doll is meant to be a collectible.
• If your doll contains magnetic parts then keep it away from anyone with a hearing aid, pacemaker, metal implants.
• Treat your doll as you would an infant – use care and caution when handling and cleaning.
• Gently dust your doll with a soft cloth to remove debris.

Reborn hair also requires special care:

• Wig hair: Use a soft bristle brush to remove debris and dust particles.
• Mohair: This type of hair is delicate and shouldn’t be brushed or washed. Use your fingertips to pat the hair down into place.
• Water: Submersion in water NOT recommended for any Reborn. Use a slightly damp cloth instead. Even better, use dry shampoo.

Absolutely! Aside from Reborn enthusiasts who collect the dolls, Reborns can be used to calm anxiety, help as a coping mechanism for grief due to the loss of a child, to help with stress disorders, and can be just plain fun!

If you are seeking to use Reborn as a type of coping mechanism, please consult with your doctor on the best and healthiest way to proceed.