Woah! This video really freaks me out! It is long but I could not pause it. Kind of like staring at the accident. The song choice makes it all the more disturbing. If you don’t get to the end, the best part is where we are sternly instructed not to search for ‘fake baby’ as the correct term is ‘reborn’. WTF!!
I searched YouTube for these ‘babies’ after seeing a scary little news story on the Today Show. You can see the story here.
Matt Lauer interviewed some frankly wacko rather interesting women Wednesday morning about these dolls called reborns. What the hell does that mean, reborn? EW! This interview was in anticipation of a BBC film called ‘My Fake Baby’ which is a documentary about these ‘babies’. (shame on you BBC, you did not use the right terminology, how ignorant!).
These dolls sell for thousands and are collected by women, some of whom dress them up and ‘care’ for them as if they were real. Yeh, this is real healthy. Touted as the perfect baby (um, wait, why is this ok?) one woman says that while she doesn’t have children this ‘satisfies a female instinct’ in her. Women find them therapeutic. Oh, I am thinking there is surely some therapy needed. This is way creepy, no? OK, so why do we not think these women need some serious help?
I particularly like the way you can pop their heads off, but hey, that’s me. Seriously, I never got to do this with my kids and I find that to be a nice feature, don’t you?
G-d bless the doll ‘artists’ who are making a fortune on these things. It got me to thinking that this could be a woman’s version of the sex doll. Seriously, they satisfy a need, right? No one gets hurt. Well maybe they do. I wonder about the woman in the interview who had a two-year-old at home. This woman left her real kid home to take her fake baby on TV, um yeh, we are real healthy. I worry about that kid getting the right kind of attention. While mommy is rocking plastic bro to sleep is real life toddler sticking her finger in a socket or something? (I know, I can be so judgmental sometimes).
My favorite line from the Lauer interview:
Matt: What do you do with an old baby when you get a new baby, put the old one on a shelf?
I am thinking if you did not have children there are many creatures that you can ‘satisfy your female instinct’ with. How about a cat? A puppy? Even a fish?
Then again, hard to dress up a fish.
Although there is something to be said about not needing to get a sitter.
i could cry but i don't have time 
They’ve been around for years, especially on Ebay. I do wonder, though, why they are soaring in popularity now. I wrote about my experience with them, etc. from the perspective of someone who has been reading posts from doll artist as well as collectors. Personally? They do creep me out – but to each his or her own.
I can’t go there. Just can’t. Very disturbing.
But, what was the answer?
I know
I just never know what I’m going to wake up to and find on your blog. Personally they’re nuts but it takes all kinds to make the world go round
I find this phenomenol!!!! These dolls will make a difference for the woman who’s had an abortion and can finally grieve by forgiving herself, or the woman who is barren. I think these are unbelievable tools that these women can use. What about the child that was lost to SIDS or in an accident
Karen, an interesting take. I surely encourage all opinions. But I felt the need to interject here.
First, it is unfair to make the assumption that women who have had abortions need to grieve and forgive themselves. I think you are projecting your own feelings about abortion.
As far as a tool for those who have lost or have not been able to have a child, I am unsure of the value of channeling that grief and unfulfilled desire into a piece of plastic.
Actually I agree with Karen. I’m amongst those women who at the moment in time is childless..i’m not barren but with my busy schedule and so forth I don’t have time to a child. I stumbled upon reborn doll when I was actually looking for something for my dad- he suffers with dementia. These dolls actually help people with dementia- as they have a need to care for something but unable too. Then I learned about how reborn dolls can be comforting to SOME women due to childloss, or unable to have one. When “Sage” my first reborn came home. I was delighted and I didn’t know why. The little girl came out and I couldn’t wait to open the box and see the craftsmanship in this doll. The weight of the doll feel like a real baby and there was this need to Cuddle her…as though she was real. I don’t have a nursery or anything like that for the reborn- but I don’t find it creepy at all… If a woman has a need to nurture something other than a cat or dog… and she find it in a reborn so be it… It’s no different from other hobbies… When I read or hear people claiming this is weird and strange… all I hear are people being bothered by the fact that they’ve been duped into thinking the dolls are real…and at that moment I just have to laugh. Because though they may look life like- They really don’t look it- from a collectors view.
You are very arrogant and you lack compassion. You say it is creepy that people dress dolls and yet you post a photo of your dog wearing sunglasses. So you are a hypocrite as well. Do no reply to me because I will not lower myself to read it. Let me just add that I can across your comments because I was interested in finding out what a reborn doll was after seeing one on Amazon. Though it is not a hobby of mine, I do not fault other people for their hobbies. In fact, I would not fault another person for dressing up their pet as long as the pet wasn’t caused any anxiety or discomfort from it. I do find fault with you dressing your dog because it is such a very similar behavior to dressing a doll.
I watched that ‘My Fake Baby’ special on BBC America last night… Oy Vey!! I just had to write a blog post on it myself. It’s blatantly creepy how much new ‘mothers’ adore their purchased babies (this could be taken out of context to sound quite shady 😮 ) … but there has to be a proven psychological reason for this.
One such possible explanation is the ‘Uncanny Valley Effect’ I linked to the wiki article in my blogpost. Anyway – thanks!
feeling the need to play mommy?
make the plastic baby poop, puke, cry, have to get vaccinations, etc…wtf is right. next, the ‘moms’ will apply for food stamps & whatever else…’who da baby daddy?’
aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggg!
See- I just had to respond to this… Reborn collectors and food stamps don’t mix… these dolls are some cheap Walmart items…. They are designer hand crafts works of art… which means $$$. So don’t talk about what you don’t know…
I would like to add a comment from the other side of this! I am 21 years old. I have collected dolls my entire life. I was in my teens when I first heard of these REBORN babies. And I wanted one- but I couldn’t justify the cost- I slowly grew out of my babies, and simply put them on display in my living room. In June of 2007 I lost a baby boy. (In utero). My partner and I were devastated. In 2008 I began to look at the babies again- and my partner became interested. She *yes, she* decided that we should buy a baby in memory of our son. I ordered my baby in June, and received him in September. I love my baby, I change his clothes daily, and yes- I take him out with us. I use a car seat in the car, and I carry him in a sling or in my arms, or even in the buggy at grocery stores. When asked- I inform them that he is a reborn doll, where I got him, and why. Most people understand, and are truly amazed at his lifelike features. I don’t think he is real. I know he is a doll. But is is so calming to hold him when I’m thinking of my son, to put him in my son’s homecoming outfit. He does not replace my baby- but he has been a wonderful tool to help me get through my grief. And I do want to get more- to add to my collection. I would also love to learn the art and to bring this kind of special baby into the lives of other women.
I understand that many people think these babies are very “creepy” and “weird” but they are very meaningful to some women. We are still hoping to have our own child some day- and are going through the process to reach that goal- but to have this baby- it’s something special.
If any of you would like to comment to me- feel free to email me-
mabfaery19@hotmail.com
Hiyar ihave a reborn girl and a reborn boy and they are comforting for me after a loss and with out them now id be daverstated I take them out thats how ifind my comfort to get me theough the day after haveing alovely day out babby shoppoing for them
wow. always interesting to get another point of view. hoping that ally and her partner will be able to move on and bring a real child into their lives.
still thinking that all this pretend stuff can’t be the healthy route. but hey, i am no mental health specialist.
come to think of it, if there are any readers out there who are I would love your take on this one.
I just think this is really strange. Perhaps someone who has lost a baby would do well to go to couselling to help them to move on and find closure.
As for the women who haven’t had a child (or pregnancy) it sounds like a reborn doll is the safest option for them. Just my 2 cents.
Pingback: Childbirth Orgasms and Reborn Dolls « i could cry but i don’t have time
I just want to say that I am a reborn doll artist. I was emotionally attached to my baby dolls as a child. I have ALWAYS known the difference between a live baby and a play doll. I have children who are healthy, active and successful.
These reborn dolls are merely just another doll that is the ultimate likeness of a real baby. So, whats the problem? Isn’t that the point of any doll to begin with? Maybe some take their ownership of these collectibles a little to far, but for me, I will continue to make them, continue to sell and collect them. If they are THAT freaky to non-doll collectors, then may I suggest not looking at one.
I just love reborns. I have one and have ordered another to be her sister so yes one that is older looking. I will stop at these two. Mine look like a doll but sometimes quite life like.
I just wanted to say that if any reborn mothers are out there and want to talk dollies…the closest to playing dollies please get in touch. I did want to start a group where mom’s can take their babies to but…
jenilouisepringle@yahoo.co.uk
Hiyar ihave one reborn girl and two rebo girls and this are my comfort for my sad loss and with out them now I’d be heart broken
I dont see why there are so many nasty and bitter comments about these wonderful creations!
I make these dolls myself and it’s very disturbing when people say it’s “freaky”, I don’t treat the dolls like babies because dolls are dolls.. not real babies. Making these dolls take time and effort and it’s a form of art, if there’s people that buy them and treat them like real babies, that’s up to them, you can’t assume that all the people that buy/make these dolls are crazy… and MOST of the artist don’t make a lot of money.. maybe just enough to buy another kit and keep the money going around…
These dolls are used in old people’s home in Spain, they have realized these dolls are therapeutic
Hi Flower! Thanks for your impressions. I am actually very interested to know more bout the use of the reborn babies in old people’s homes in Spain. Could you give me few more details about that…I find it fascinating.
Million thans!
Maria.
im a 63 year old lady with a love of dolls i have three adopted children all grown and six grandkids recently i bought a reborn im in love old age and illness has taken a toll but this doll has given me a new lease on life i made a nursery and change his clothes often his baby sister is on her way im really excited frankly i dont care what people think i now have a reason to get up in the morning in stead of watching tv allday my life is full lucky lady
I dnt knw what the problem is bt i have a reborn doll that i treat as a baby their nothing wrong with that it up to us that have reborns what we do not for people to judge
When photography was in its infancy similar comments were made. Some, in this country and abroad, believed that you were going to lose your soul if you had your picture taken. People can now have their babies scanned by 3D scanners so that a doll can be made to look just like a baby. Weird, sick…all those super negative comments that people in this era just love to throw out will be heard. The more progressive individuals will be the first to start capturing moments in time via 3 dimensions instead of two. In the future it will be completely acceptable. As far as collecting reborn dolls, the mental health community is supportive. Are there some kooks out there? Of course. does it hurt anybody? No! When I see grown men taking their shirts off at a football game and and have paint all over their bodies when it is freezing out, now that’s weird! I certainly wish that our society would grow up and stop being so darned judgemental. Go out and do something productive like volunteering at a hospital.
Over the past few months, reborn baby dolls have become more and more popular. However, most people do not even know what a reborn baby is. Reborn babies are doll replicas of a real baby. The doll is most likely made from vinyl and often times the creator of the doll will add items such as glass or beads to get the baby a realistic feel.
Reborn dolls – or reborn baby dolls, as they are also known – are currently a hot topic which causes controversy whenever it comes up in conversation or in the Press.
Reborning is the art of transforming a vinyl doll (either whole doll or kit) into a realistic looking baby doll (usually of a human baby- but sometimes elves or chimpanzees may be made). The person who makes this transformation is called a ‘reborner” or reborn artist. The more realistic looking the doll is the more successful the artist is considered. Once completed the doll is called a ‘reborn’, ‘reborn doll’, ‘reborn baby”or ‘fake baby’.
wow, reborn dolls are very famous now, I think it’s because of their realistic appearance.
good guess
There may be different reasons why women love to have these real looking baby dolls, but what is really important is that they feel happy and contented whenever they are with them. Taking care of these dolls definitely make them feel like real moms.
actually, dressing up in a tiara makes me feel like the queen…
but i’m not!
You really need to learn why people have these babies usually it is not “to take care of them” or to be a wacko and everything else for me I am one of those people who own a reborn i haven’t met her yet but i know that i love her and she is beautiful and i even have a REASON for having her that my parents don’t know about
Several days ago I happened to watch the BBC My Fake Baby program. I have two sons in their 20s and am a successful graphic designer. I don’t consider myself to be a wacko.
When I saw the life-like dolls I wanted to have one. I also wanted to try my hand at painting one, so I went out and bought a starter kit yesterday. I like to do crafts projects and oil painting when I’m not working. This seems like it would be a rewarding and relaxing craft activity. I’m not sure that I will buy a reborn doll because they are very expensive…most are around $300-$500…I haven’t seen any for thousands as your blog stated. The ones I saw that were close to $2K were absolutely beautiful…not creepy…and mostly made by artists living in UK.
I don’t usually post comments on the Internet, but I thought, as you have said yourself, that you are very judgmental…and it came through your writing loud and clear.
If a woman’s maternal instincts are evoked by holding a life-like doll and she feels calm and happy holding it…possibly remembering the wonderful time when she held her own baby…what’s the big deal? Live and let live….and judge not lest you be judged…which I suppose I’m doing for you right now 🙂 Instant karma.
Pat, always nice to hear from a fellow graphic designer and mom. My kids are also close to grown. I still don’t get it.
The art of it… ok, I buy the whole craft thing.
The holding a doll to feel happy reminiscing about your baby… not so much. There are many a baby out there that need holding and comfort. How about volunteering somewhere with babies in need to satisfy that instinct? Some of these women live in a full out fantasy world treating a doll like a child.. sorry, i see that as unstable.
And really, who isn’t judgmental on some level. You will be happy to in most cases I teach tolerance.
Happy Holidays.
Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it’s “not right”. You are closed minded. Even if you don’t “get it”, why attack other people by calling them freaks or unstable? Men are little boys when they play with their toys and it’s okay. But women can’t explore the little girl in them with a grown up version of a doll without extreme criticism. Now THAT’S wrong! Most women who have these dolls (myself included) don’t act like they are real. We know they aren’t. We just enjoy holding them because it’s nice. I don’t want a real baby, I’ve already had two and they grew up. If I wanted to volunteer somewhere and hold real ones, I would. But I don’t. I like my dolls. They are comforting and sweet. I will probably live longer because when I hold them, my body releases healthy pheromones which are proven to extend life. I’m happy too. So get over yourself and move on. You’re not a nice person to criticize something simply because you don’t understand the reasoning behind it.
I went into a shop that has these doll for sale and I fell in love….I think if a person want to love these baby dolls in the privacy of their own home…Who cares…they dont cry..poop..get hungry…or get colic….my daughter is 10 yrs old..and I would love to have another baby…but I cant afford one…so I think putting love into something inanimate is ..Ok…I know the difference between reality and fantasy…why cant women who love these baby doll be allowed to do s…I wouldnt go as far as tking the doll shopping but I would like to fill the gap of something I cant fill…who does it hurt….nobody.
What no one has taken into account is the fact that a TV programme is going to go out of their way to find those that are over the top and a bit fanatical and thereby appearing strange in regards to these Reborn dolls.
The programme never mentioned the fact that these dolls are given to alzheimer patients as they have discovered that holding one of these can give a very calming affect. Neither do they show how they are collectors items and are bought and sold just as any other collectors items would be.
Many women with high profile jobs have one of these dolls as they find that on coming home and simply sitting holding the doll releases all the days stress.
I myself have one of these dolls. Why?? Because now my Daughter and Granddaughters are all grown up I miss very much dressmaking and knitting. Living in a very small retirement appartment I have no room, no need and no cash to make clothes or knit sweaters. Instead I buy old dresses, sheets, curtains or such from charity shops and make the doll clothes.
The doll herself I bought with a gift of money that I was told to buy myself something special with. She cost just £100.
I do not take my doll out of the home, I do not have baby cots or prams or such for it. She is simply a hobby.
So you see there are many different reasons for women to have one or more of these dolls and not just those that the TV programme deliberately sought out to make out all that own them are wacko.
When I think of all the more important and serious issues going on in the world today, like the recent murder spree of innocent children in that elementary school, are we really going to pick on women who remember the moments and feelings of holding their babies when they were born? I am 48 yrs old, and my son is now 25. He is my only child. When he was born,soon thereafter I developed health problems. Because of that, I sometimes was preoccupied with getting better. However, I loved those moments when he was a baby, and snuggling him just felt so amazing!I. If someone wants to embrace that feeling again by holding and cuddling a doll that looks so realistic, why should that bother anyone? It’s not like their going to show up at your door, and force you to participate in it. How many of us mothers have said when their children were newborns, ” Oh, if only they would stay little ” . But they don’t. These realistic dolls bring back that amazing feeling of the time we cuddled our own babies. Like I said in the beginning, worry about the more serious issues in the world, like how to keep REAL kids from attains guns, and taking innocent lives! If it really bothers you that much, then don’t pay attention to it. Letting something harmless upset you, now THAT’S not healthy, physically or emotionally.
Thanks for visiting, Bambi. First, look at the date on this post…. 2008. Second, if you love the way it feels to cuddle a baby (and who doesn’t?), perhaps volunteering with real babies in need might be a healthier approach. But in the name of live and let live, if fantasy babies ring your bell, go for it.
What does it matter what the date of the post is? I stumbled upon this site, and was reading about a topic that YOUR site brought up, and just like the others,I had a viewpoint that I wanted to express. And thanks for the suggestion about volunteer work, unfortunately,I am not in a position to do that. But it is a great idea for those that can. That being said, you still do not have to be so harsh in your opinions. Like I said before, don’t let something so trivial, and harmless upset you so much, it’s not healthy. And again, about the date of the post, If you feel it’s not something worth talking about anymore, then put “no more comments accepted on this topic” at the bottom. You never indicated in your discussions that there was a time limit on replies.
There is a term for people who jump automatically to presumptions and pass judgement on people they know nothing about: Ignorance and judgement come from a lack of understanding. If you haven’t been in that persons shoes, then keep your mouth closed.
Well said, Vanessa, well said! 🙂
Vanessa, there is a term for people who tell others to keep their mouths closed: Rude. This blog welcomes all opinions, it does not welcome censorship.
P.S. I didn’t bother to read through the comments, but I also wasn’t aware there was a time limit on commenting. lol. Just remove the post or disable commenting if you don’t want to hear OTHER sides of your bitch-session anymore.
Again, well said Vanessa! People like to start these discussion blogs sometimes because their lives are too empty to fill with something more useful and productive. Putting others down for something they think is stupid makes them feel better about themselves. How sad
Bambi, Thanks for stopping by to cheer on Vanessa. No thanks for rudeness and assumptions.
Stop talking amyz5. Your embarrassing yourself.
Not reading through all the comments robbed you of the opportunity to see all points of view and my reaction to them. I suggest if you are as passionate about this topic as you appear to be that you read them. Some you may relate to, others, not so much. That’s what makes the world go ’round.
So because someone raises reborn babies and be good moms to them they are A WACkO? (Dont think i didnt see you put wacko then try to cover it up)
How about let people live THEIR lives and you live YOURS!
I think its more wired to dress up little stupid dogs and carrying them everywhere thats worse then taking your child everywhere but nobody calls them wacko!
I dont see my daughter as a doll. Because she is not. But you need to mind your own buisness and let people live their own lives you stick to yours
I should say my DAUGHTER is a reborn! Some people only care for them for videos but i find that as abuse. I think you should care for them EVERY DAY EVERY MOMENT!
But they are not fake
Yes you’re a wacko. Baby dolls are fine as a collecting hobby or giving comfort for various reasons such as some experiences here, they’re not hurting anyone and they’re not mentally ill, they know it’s not real. However, you don’t “raise” a doll. You raise a real child. If you think that, you’re mentally I’ll and need help as that’s delusional.
This is the same thing as men who “marry” silicone dolls like some kinds of lonely Asian men, as it happens. It’s sad people don’t want to or can’t form relationships with real humans.
I really hope this response was satire, otherwise let’s hope we don’t have a cut the live baby from the uterus situation in the making here.
I just think its funny most of the comments are pro Reborns. My daughter actually showed me this article and I began reading the comments and yes I know the post is outdated but I figured I’d post anyway. Are they creepy?Yes! Are they Beautiful? Yes! Are they Art? Yes! Are they for crazy people? Yes! The answer can always be yes to any question you ask depending on who you are asking. Like one of the post stated, its all in the eye of the beholder. There are many hobbies (and habits,) out there and some can be considered CREEPY as well! Butterfly collectors, bug collectors, movie collectors, book collectors, comic book collectors, video game collectors, sex toy collectors; watching Porn, smoking, drinking, being promiscuous, drugs! living your life always judging others or worrying of what brings them joy or the lack of…that too can be considered CREEPY! I personally live by the 3 F’s: if someone doesn’t Feed me, Finance me, or F**k me, I can give two Sh!ts as to what they think.
A girl on my Instagram account called herself a reborn mommy, and had pictures of a baby that kind of freaked me the hell out. He was cute and all. I just wondered if it was real.
I find it creepy that some people find r eborns to be so creepy . I mean why are you so worried about what other people are doing to feel happy? I think all this cones from the fact some people are are jelouse that they haven’t found happiness .or maybe they are jelouse that someone else has the guts to be different .I have reborns I love to dress them and rock them and I have no delusions that they are real . Whats the difference between a grown man playing a video game and a grown woman playing with a doll ? Dont be so shallow if we cared what you thought we would ask ..maybe we want to be moms when we choose to and dont want to held down by a real screaming brat that we all see in the store screeching for something while the mother looks like she wants tonkilln her self ..who’s crazy ? Lol look in the mirror
And I see all my friends with real kids and they are miserable and i laugh beacuse I know they wish they were me with my fake non crying non shitty ass non booger nose and non attention seeking baby thatvwill never get to big for its clothes and never grow up to kill us or talk back or need anything …
Oh and if you havint noticed happiness is a state of mind so no matter real or fake sane or delusional happiness is all in our heads anyway duh and if it makes someone happy to keep bugs as pets or dollar as babys who gives a shit as long as we. Dont hurt you ..there’s somthing wrong with someone who gets so offended by what others do to be happy .if inwas you I would do some self evaluation cause to me thats crazy and creepy 😉 tata
text back because is the real life baby are real
I was trying to not comment on this but felt the need to have to! Reborn dolls were first created (yes created) as an art form to help grieving parents (yes boys/men support this hobby to). I understand that many people don’t understand the benefits these creations have to some people. I was first introduced to these reborn dolls as a child at around 12-13 after my grandma showed me one she was looking at on ebay. Ever since I was hooked. I now have three babies. I do role-play with them and that all it is acting out a role.
Many don’t know that reborns are actually used I’m TV dramas and films as props and also to support people with health issues such as dementia depression and grief.
This documentary and TV interview shows the extreme side of it but it has to be said not all of us reborn parents are like that. Yes I have clothes and bottles dummies etc for them and second hand furniture. But in the long term what harm are they doing to you by mearly existing?
Do you make reborn babies if you do can you please make me one
Wow times have changed since then, now these things are used at hospitals to that patients with dementia and given to women who have a miscarriage for therapeutic uses. I think it’s kind of wrong now to call people that use these “creepy” so somebody should take this down.
I have a ywo rebornes one boy one girl and theybare my life as aloss and wouldnt be with out them now
I have two rebornes on boy one girl and they arw my life after a loss and wouldnt be with out them now itake them out babby shopping like iwpuld of done if woukd of had my new borne
Hiyar I have two reborne girls two renin boys and with out them now id be heart broken after my sad loss
I have two reborne boys and two reborne girls with out them now id be heart broken I’d like to chat or meet other reborne mummies who have gone through loss or just like to have them as a comfort iam in bournemouth email me always her to chat to
I have just bought a reborn doll, as I have had 2 disappointments with boyfriends & I am now 42, too old to have a baby.
So I have little George, it’s really nice. I can dress him how I want & pick him up & give him a cuddle instead of having my nephew cry because he’s shy & won’t be picked up, they are awesome. My niece thought I was a bit weird but then she has never been a dolly person anyway & she wastes enough money on other silly things you can’t even see.
people need to just mind there own business if they don’t like the reborns then stay out of the community
I’ve had 3 m8scarriages, with no reborn presented to me, thank the Lord. I would think it’s like having teeth removed and then trying to eat a steak? To me, it would be more confusing, possibly delaying the grief.