Reborn babies: the women who care for lifelike dolls

A growing number of collectors are cuddling, changing and caring for 'reborns' – individually crafted baby dolls that can cost up to $20,000.

For some, it's about rekindling their baby-rearing years. For others, it's about dealing with their own inability to birth real human babies. Despite the finger-pointing from outsiders, it's a subculture that's thriving globally.

The Guardian YouTube network:

#RebornBabies #Babies #Dolls

[whitebeltforlife]

Its not hard to empathize with them. They are doing no harm to anyone else. Lets move along..

[acetheclown]

It’s a literal coping mechanism. You’re making her seem crazy.

[rottyroot]

Glasses lady made me cry. She seems to be a pure soul, sounds kind and loving. Shame her dream had to be taken away like that. :(

[reletive]

There are murders, pedos, rapists and all kinds of demonic creatures in the word, but it’s reborn dolls that’s bothering everyone. This is what the masses are choosing to focus on 🙄

[kelseylane]

This little old lady used to come into my restaurant with alzheimers and had a reborn baby. My heart and my soul. I loved that little lady so much omg

[goyod]

The woman who can't have kids, should really consider adoption. She seems like a wonderful person that any child would love to call mom.

[coollolmiami]

I’m a child and I use these dolls for anxiety, they aren’t just for coping with baby loss they are tons of fun and make me so much happier

[lushcat]

My Mum makes these dolls. Weirdest thing when you open the oven to find a whole lot of plastic heads looking at you haha

[axxmx]

This may be beneficial for women who suffer from miscarriages, its a coping mechanism

[ninapantazes]

My grandma has dementia and these dolls help keep her busy and they truly give her joy :)

[rachaelsunshine]

The lady with the glasses has such a beautiful heart and personality. What a precious person. You keep doing whatever makes you happy. Joseph is gorgeous.

[lesmilne]

They’re also a terrific tool to use in nursing homes.

[cynthiabybee]

I'm waiting on my first reborn I'm so excited I struggle with depression I have 5 grandkids but they live far away so hopefully my baby will lift my spirits I always loved playing dolls as a girl should be fun

[emilyfunk]

I am really disappointed that this hobby was portrayed this way. This is not different than someone collecting cars, toy trains, etc. These people take care of their dolls because they care about their collection. Buying clothes and accessories is no different than buying a part/add-on for any other collection. And yes, while you are holding a doll, you may feel instinctual parental tendencies, but that isn't WHY people collect. It is a secondary part of it.

[ricebear]

Honestly I thought it was weird. Until I held my sisters reborn, and I felt instant love for this doll, like you do when you're holding an actual baby. So it's pretty cool.

[kellyjacksaint]

Do what ever makes you happy, I can't have children myself and it kills me everyday but I make it thru, I'm 44 years old and have mostly taken care of of my 5 nieces and 2 nephews and I realized that I have many children that love me and maybe that was my chance in life and I'm ok with it, bless you ladies

[samb]

That moment when she said"they don't do much..."

Yeah I would hope they don't do anything . 🤣

[werm]

It's a victimless hobby that's bringing the people who participate joy. Why hate on it?

[ChronicallyTT]

"Then it doesn't turn into a teenager that wants an iPhone 11..." girl, I feel you with that one!

[poobearsbeautifulgoddess]

I'm 48 years old and have never had children, but always wanted to be a Mommy... I've watched all my sisters, friends, cousins, all my nieces and nephews have children and I'm extremely happy for each one...even my niece is about to have her first baby next month and I can't wait, but on the other hand, I long to have one of my own...
We've looked into fertility treatments (very expensive and doesn't always happen) looked into adoption (again, very expensive and it seems like a lot of red tape to go through)
My dolls help me when sometimes I just want to hold a baby or feel that mothering urge...I have one on my lap right now :-) they also help me with my stress levels too...so, please don't think that women who collect these dolls are crazy...we are still those little girls in our hearts and finding joy and peace in huggable art :-)