How to Take Care of a Reborn Baby Doll

Co-authored by Eireann Kanzig

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

Do you love babies or toddlers but are you either too young, not ready, or unable to have children of your own? Do you want a "parenting simulation" that feels real and is also fun? If this applies to you, then you should consider a reborn doll or reborn toddler. Reborn dolls are dolls that are made professionally to look like real babies or toddlers. They can be expensive to buy and care for, but it is all worth it in the end.

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1
Make sure you have the money to buy your reborn. Reborn dolls are not cheap. Be prepared to spend over $100 or $200 on your doll and its accessories.
- You can get a reborn with the main body as cotton in for a cheaper price, if this suits your budget.
2
Prepare for your reborn. Make sure you have everything set up just like you would if you were preparing to bring home a newborn. Make sure you have researched what supplies you might need, before bringing home your reborn doll.
- Buy the essentials such as clothes, blankets, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, a deluxe stroller, a car seat, reborn doll milk formula [this is usually fabric softener or glue and water], baby wipes, and toddler toys. Do not feel the need to buy overpriced baby items. You can purchase items through the internet or in store.
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3
Unbox your reborn. When the doll arrives, pick out a name and fill out the birth certificate. If the box does not contain a birth certificate, you can print one off of the Internet.
- Always be sure to take some photos with your reborn.
4
Care for your reborn. Make sure you remember to change the baby, to make sure they are clean after their long trip. Perhaps you should prepare a warm bottle of milk for them, or cover them up in a warm blanket to take a nice long nap. Whatever you choose, be prepared to repeat it every day to create your daily reborn mommy routine.
- You can also spend some time holding the reborn or child and sitting with them, so that you can become confident and comfortable with your reborn doll. Make sure to always care for your doll just like you would a newborn.
If you want to take care of your baby or toddler seriously, set up a schedule for your reborn baby or toddler. Your schedule should include feeding times, diaper changing times, nap times and play times. or tummy times. Sometimes if you are busy during the day then have a friend or boyfriend to help you look after or take care of your reborn toddler
6
Introduce your reborn baby or toddler to friends and family. You should do this when you are comfortable doing so. You might also be able to join communities or meet new friends with your new reborn baby or toddler.
- If people come up to you and say, “Is that your baby or toddler?”, just say "Yes, this is my reborn baby or toddler". There is nothing wrong with being proud of your new baby or toddler.
- If you want to have the doll all to yourself, that's fine, too, just be a good mom to your baby and always take care of it.
7
Take your baby out for a stroll. Walk through the neighborhood with your deluxe baby stroller, give them a pacifier and make it all snuggled up in the stroller with a blanket or summer clothes if it is hot outside.
- You could also carry a diaper bag. This could include extra diapers, a baby bottle, a changing blanket, and extra pacifiers & extra clothes [winter or summer]. You can use these items in the same way you would if you had a child or newborn or toddler.
- Alternatively, place your reborn essentials into the bottom of your stroller in your diaper bag. Or, you can put them in your reborn’s booster seat in your car and take them for a ride around town or take them for long car rides until they fall asleep just like you would with a newborn or toddler.

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Question

Why do some adults play with reborn baby dolls?

Eireann Kanzig
Toy Collecting Expert
Eireann Kanzig is a long-time toy collector based in Cleveland, Ohio. She began collecting toys in 2018 to preserve the wonderful memories of her childhood. As a millennial born in the 80’s and raised in the 90’s, her collection includes vintage and retro treasures and modern collectibles alike. Growing up, her grandparents owned an antique store, which allowed her the opportunity to see firsthand how items are tracked down. She was even able to go to Shipshewana, Indiana, to watch her grandfather as an auctioneer. Her mother has been a great influence as well by teaching her how to find collectibles throughout her travels. Eireann has also fostered a vibrant online community, sharing her personal collection and experiences with other toy collectors on social media @toyextraordineire.

Eireann Kanzig

Toy Collecting Expert

Expert Answer

A lot of adults use them for comfort and emotional support. I remember talking to someone who shared that she uses her reborn doll specifically to help with anxiety. Holding it and caring for it gave her a calming, grounding feeling. Other people simply enjoy the dolls for what they are. They like having them around, displaying them, or interacting with them in a soothing way. I’ve also seen setups at doll shows where people clearly take joy in just being near them. So while everyone’s reason is different, for many adults it’s about comfort, anxiety relief, and emotional connection.

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Question

Is it okay to put wet wipes on your reborn or do you have to dry them out?

Community Answer

You can use wet wipes on your reborn but remember to dry your reborn off immediately.

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What if I feed water to the baby?

Community Answer

You're not actually feeding the baby; you're feeding mold. If your doll has a hole in its mouth, liquid can grow inside the baby.

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Tips

Choose a price range before you start looking at dolls so you do not overspend.

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When you take your reborn on a long trip make sure you have all the essentials, including diapers, bottle, toys, blanket, extra clothes, pacifiers, a stroller and a booster seat.

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If you can't get food out of their mouth, carefully use a toothpick.

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Warnings

Be careful with your reborn, especially if you are handling food and water. Make sure you seal the bottles so they do not leak.

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Some babies have loose necks like real babies, so ensure you support the neck. Be aware of this before you buy them, so you make sure to be careful.

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Do not actually put lotion or products on them. You have a special and expensive doll, so be careful with it.

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