Reborn Doll Care Guide
Learn how to care for your reborn doll with our simple, practical guide. Whether you own a vinyl or silicone reborn baby, proper cleaning, storage, and handling will help keep your doll looking lifelike for years to come.
How to Care for Your Reborn Doll: Cleaning, Storage & Handling Tips
Reborn Doll Care & Maintenance Guide by Ivy Reborns
Welcome to Your New Reborn Doll!
Congratulations on adopting a beautiful reborn doll from Ivy Reborns! These lifelike baby dolls are handcrafted with care and designed to be cherished for many years. To help your new arrival stay in the best condition, please take a moment to read through this essential reborn doll care guide.
General Reborn Doll Care (Vinyl Dolls)
Handle with Care
Reborn dolls are delicate, hand-painted collectible art dolls, intended primarily for adult collectors. They are not suitable for young children or rough play. Each reborn baby doll is crafted from soft vinyl and fine detailing that can be easily damaged by excessive handling.
Avoid Heat and Moisture
Keep your reborn away from direct sunlight, radiators, hot cars, and fireplaces. Excessive heat can warp or melt the vinyl. Likewise, avoid high humidity or moisture, as it can damage both the painted surface and the cloth body.
Clothing and Nappies
Your reborn wears real baby clothing. Most newborn-size reborn dolls fit “newborn” or “first size” baby clothes, while larger toddlers may wear 0–3 or 3–6 month sizes depending on the brand. Size 1 nappies typically fit newborn reborns well.
⚠️ Important: Dark or highly pigmented fabrics (such as red, navy, or denim) may permanently stain the vinyl. Always wash new clothes before dressing your doll, and avoid extended contact with dark materials.
Posing and Movement
Your reborn has poseable limbs, but please never force them into position. Use gentle pressure when posing and avoid pulling on the limbs, as this can damage the internal joints or cloth body.
Cleaning Your Reborn Doll
Never bathe a vinyl reborn doll. The cloth body will absorb water, and painted areas may become damaged. Instead, lightly wipe the vinyl parts with a soft, slightly damp cloth and pat dry. Do not use baby wipes, alcohol, or cleaning chemicals — they may remove paint or damage the finish.
Preserving Delicate Details
Special features such as eyelashes, eyebrows, and glass eyes should be treated with care. Avoid tugging on eyelashes or exposing them to heat, which can loosen glue. Do not press or poke the eyes, as this may cause them to shift or become damaged.
Silicone Reborn Doll Care
If your reborn is made from platinum-cure silicone, the care process is slightly different. These soft, squishy dolls feel incredibly lifelike but require extra caution due to the delicate nature of silicone.
Handling Tips
Silicone is softer and more flexible than vinyl, but also more fragile. Avoid stretching, bending, or pulling fingers or limbs, which may cause tears.
Cleaning Your Silicone Baby
Silicone reborns can be gently bathed in lukewarm water using mild, unscented baby wash. Do not submerge the doll’s head if it has rooted hair or an open mouth design. Carefully support the doll and pat dry with a soft towel — never rub.
Powdering
If your silicone baby becomes tacky to the touch, you can gently apply a light layer of matting powder or pure cornstarch using a soft makeup brush. Avoid using talc-based or scented powders, which may irritate or degrade the silicone over time.
Dressing Silicone Reborn Dolls
As with vinyl dolls, your silicone reborn wears real baby clothes. Always dress your doll gently, avoiding rough fabrics, zippers, or fast movements that could cause tears or friction damage.
Storage Advice
Store your silicone doll on a soft surface like a blanket or towel, in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from plastic bags or dark fabrics that might transfer dye or stick to the silicone.
Need Help with Reborn Doll Care?
At Ivy Reborns, we understand that accidents can happen. If you ever have questions or need help with your reborn doll’s maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to assist and keep your reborn baby looking their best.
🧸 Ivy Reborns dolls are classified as collectible art dolls and are not intended as toys. These reborn dolls are not suitable for children under 14 years of age.
Want to add to your collection? Browse our full range of reborn dolls — each one lovingly handcrafted in the UK.
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