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Reborn Dolls and Spot a Fake

Reborn dolls are hand painted lifelike baby dolls. Buy from the artist when you can.

Updated Oct 31, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Artist made reborns sell on artist shops, Etsy, eBay and doll galleries. Mass market toy stores carry cheaper factory versions.

Professional insight

Collectors buy the artist and the kit name first. The photos come second.

Ask which sculpt or kit the doll was made from.
Recasts copy real kits; very low prices are a clue.
Rooted mohair looks finer than painted or wigged hair.
Ask for photos in daylight, not filtered studio shots.

Check the label

Artist name and sculpt name on the listing or certificate.
Kit or head marking on the back of the neck.
Material stated: vinyl, full silicone or cloth body.
Length in inches and weighted weight.
Hair type: rooted mohair, viscose, painted or wig.
Eye type: acrylic or glass, open or closed.
Age warning if small parts like magnets or pacifiers come with it.

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Materials

Common reborn doll builds
Build	Feel	Watch out for
Vinyl with cloth body	Firm limbs, soft body	Most common, easiest to pose
Full body vinyl	Firm all over	Can be bathed only if sealed
Full body silicone	Soft and squishy	Costs more, attracts lint
Factory reborn style	Varies	Paint may be thin or uneven

Glass beads, pellets or fiberfill add a real baby's weight.

Red flags

The same photos appear under many shop names.
No artist name or kit name given.
Prices far below other artist made dolls.
Seller asks for payment outside the marketplace.
No returns and no clear shipping country.

Questions for the seller

Which kit and sculptor is this doll?
Is the paint heat set or air dry?
How much does the finished doll weigh?
Do you include a certificate of authenticity?
What is your return policy if it arrives damaged?

Care

Keep the doll out of direct sun to stop fading.
Avoid hot attics and damp basements.
Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
Brush rooted hair gently with a soft baby brush.
Do not bathe vinyl dolls with cloth bodies.

Common questions

What is a reborn kit?: A blank vinyl head and limbs that an artist paints and assembles.
Are silicone reborns better than vinyl?: They feel softer but cost more and need more care.
Can I make my own reborn?: Yes. Kits and supplies are sold for home reborning.
Why do reborn doll prices range so widely?: Artist skill, kit rarity, material and hours of painting all differ.