To think reborn dolls are disturbing?

OP, I want to thank you for asking the question about these dolls, because I see pix of them from time to time & always wondered why people had them & what they were for. I've no idea why some posters are being so snippy about having a discussion of the topic. I find these dolls creepy. Some people obviously don't. There's no harm in discussing it.

I do find it odd but if it brings them a bit of happiness then why not.

I feel the same about adults who are obsessed with Disney or grown men who paint tiny figures and have 'battles'.

The only point I agree with is that they shouldn't be buying baby formula or anything else that is available in limited quantities and needed by actual babies.

Meant to add you can get reborn toddlers which look even creepier to me.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/556348821/custom-order-reborn-toddler-doll-baby

Not my thing,even though I have suffered infertility, but I don’t see the harm in them.

So sorry for your losses.

I understand what you mean about they look realistic but don't move. That's what I don't like.

I have suffered both infertility and the death of a baby. I sort of get the appeal, but they give me the creeps. I think it's because they look very realistic, but obviously don't move. This makes them seem dead. Dead babies aren't something I ever want to have to see again.

However, if they comfort other people, then I see no harm (I would just need a bit of a warning if I was going to be around one).

No, but the post I was actually replying to did say that. When in fact it’s very unlikely that many people use them to stop themselves hurting other people.

It seems a but weird to me, but it's harmless and if it makes some people happy then who am I to judge? I like some things other people would probably find weird.

I was responding to what you wrote @Kanaloa
You wrote They’re just dolls and are unlikely to stop someone hurting other people. I simply explained that your assertion was not true. I did not say many people reach out for these dolls instead of hurting others

Nasty OP. So narrow minded and judgemental.

They bring people comfort for many reasons. They can be quite beautiful works of art painstakingly created. I can totally see why someone would get pleasure and comfort from them.

I think ‘can reduce violent episodes’ is a big jump from ‘many people reach out for these dolls instead of hurting others.’

I've asked my husband to get me one of them if I ever get dementia. I think it would take me back to the happiest time in my life and give me purpose when the rest of the world is a confusing place.

Extreme anxiety for some people, especially those with dementia or autism or MH problems can lead to aggressive and violent behaviour to themselves or others. Reborns can help reduce that anxiety and distress. They provide soothing physical and sensory feedback through their weight and soft bodies and promote soothing and nurturing responses from the person holding them. Therefore can reduce violent episodes for some.

I agree that the dolls themselves are creepy but I've never suffered the loss of a child or infertility. I have empathy for those that do and if it helps who am I to judge.

I don’t think the dolls are an alternative to violent/abusive behaviour. They’re just dolls and are unlikely to stop someone hurting other people.

No but I have experience of other heartbreaking things. I've also said later that I have learnt from this thread.

So don't be so sarcastic.

How to tell me you have no experience of dementia without telling me you have no experience of dementia.

And the wasteful comment is because I'm quite eco conscious and these plastic dolls, abundance of clothes etc is unnecessary. That's my opinion.

This comment is really scraping the barrel. 99% of everything that's in most people's homes is unnecessary. If the worst you do ecologically is own a doll with some clothes, then you're not doing badly in anyway shape or form.

I think the people that make then are so talented but I also get the creeps from them being so realistic. Always have, since I can remember seeing them in magazines. I dont know why though

I find them creepy personally but am glad to know that they bring joy and consolation to others.

It's here breaking you had to go through this. Sending you ❤️

If people aren’t harming anyone else then I don’t see the problem. They are just dolls, what’s wrong with people having them and dressing them up if they want?
People have lots of different reasons for doing things, who are we to judge?

After my baby died, I thought about getting one which was the weight/size/look of him. He was so beautiful.

Just to be able to hold and cuddle something that was like him once more. He's gone, forever, I will never be able to hug him again. It's not rational necessarily, but a physical, visceral pain and ache for my child.

The idea of being able, in my worst and most raw grief, to be able to rock, wail and cuddle something that felt like he did was comforting.

You may think they are creepy OP, but you have no idea what it is to put your precious baby in a moses basket and then have to walk away and leave them knowing that the next time you get them back they will be ashes. You shouldn't presume or imagine what you'd do, because it is hell on earth and I hope you never experience it

Yes it's very sad isn't it? Some people really struggle in ways that may be difficult for some to understand. Luckily many people reach out for these dolls as opposed to physically hurting others or whatever.

My sister has several and has children. They are works of art. I also have one and have never suffered baby loss. I love holding them. My sister changes their outfits and enjoys taking beautiful pictures of them. Neither of us pretend to feed them but don't judge those that do. There is a huge community of people that treat them as collectors items as many kits are limited editions and incredibly talented artists work their magic. Why can men play with RC vehicles, boats on lakes, gigantic train sets etc but these people can't enjoy this?