What do you think of reborn dolls for adults and are they a waste of money?

[Notsure54]

I'm considering buying one for anxiety as I do like babys but are they truly worth it?

I personally find them creepy, but to each their own. If you think it'll bring you comfort, perhaps try and get on one on eBay? They're quote expensive!

I can appreciate the really well done ones as spectacular works of art - because they really are, from the clay sculpting of the original model, to the vinyl or silicon casting into kits, to the incredibly detailed artistry which goes into painting and rooting them. I’ve seen them at art fairs and some you really do have to touch to not believe they’re real sleeping babies.

Those ones can cost thousands, even tens of thousands - and I think that’s why reborns get a bad rap as “creepy”, because the affordable ones just don’t tend to be very good and can look a bit monstrous - though can be of great help to those with dementia. But I don’t think that’s going to help with your anxiety tbh. What is it that appeals? Is it something weighted and cuddly to hold?

If it's the weight, why don't you get one of the microwave teddies. I think those would be cuddlier too.

I also love babys but can't really have my own due to health issues

It’s not a fake dead baby. They are dolls designed to look realistic. Dementia patients find them a great comfort. Not convinced they would be a good idea to help with anxiety.

It would make me even more anxious having one of those sat on the bed looking at me all night 😳😱

Two of my granddaughters had them and I do actually like holding them, other family members hate them. Before I actually came into contact with them I saw them on a TV programme and that was a bit creepy but I think that was the "mummies" not the dolls.

If you think it will help go for it anxiety is absolute hell and anything that helps will be worth it. Have you looked at weighted blankets or these breathing koala teddies

I'd say try for a second hand one first.

We all find comfort in different ways. If you think it'll help and bring you some peace, why not?

What is it with posters talking so glibly about dead babies?

If you want one, get one. It’s amazing really, you instinctively cuddle them like a baby because of the weight. Very different to a regular doll.

OP it's fine if you want one (or two). They feel like you're snuggling a real child and that releases the good hormones. It doesn't matter a tiny bit what other people think.

I’ve worked in dementia for 20+ years and can honestly say that I have never seen this.

Personally, I think they’re horrendous would cause extreme distress as the baby/doll would be unable to wake up.

I’ve heard of doll therapy with more obvious dolls, but not the creepy ‘reborns’.

No experience and no compassion. Bitterness.

I’ve seen people with dementia and special needs enjoy playing with them.

Because we’re talking about fake ones…

I had a couple as a child (cheaper so not as hyper realistic but still more realistic than your average doll). My sister and I adored them and had so much fun with them!

I wouldn't want one as an adult as they would only increase my anxiety by not being real - they wouldn't be the baby I would want them to be.

If you think they would help you then it's your money to spend as you wish and you can certainly buy one.
If it's the weight that you want there are probably far cheaper options though. You could look into weighted blankets or weighted toys. Hug-A-Lumps aren't as heavy as a full-term baby but still weighter than a normal soft toy and a fraction of the cost of a reborn doll.

They're very creepy and I've read stories about the people who buy them getting offended when they're called dolls, they insist they're real babies and treat them as such. I even read a story about an argument on a bus where someone refused to move her pram with the newborn doll in so another woman could put her actual baby in the buggy space.

Jeez calm down your outrage! It’s just a style of doll. 🙄

What about a soft therapy dog or cat toy, they are weighted, cqn move, soft and the cats purr.

Lots of people do lots of things it doesn't mean op will. Iv heard people have done some pretty creepy things with cucumbers it doesn't mean i judge or discourage the rest of the world from buying cucumbers

Because the op asked for opinions… that’s how MN works.

I mean, I don't know about other posters but I used to see lots of stuff on Tiktok about reborn dolls shortly after I lost a baby (fk the algorithm) and this was always my first thought.

I don't think it's healthy, sorry. People with anxiety disorders (that's me, my husband, several close friends) need to learn to live in the world, perhaps in a more gentle way. These dolls really don't encourage that.

Yes I know she asked for opinions.

But I wonder if these posters talking so nonchalantly about dead babies have ever seen one. Well I have.

It's so obvious what these dolls remind people of why do people need to spell it out?

I've requested MN put a trigger warning on the thread.