A reborn doll is a vinyl baby doll that has been customized by a process of repainting and enhancement to resemble a human baby. The process of creating a reborn doll is referred to as reborning.
The technique of reborning has evolved over the past five years, as hobbyists and doll artists have refined the painting techniques and added technical enhancements, such as a heartbeat simulator. More recently, special reborn doll kits are available, as are mechanical enhancements such as a battery powered breathing mechanism to simulate the breathing movements of a sleeping baby.
Reborning Methods
The technique of reborning a play doll typically involves the following processes:
- - The doll is taken apart and factory paint is removed.
- - A color wash is applied to the body parts inside and out to create realistic baby skin tones.
- - The exterior is painted using various techniques, to add the appearance of translucent skin tones and effects such as veins, blotching, and "milk-spots" to resemble the skin of a newborn baby.
- - Hair and eyelashes, usually of fine mohair, are applied using rooting tools, or felting needles.
- - The original vinyl body is replaced with a soft stuffed and weighted body.
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- A magnet may be attached inside the mouth for attaching a magnetic pacifier.
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- Additional enhancements may include a magnetically attached "umbilical cord", a battery powered heartbeat simulator, breathing simulator, and heat packs.