I would very much like to purchase a reborn baby doll if I could afford it. I know they can cost up to thousands of dollars. And if I ever got one, of course, I would take them out in public but I wouldn’t be delusional and think that it’s a real baby or anything like that and I would certainly not leave the reborn baby in the car (like in the story). I’ve always loved babies ever since I was a little girl. I helped take care of my baby cousin when I was 10. I also volunteered at the hospital in the nursery, rocking and feeding the babies. I also have a child who’s 4 and also lost a baby during my pregnancy. Even though I got over the loss very quickly (I’m a spiritual person), I miss holding and cradling a baby and that’s why I wanted to buy a reborn baby, to relive those memories. So till then, I am going to volunteer at an infant orphanage as a baby cuddler and maybe I wouldn’t even need a reborn anymore. We’ll see.

Many of you say instead of paying $1000 for a fake baby, they need to adopt. Not everyone has the money, the patience, or the qualifications to adopt. I think the babies are cute, but I wouldn’t buy one. I don’t think that it is anyone’s business why one would want a doll such as these. Whatever floats your boat.

Why on earth would anyone want this DEAD looking baby in their house much less carry the damn thing around with them!!!!!! My brother and sister-in-law lost a little girl at 27 days old from SIDS, then his other daughter lost a little boy at 7 months old from SIDS. That was and is the hardest thing that any family can go through. Looking at one of those “DOLLS” is a horrible memory to all of the parents that lost their beautiful little ANGELS.

“motionless doll = dead baby”?
So, does a statue look dead? Or a bust? - that’s even creepier, it’s a decapitated head. What about toy animals?

That view doesn’t make sense.

I really wish that people who cannot read, write, spell or otherwise effectivley use the English language would refrain from commenting. Ever.

you people act like everyone is saying that they cant have these dolls that not what everyone is saying is wrong, if people are going to have these dolls that are so real like fine have them but that doesnt mean they have to have them out in public. you wouldnt want to have a real baby neglected, so why would you do it to a fake baby that you say you love if you really love it then treat it right and dont leave it in your car when your doing else what. grrrrr!!!

Ladies, isn’t the best therapy for someone with ‘empty nest syndrome’ due to children moving out, losing a child, having emotional crisis after a hysterectomy be to give that attention and love to a real child in need? Hospitals have nurseries and are in desperate need of volunteers, most cities have ‘foster parent and foster grandparent’ programs. Hold a baby who has lost it’s mother, the baby needs to be held as much as you feel the need to hold one! Give a neighbor with a baby a break for a few hours so she can take a shower or go to the store.

There is nothing emotionally ‘unhealthy’ about a doll collection. It becomes emotionally unhealthy when it is an obsession, when the time/attention/love and money is being spent on inanimate objects instead of family, expenses, and other relationships.

Let me shed more light on why the dolls are creepy:

Since they look so much like real live babies — yet are motionless and lifeless — that actually makes them resemble DEAD BABIES.

So. Yeah. That’s why their creepy.

And no it is not healthy for a grown woman or man to carry these things around. Why? Because it’s not cool to carry around something that looks like a dead baby.

I have 4 of these reborn dolls. I bought them as a sort of therapy. My husband and I lost a baby later in the pregnancy and it helped to be able to hold my baby when my arms felt so empty especially after his funeral. I don’t carry my doll around pretending he’s real or have some delusions that it is real. It’s just a reminder of my baby I will someday hold in heaven.

On 18 Jul 2008, Chad wrote:
“if you have $1000 to spend on a doll, you have the means to provide for a child.”
That is the most ignorant, short-sighted and obviously not thought out suggestion I’ve read in a long time.
It takes a whole lot more than $1000 to care for and raise a real child.
A doll doesn’t need the constant and consistent love and care that real children require. A person who needs a small bundle to cuddle and adore is doing no harm by choosing a doll.
Some of you deserve a good hard flick on the ear.

This is a topic that is getting a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons in my mind. I have two little girls that carry dolls around with them every where we go. They have strollers and car seats for them and they ride in the car with us, go out to eat with us and every where else we end up. As children it was never a problem for one to carry a doll around in public and even act like it is real. Why is it a problem for one who is older to carry them around? It is what we teach our little ones and allow them to do so why teach or accept this if it is wrong as you get older? No matter why one desides to purchase these dolls no one has the right to call them out as if they have problems. It is a hobby, collection, something that brings enjoyment, or something that gives someone the attention needed to get through a rough time. The dolls are cute amd yes very life like, so what it is still a doll. And who cares if they are carrying them around as long as it isn’t directly hurting you. I think people need to stop jumping onto ban wagons of things that really don’t matter and maybe work on things that actually concern them. treat others as you would want to be treated. No one wants to be treated unfairly and I believe everyone has something they do that others probably do not agree with and that shouldn’t matter. I have seen people with a collection of stuffed beany babies in their car windows that go everywhere with them. I have seen people so into nascar they symbolize this on their belongings and take it everywhere. I have seen people so into sports to the point they paint their entire body up to look like a part of the team. And I always see people with cell phones everywhere always on them as if they are connected to their heads. But none of this matters I guess it is normal but having a baby doll is not. Stop over reacting and let people be. We are all normal due to being made different which makes us normal. Be proud of who you are and love those around you stop the hatred the world needs more love and kindness!!!

I can’t believe the hostility here. If people want to buy dolls they should be allowed to buy dolls. Quit being so judgemental. By the way I don’t collect dolls! Or would I ever purchase one for $1000 bucks. but if I see one at a garage sale for 10 bucks Im all over it! (there has to be a good use for a life like baby)

Those baby dolls are beautiful. There is nothing wrong with someone fulfilling a harmless need with a psuedo baby. Those persons suggesting women adopt or have a real baby instead are the ones I have the issue with.
If more people had baby dolls rather than real children, there would be fewer neglected and abused children in the world.

I HAVE A WONDEROUS COLLECTION OF LIFELIKE DOLLS NEWBORN BABIES, TODDLERS,AND TALL CHILDLIKE DOLLS. I SIMPLY LOVE TO SEE THEM WHEN I COME HOME. I SOMETIMES PICK THEM UP. THEY HAVE THE SWEETEST FACES, BOYS AS WELL AS GIRLS. I PURCHASED SOME OF THEM BECAUSE THEY RESEMBLE MY NEWEST NEPHEW AND 2 OF MY NIECES. THEY LIVE FAR FROM ME & I CAN SEE THEM WHEN I LOOK AT THEM AND HOLD THEM. IT GIVES ME MUCH PLEASURE. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED DOLLS BUT NOW IT HAS BECOME MY PASSION. YOU FEEL LIKE A LITTLE GIRL AGAIN, CAPTURING THOSE DREAMY DAYS AS A CHILD. THERE IS NOTHING CREEPY OR WRONG WITH HAVING DOLLS. THEY ARE A CELEBRATION OF REAL LIFE.THEY DO NOT OCCUPY ALL OF MY TIME WHEN I COME HOME EITHER.

KINDEST REGARDS, DIANA

Doll collecting has been around for decades and now artists have the materials to make their creations look more life like. This is not abnormal. There are lots of things out there that have had their improvements. For example, there are many stuffed animals that look real. As for the heartbeat and breathing, I see nothing wrong with that either. I’ve seen toy puppies that drink, pee and even breathe, or other dolls that do the same thing. What about Furbies? They would end up talking to you if you worked long enough with them. This is called advancement. Things just keep getting better. As for the people that like to pretend that they are real, so what! There are people out there that love the feel of rocking or cuddling a baby. That doesn’t mean that they need to go out and have a bunch of children. Some might be to old to have children but this satisfies there yearning to hold one. Better than going out and borrowing a baby every time you feel the urge.

The people who choose to own one of these dolls are no more weird in their “obsession” with their doll then are the people obsessed with their cars or football teams or whatever.
The joy the owners get from their doll harms no one and enriches their own life. It’s those who need to pass judgement on others who are the ones in need of therapy.

In response to Startled: I don’t think anyone is saying that real babies are creepy. On the contrary, real babies are so much more than a beautiful face on a tiny body. These dolls are creepy because they appear lifelike but aren’t. Taking these dolls for a ride or carrying them around is almost like taking your beloved pet to the taxidermist and then continuing to take it for a walk each day.

I have two teenage children and I’m pretty sure they would be creeped out if I bought a likeness of them. Kind of like the Seinfeld episode where George finds a doll that looks like his mother…

Very cute, but next they’ll have them growing.

I don’t think recognizing their creepiness is by any means deranged. Real babies are beautiful, trying to recreate a human in vinyl is questionable. If the motive is to set it on a shelf, ok fine. Adding a heartbeat and carrying it around is quite odd. The ones with their eyes open yet they have no change of expression…yes, creepy is definitely the word for it.

As a father of two children, I love the memories that I have created with them. However, my memories are kept in the way of photographs. I am impressed with the talent to create these dolls, but those who use them in rememberance of a time gone by need to seek professional help. I assure you $1000 can provide enough time on a couch to sort through whatever is going on in your head.
I don’t say these things to be mean. If you truly desire to have a baby that breathes and has a heartbeat, and you have the need to hold and cuddle and take care of a child… ADOPT! There are many children who need to be loved and cared for. Again, if you have $1000 to spend on a doll, you have the means to provide for a child.

Let me explain why this is creepy:

The dolls look incredibly life-like, but they are not. It’s creepy to think that something can be made to look so real and not be. The simple fact that they look like babies is not creepy.

But thank you, Startled, for calling ME deranged and for questioning my ability to raise a child. Please keep in mind that I have a REAL baby. I’m not a post-menopausal woman who feels the need to carry around a doll that mimics a baby. THAT, my friend, is creepy.

all of you using the adjective “creepy” scare me. If they LOOK like real babies, designed to MIMIC real babies and you all are calling babies “creepy”? It makes me wonder how many of you are a danger to REAL children and the law should be notified. Real children are not creepy! You’re trying to say that they are creepy because they look like the real thing? You’re the deranged ones…

As collectibles, they’re a work of art. As Stepford babies, they’re totally creepy.

Where can I purchase these baby dolls

These dolls are a wonderful keepsake.Bravo that someone has such a talent!
I myself have lost a child and if it were possible at that time to have a rememberance of him/her I surely would have done it. This does not make me weird it would be away to keep my memories alive.who are you to judge others?I have four beautiful children now and I certainly would love to have a keepsake like these dolls to keep memories of that time forever…what a thing to pass on to your grown child then a reprika of them as an infant.

I have to agree with the fact that I too am concerned that adding a heartbeat and a chest that rises and falls will only serve to feed the obsession of those who own them. Make no mistake, to spend thousands on a doll is an obsession, and taking said doll for a car ride is insane. I think this is taking things too far. Creepy, really creepy!

Hi i love the babies and i would like to have one but i live in trinidad W.I if this is possible please inform me on what i have to do thank you kindly

BRAVO!!!

It takes a truely talented artist to create such controversy over their work. I think the dolls are beautifully diverse.

I am concerned that adding a heartbeat and a chest that rises and falls will only serve to feed the obsession of those who own them. Make no mistake, to spend thousands on a doll is an obsession, taking said doll for a car ride is insane.

To those who find tham creepy and dead looking, I have to wonder how they know what a dead baby looks like???

Really, you protest TOO MUCH!

this is very creepy women are acting like children playing with dolls. if your going to have something that looks real taking around with you like it is real, have one of your own and if you can not have one addopt quit freeking people out

CREEPY! This is just too much. It looks as if someone stole real (dead) babies and stuffed them and it’s just WAY too much to handle and I agree therapy would be a great outlet.

CREEEEEEPPPPYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

I worry that people carry these babies around as though they are real. Those people would probably benefit from therapy. As a keepsake it could be cute.