Reborn Dolls FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
Welcome to our Reborn Dolls FAQ, where we answer some of the questions we’re asked most often about these beautiful, lifelike dolls.
If you’re new to the world of reborns, it can be a little confusing at first. What is a reborn? What is a kit? Why do some cost more than others? And are they suitable for children?
We’ve put together some simple answers to help you understand more about reborn dolls and what makes each one so special.
About Reborn Dolls
What is a reborn doll?
A reborn doll is a highly realistic, handmade baby doll created to look and feel as lifelike as possible. Unlike a standard factory-produced doll, a reborn is carefully finished by an artist, with details such as skin tones, mottling, veining, creases and tiny details added by hand.
Most reborn dolls begin with an authentic sculpt or reborn kit created by a doll sculptor. The artist then transforms the unfinished kit into a unique baby through painting, weighting, assembly and, where chosen, hair rooting.
Every finished reborn has its own little personality. Even when two artists use the same sculpt, the finished babies can look quite different because of the way each artist paints and finishes them.
At Willow Tree Reborns, we use genuine kits and trusted materials, and each baby is hand-painted here in the UK.
How are reborn dolls made?
Creating a reborn is a detailed process that takes time and patience.
The artist starts with an unfinished kit and prepares the head and limbs for painting. The skin is then built up in fine layers to create a more natural baby skin tone. Artists can add delicate details such as mottling, veins, blushing, creases around the hands and feet, and other tiny features that give the baby its lifelike appearance.
Depending on the baby, the hair may be painted or individually rooted. Rooting involves carefully placing tiny strands of hair into the vinyl, one at a time, to create a realistic head of hair.
Once the painting and finishing work is complete, the doll is assembled and weighted. At Willow Tree Reborns, we use fine glass beads and soft fibre when weighting our babies, helping them have a more natural feel when held.
The final stage is dressing and finishing the baby ready for their new home.
Because so much of the work is done by hand, small differences between dolls are normal. These little differences are part of what makes a handmade reborn unique.
What are reborn dolls made from?
The materials can vary depending on the type of reborn.
Many traditional reborn dolls have a soft vinyl head and limbs attached to a soft cloth body. Some have full vinyl limbs, while others may have three-quarter limbs. There are also silicone reborn dolls, which are made using silicone rather than vinyl and have different handling and care requirements.
Our Willow Tree Reborns babies include vinyl reborns with soft cloth bodies. For example, many of our Nines d’Onil babies have vinyl limbs, a soft doe-suede body and disc-jointed limbs, giving them a lovely soft and cuddly feel.
Reborns are also weighted to give them a more realistic feel when held. We use fine glass beads and soft fibre in our babies rather than simply filling them with loose material.
What is a reborn kit?
A reborn kit is the unfinished starting point used by an artist to create a reborn doll.
A typical kit includes a sculpted head and arms and legs, usually made from vinyl or silicone. Depending on the kit, it may also include a cloth body, eyes or other components. Some kits are sold as separate parts, while others are supplied as a more complete set.
The kit itself is not a finished reborn. It is the blank canvas for the artist.
The artist adds the layers of paint, hair, weighting and finishing details before assembling the baby. This is why the same sculpt can become many completely different-looking reborn babies.
At Willow Tree Reborns, we only use genuine reborn kits from recognised sculptors and manufacturers. We believe the sculptor’s work deserves to be respected, which is why using authentic kits matters to us.
Are reborn dolls suitable for children?
Reborn dolls need to be treated differently from ordinary children's toys.
Many handmade reborns contain delicate hand-finished details and components that can be damaged by rough play. Some may also have small accessories, magnetic dummies or other parts that present a risk to young children.
Our reborn dolls are collectible dolls, not toys, and our current Willow Tree Reborns listings state that they have not been CE or UKCA safety tested. We therefore recommend our reborns for adult collectors or supervised older children aged 6 and over.
They should not be given to babies or toddlers. NHS guidance warns that small objects and small toy parts can pose a choking risk to young children, particularly those under three.
If you are buying a reborn for an older child, we recommend adult supervision and choosing a baby that is suitable for their age and level of play. Reborns should also be handled with care rather than treated as rough-and-tumble toys.
Who are reborn dolls for?
There isn’t one type of person who collects reborn dolls.
Some people are drawn to the beautiful artwork and craftsmanship. Others enjoy collecting different sculpts, dressing their babies, taking photographs or simply having a realistic baby to cuddle and enjoy.
For some collectors, the gentle routine of caring for and holding a reborn can also provide comfort and companionship. People have different reasons for collecting, and there is no right or wrong way to enjoy the hobby.
Reborn dolls can appeal to first-time collectors, experienced doll collectors, artists, hobbyists and anyone who appreciates the skill involved in creating a lifelike baby.
At Willow Tree Reborns, we believe each person has their own reason for choosing a reborn. For some it is the artistry, for some it is the cuddles, and for others it is simply that they fall in love with a particular little face.
Whatever brings you to the world of reborns, you’re very welcome here
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Our Willow Tree Reborns
Are your reborn dolls handmade?
Yes. Our reborn dolls are handmade and hand-painted rather than mass-produced.
Each baby starts as an unfinished reborn kit and is transformed by hand. We build the skin colour in layers and add the tiny details that help create a realistic newborn appearance, such as mottling, blushing, veins and creases.
Once the painting is complete, the baby is assembled, weighted and finished with their clothing and accessories. Depending on the baby, they may have painted hair or individually rooted hair.
Because each baby is handmade, no two will be exactly the same. Even babies made from the same sculpt can have their own look and personality.
Where do your doll kits come from?
We use genuine reborn kits from established sculptors and manufacturers.
A reborn kit is the blank starting point for an artist. It normally includes the head and limbs, with other parts depending on the particular kit. The artist then creates the finished reborn through painting, weighting, assembly and hair work.
We take care to use authentic kits rather than copied or counterfeit sculpts. Supporting the original sculptors is important to us, and we want our customers to know that the baby they are buying has been created from a genuine kit.
We use a range of kits, including babies from Nines d’Onil, along with other recognised reborn sculpts.
What is the difference between painted and rooted hair?
Painted hair is created by hand using fine layers and individual strokes of paint to give the appearance of real baby hair. A skilled artist can create very fine hair strokes, along with areas of shading and variation that make the hair look soft and natural.
Rooted hair is made by inserting individual strands of fibre into the doll's head. Each strand is placed by hand, which makes the process much more time-consuming.
Rooted hair can give a beautifully realistic finish, but it also needs more care. It should be handled gently and kept away from pulling, brushing and rough play.
Painted hair is often a good choice if you want a baby that is easier to care for, while rooted hair is ideal for collectors who love the look and feel of real baby hair.
Who roots your babies?
For our rooted babies, we work with Sweet Roots, a specialist reborn rooting artist.
Rooting is a highly skilled and time-consuming part of reborn creation. Tiny strands are inserted one at a time to create a realistic hairline and baby-soft appearance.
Using a specialist rooting artist allows us to offer beautifully rooted babies while we focus on the painting and finishing of each baby here at Willow Tree Reborns.
You can see more of the rooting work from Sweet Roots on their website.
Can I choose the baby's gender?
For our made-to-order babies, yes, where the particular sculpt allows for it.
When you place a made-to-order request with us, we can discuss whether you would like your baby finished as a boy or a girl. Clothing and accessories can then be chosen to suit.
Some sculpts have features that are more suited to one presentation than another, so we will always let you know what is possible before your order is confirmed.
For ready-made babies already available on our website, the gender is shown in the individual listing.
Can I request a particular skin tone?
Yes, we can often discuss skin tone preferences when creating a baby to order.
Every reborn is hand-painted, so the final skin tone can be created with different layers of colour and detail. You can tell us whether you prefer a lighter, warmer, deeper or more ethnic skin tone, for example, and we can discuss what would work best with your chosen sculpt.
It is worth remembering that reborn skin is an artistic interpretation rather than an exact colour match. Lighting and photographs can also change how a skin tone appears on screen.
If you have a particular look in mind, you are welcome to talk to us before ordering. We would rather understand what you are hoping for before we begin.
Can you make a reborn to order?
Yes. We offer made-to-order reborn dolls on selected sculpts.
A made-to-order baby is created especially for you rather than being chosen from our ready-made stock. You can discuss options such as gender, skin tone and, where available, hair style with us before your baby is created.
Our made-to-order babies usually have a 6–8 week lead time, although this can vary depending on the sculpt, rooting requirements and how busy the nursery is at the time of ordering.
Because each baby is handmade, we ask that customers allow us the time needed to create their baby properly. We would never want to rush the painting or finishing process just to meet a shorter deadline.
If you have fallen in love with a particular sculpt but would like some personal choices, get in touch with us before ordering and we can talk through what is possible.
Choosing Your Baby
I’m new to reborns. Where should I start?
Starting your reborn journey can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when there are so many different sizes, styles and options to choose from.
The best place to start is with the baby you feel most drawn to. Some people fall in love with a tiny newborn, while others prefer a bigger baby they can cuddle and dress. There is no right or wrong choice.
If you are completely new to reborns, our Nines d'Onil babies are a lovely place to begin. They are beautifully made, affordable and perfect for experiencing the joy of owning a reborn for the first time. You can also browse our available babies if you would like to find one ready to come home.
What size reborn should I choose?
This really comes down to what feels right for you.
Our tiniest babies are delicate and easy to hold, newborn-sized babies offer that classic curled-up newborn feel, while our larger babies and toddlers are wonderful if you enjoy dressing, cuddling and seeing more personality in your reborn.
Think about where your baby will live, what clothes you would like to buy and how you imagine spending time with them. If you are unsure, have a look through our collections and compare the sizes.
And remember, you do not have to get it perfect. Your first reborn often helps you discover what you love most about the hobby.
What comes with my reborn?
Every Willow Tree baby is prepared with care before they leave us. What is included can vary depending on the baby and collection, so please always check the individual listing for exactly what comes home with your new arrival.
Your reborn will be safely packaged and ready for their journey home, and many babies come with a lovely selection of outfits and accessories to make their arrival feel extra special.
We want opening your box to feel like meeting your baby for the very first time, not simply receiving a parcel.
Can I choose the clothing?
For custom babies, we love giving you the chance to make your baby feel more personal. Depending on the baby you choose, you may be able to have some input into their outfits and overall style.
For babies already available for adoption, the clothing shown in the listing is usually what your baby will come home wearing, along with any additional items included in their box opening.
If you have something particular in mind, just ask. We are always happy to help where we can.
Can I choose my baby’s name?
Yes, absolutely.
Your baby can come home with the name we have chosen, or you can choose one that feels special to you. Some collectors know their baby's name before they have even chosen the sculpt, while others wait until they see them properly for the first time.
There is no rush and no rule. Your reborn becomes part of your story when they come home to you, so their name should feel right to you.
Do you have babies ready for adoption?
Yes. We regularly have babies that are complete, photographed and ready to find their new homes.
Our available babies are perfect if you do not want to wait for a custom order. What you see is the exact baby you will receive, so you can fall in love with their little personality before deciding to adopt them.
You can browse our current ready-to-adopt babies in our Available Babies collection. If there is not quite the right baby waiting at the moment, keep checking back, as new little ones are added throughout the year.
Caring For Your Reborn
How do I care for my reborn?
The easiest way to think about caring for your reborn is to treat them gently, much as you would a real baby.
Support their head and neck when picking them up, avoid pulling or putting pressure on their limbs, and handle them carefully when changing clothes or repositioning them. Reborns are weighted to give them that lovely realistic feel, so always lift them securely.
For little marks or dust, a soft, slightly damp cloth and plain water is usually all you need. Avoid baby wipes, lotions, oils and household cleaning products, as these can damage the delicate paintwork and vinyl over time.
Can I change their clothes?
Absolutely. One of the lovely things about owning a reborn is choosing little outfits for them.
You can change their clothes just as often as you like, provided you are gentle when dressing and undressing them. Take particular care around fingers, toes and delicate limbs.
We do recommend being careful with dark or strongly coloured clothing, especially denim, as dyes can sometimes transfer onto vinyl. Washing new clothes before your baby wears them can help reduce the risk
And yes, buying tiny outfits is definitely part of the fun!
Can I brush rooted hair?
Yes, but very gently.
Rooted hair is delicate and can be damaged if it is brushed too often or too roughly. Use a very soft baby brush or suitable reborn hairbrush and work slowly, starting at the ends rather than pulling from the roots.
A little patience goes a long way. If the hair becomes tangled, don't pull at it. Gently work through the tangles a little at a time.
Remember that rooted hair is individually placed into the vinyl, so it will never behave quite like the hair on a real baby.
Can I take my reborn out and about?
Yes. Many collectors love taking their reborns out for walks, shopping trips, doll shows or simply enjoying a little time together.
Just remember that your reborn is a delicate collectible rather than an ordinary toy. A suitable pram or carrier can make outings much easier, and always support your baby properly when carrying them.
If you're taking your reborn outside, keep an eye on the weather too. Direct sunlight, high temperatures and extreme cold aren't good for vinyl.
Can my reborn get wet?
It's best to keep your reborn dry.
Reborns aren't designed for bathing, swimming or being exposed to large amounts of water. Water can get into areas such as the body, joints or mechanisms and potentially cause damage.
If your baby gets a small splash or needs a little cleaning, gently wipe the affected area with a soft, damp cloth and then allow it to dry naturally.
Please don't soak your reborn or use water as part of their normal care routine.
How should I store my reborn?
If your baby is going into storage for a while, choose somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.
A soft blanket or suitable storage box can help protect your reborn from dust, but don't wrap them tightly or store them somewhere damp. It's also a good idea to avoid leaving them in positions that put prolonged pressure on their limbs.
Before storing your baby, make sure they are clean and completely dry. Check on them occasionally rather than leaving them untouched for months at a time.
If your reborn has rooted hair, take a little extra care when wrapping them so the hair isn't being pressed or pulled.
How do I protect my reborn from heat and sunlight?
This is one of the most important parts of reborn care.
Try to keep your baby out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, fires, heaters, hot cars and other sources of heat. Strong sunlight and extreme temperatures can affect vinyl and may cause fading or other changes over time.
A lovely sunny spot might seem like the perfect place to display your baby, but indirect light is much safer for their delicate colouring.
If you're taking your reborn out in warm weather, don't leave them in a parked car, even for a short time. Vinyl and internal components can be affected by high temperatures.
A little care makes a big difference. Your reborn is handmade and has delicate painted details, so treating them gently will help keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
Ordering From Willow Tree
How does made-to-order work?
Made-to-order means your baby is created especially for you rather than being selected from babies we already have finished.
Once your order is placed, we begin creating your baby, from preparing the vinyl to painting, weighting, assembling and adding all those little finishing touches that make them feel like your own.
It does mean you have to wait a little longer, but there is something rather special about knowing your baby was made specifically for you.
If you are choosing options such as painted or rooted hair, these will be shown on the individual product listing along with any additional time that option may require.
How long does a made-to-order baby take?
Our current lead time is always shown on the individual product listing, as this can vary depending on the baby, options chosen and how many orders we are working on.
We would rather give you a realistic timescale than promise a baby by a particular date and then rush the process.
If you have a special occasion or particular date in mind, please get in touch before ordering and we'll let you know what may be possible.
How will my baby be packaged?
We take just as much care with your baby's journey home as we do with creating them.
Your reborn will be carefully wrapped and securely packaged to help protect them during transit. Depending on the baby and package you choose, you may also receive clothing, accessories and other little extras as part of your box opening.
We want opening your parcel to feel like a special occasion. After all, you're not simply opening a box. You're meeting your new baby.
Do you provide tracking?
Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, we'll provide tracking information so you can follow your baby's journey to you.
Please keep an eye on your tracking once your parcel is on its way, particularly if you're not going to be home. Delivery times are outside our control once a parcel has been handed to the courier, but we're always here if you have any concerns.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Where available, payment options are shown during checkout.
Payment plans can be a useful way of spreading the cost of your reborn rather than paying the full amount at once. The payment options available to you will depend on the order and the payment provider.
Please make sure you understand the terms of any payment plan before choosing it.
Do you ship outside the UK?
Our main focus is looking after our UK collectors, but we may be able to arrange international shipping depending on the destination.
International orders can involve additional postage costs, customs requirements, taxes or import charges, which can vary from country to country.
If you're outside the UK and have fallen in love with one of our babies, please contact us before ordering and we'll be happy to discuss whether we can ship to you and what would be involved.
What happens if I have a problem with my order?
Please don't worry. If something doesn't look right when your order arrives, contact us as soon as possible.
We're a small, independent reborn business and every baby that leaves Willow Tree Reborns matters to us. We'll listen to what has happened and work with you to find the appropriate solution.
If your parcel arrives damaged, please keep the packaging and take photographs of the parcel and its contents before making any repairs or alterations. This can be important if we need to raise an issue with the courier.
For any order problem, the best thing to do is contact us directly rather than trying to fix the issue yourself. We're here to help.