Doll lovers and collectors alike have recently been looking for a doll that appears to more closely resemble an actual young human. In fact, a new market that calls for the making of “reborn” dolls has become quite popular for those who like to acquire different types of dolls. Most seasoned doll collectors have become bored with the dolls that are usually sold in stores. It’s these people that are now embracing the artistic endeavor of producing dolls that could be mistaken for humans (or almost!)

Within approximately the last five years the Reborn Doll Market has shown a significant increase in popularity. This can be attributed to a number of particular artistic concepts that have gained recognition. These techniques produce dolls which are more life-like. The Berenguer and Preemie Dolls have been around for a number of years. These dolls, with their true-to-life expressions, details and physical characteristics, have contributed greatly to this Reborn Doll Fad.

A doll can go through a process in which it is upgraded and, in a sense, reborn. This requires the disassembly of the doll. The doll is stripped from its artificial appearance and the paint is removed to reveal a plastic shell. If necessary, the shell can be altered. In the end, a doll can transform into a more appealing and realistic model.

Reborn dolls then have a purple color added to the inside of the plastic parts to add color tones underneath the plastic, which will add to the realistic skin color of the doll. From there, the outside is painted up with different skin toned paints and colors to add a real skin color, and then other tones and techniques are implemented to create skin lines, blemishes, and other skin-topping effects that make the doll look more lifelike.

From here, hair and eyelashes are added to the doll using real human hair or soft, humanlike mohawk faux fair, allowing the reborn dolls to have human characteristics. This process often is done by hand and by strand, which can take dozens of hours. Once this is completed, the doll is reassembled with a softer filling and underbelly, and then may have other additions made to create an even more lifelike appearance, such as a breathing or heartbeat sound box to create a realistic appearance of living.

For those who want to make their own without as much work involved, there are reborn doll kits that allow the purchaser to make their own reborn without as much work. Most people who want one, however, shell out the money (often upwards of a few hundred dollars) to purchase one. These dolls have also become popular gifts for newborn mothers, often replicating the condition of their children after birth as a memento.

Creating more realistic child dolls is a growing trend among collectors and hobbyists. The challenge involves making the dolls resemble real human children. The term given to this practice is called Reborn Doll Kits. This new market is exciting for long time crafters, who have grown tired of the more typical and far less realistic dolls that have been on the market for years and years. The Berenguer and Preemie Dolls that have sold for years can be credited partially for the craze brought on by Reborn Dolls, as they began the trend of lifelike qualities and expressions that make them reminiscent of a real human baby.

- Tommy Thompson