Reborn Doll History

Reborn dolls originated in the late 1980s to early 1990s, when artists and hobbyists began modifying manufactured vinyl dolls to make them look more realistic. The process, called "reborning," involves adding layers of paint, rooted hair, glass eyes, and weighted bodies to create the lifelike appearance and feel of a real baby.

The movement gained momentum in the early 2000s with the rise of online communities, forums, and marketplaces like eBay, where artists could showcase and sell their creations. As the demand grew, doll kit manufacturers began producing blank sculpts specifically for reborning, giving artists more tools to push the realism even further.

Today, reborn dolls are collected and created worldwide—not just for artistic expression, but also for therapeutic purposes, role-play, and even grief support. The community continues to thrive, combining craftsmanship, creativity, and emotional connection in a truly unique art form.