Caring for vinyl and cloth-body reborn dolls

Vinyl and cloth-body babies are hardier than full silicone, but their painted detail still needs a gentle hand. The rule is simple: clean the vinyl, spot-clean the cloth, and never put either in water.

Cleaning vinyl limbs and head

• Use a soft, damp cloth, barely soapy, and wipe in one direction.
• Dry immediately with a lint-free towel.
• Never use baby wipes, alcohol gel, nail polish remover or scouring cream — they strip paint and matte sealant.
• Nails, lips and creases hold the most paint, so be lightest there.

Freshening the cloth body

• Spot-clean with a barely damp cloth and a drop of mild soap; blot rather than rub.
• Let it dry fully in open air, away from radiators.
• Never machine wash or soak: the filling and any weighting beads will clump and the body will lose its shape.
• A gentle brush lifts fluff and pet hair.

Keeping the painted finish

Painted reborn skin is sealed matte on purpose. It stays that way if you keep the baby away from ink, dark dyed fabrics in warm rooms, direct sun and heat sources. Hands washed before cuddles does more good than any product.

Limbs, joints and posing

Cloth bodies are joined with ties or discs. If a limb starts to feel loose, stop posing it and ask before pulling: send us a photograph and we will tell you whether it is a simple fix.

Storing

Lay the baby flat in a cotton wrap, somewhere cool and dry. Pale clothes only for long storage, and no sealed plastic — cloth needs air.

Dressing

Cloth-body babies are the easiest to dress, which is half the fun. Reborn doll clothes and dummy sizes explains what fits a 16", 18" or 20" baby, and our accessories are chosen to be gentle on painted skin.

Looking after a full silicone baby instead? That guide is here.