How to care for a silicone reborn doll

Full silicone babies are made to be held, and with a little care they stay soft and lifelike for years. This is how we look after the babies in our nursery.

Everyday cleaning

• Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and a drop of mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Pat dry with a lint-free towel. Silicone attracts fluff, so keep fleecy blankets away straight after cleaning.
• Our silicone babies have no wet system, so never submerge one in water.

Keeping the skin soft and matte

Silicone can feel slightly tacky over time. A very light dusting of cornstarch-free baby powder, brushed off with a soft make-up brush, brings back the silky newborn feel. Do this every few weeks rather than daily.

What marks silicone permanently

• Ink. Ballpoint pen transfers in seconds and does not come out.
• Dark or dyed fabrics left against the skin for days, especially in warmth.
• Heat. Radiators, car dashboards, direct sunlight through a window.
• Sharp jewellery and hair clips pressed against the skin.

Storing your baby

Lay the baby flat or slightly propped, out of direct sun, in a cotton or muslin wrap rather than a sealed plastic bag. Somewhere cool and dry is ideal. If you are putting a baby away for a season, dress it in pale cotton first.

Dressing without stress

Support the head, arms and legs as you would with a real newborn, and take one limb at a time. Loose, soft, light-coloured clothes in natural fabrics are kindest to silicone — what size fits.

Travelling

Carry the baby flat in a bag with a wrap around it, never by an arm, and never leave it in a warm car. The same applies to posting one.

If something goes wrong

Small scuffs often lift with a damp cloth. Deeper marks, loose limbs or paint damage are worth asking about before trying to fix them — message us with a photograph and we will tell you honestly what can be done.

New to reborns? Start with what a reborn doll is, or read the care guide for vinyl and cloth-body babies.