Reborn doll clothes and dummy sizes

Reborn babies wear real baby clothes, which makes dressing them a pleasure — as long as you buy by length rather than by the age on the label.

What size fits

As a rough guide, based on the babies we send out:

• 12 inch (mini): premature or "tiny baby" sizes
• 16 inch: newborn
• 18 inch: newborn to 0–3 months
• 20 inch: 0–3 months, sometimes 3–6 for a roomy fit

Sizing varies between shops, so if an outfit matters, measure the baby from head to heel and compare with the garment's length rather than trusting the age.

Fabrics that are kind to painted skin

• Best: pale cotton, muslin, bamboo, soft knits in undyed or light colours.
• Careful: anything dark, dyed or damp. Deep colours transfer into vinyl and silicone, especially in a warm room, and the mark is permanent.
• Avoid: rough seams, stiff denim, anything with sharp fastenings at the neck or wrists.

If you love a dark outfit, dress the baby in it for photographs and change it back afterwards.

Dummies

Many reborn babies take a magnetic dummy: a magnet sits inside the mouth and the dummy holds itself in place. Some full silicone babies take a real dummy instead, and some have closed mouths and take none. Each listing says which.

Magnets are small parts, so keep them away from young children, and keep them well away from anyone with a pacemaker or similar device.

Bottles, blankets and extras

Every baby we send arrives dressed, with a dummy and bottle. Beyond that, a muslin wrap and a soft blanket are the two things owners reach for most. Our accessories are chosen to be gentle on painted skin.

Dressing without damage

Support the head, do one limb at a time, and never pull a garment over a hand by the fingers. For full silicone babies, loose clothing is essential — why, and the rest of silicone care.

Buying for someone else? How to choose your first reborn covers size and weight, which matter more than the outfit.