What makes a reborn doll “real”?
A real reborn doll is an artist-made creation. It starts as a sculpted vinyl or silicone kit from a named sculptor and is transformed by hand through hours of painting, rooting, and assembly.
Key signs of authenticity:
- Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the sculptor
- Clear artist or nursery name with portfolio of past dolls
- Individual, hand-painted details (mottling, veining, blushing)
- Weighted body that flops naturally in your arms
- Transparent communication from the seller
Real reborns are made to be collected, cherished, and handled gently.
What are fake reborns?
“Fake reborns” are mass-produced factory dolls, often sold on websites like AliExpress, Temu, or via scam adverts on Facebook. They steal photos of artist dolls but send out cheap, unsafe alternatives.
Signs of a fake reborn:
- Stock photos or identical images across multiple listings
- Prices under £100 for “full silicone reborn” offers
- No artist name, nursery, or COA
- Multiple “identical” finished dolls for sale (real reborns are one-of-a-kind)
- Refusal to provide new photos or video proof
Why fake reborns can be unsafe
Parents sometimes buy fakes thinking they’re getting a bargain for a child. But safety is a serious concern.
- Paint may be non-toxic — or it may not; fakes don’t follow safety standards.
- Hair and glue can shed or come loose, posing choking hazards.
- Weighting materials are sometimes cheap sand, pellets, or unsafe fillers.
- Durability is low — limbs may detach, vinyl can warp, and details rub off quickly.
For display collectors, fakes are disappointing. For children, they can be unsafe.
Important: A real reborn is not a toy — but if you want a doll for a child, choose a safe play-grade reborn from a reputable artist who uses child-safe materials.
How to avoid fake reborn scams
1. Check the sculpt name
Every real reborn kit has a sculpt name and sculptor (e.g., “Sage by Bountiful Baby”). If the seller can’t tell you, it’s a red flag.
2. Ask for a video
A genuine artist will show the exact doll on video, often with today’s date or your name in frame.
3. Confirm the COA
Ask to see a photo of the Certificate of Authenticity next to the doll. Fakes may show generic or photocopied “certificates.”
4. Look at price and location
In 2025, real UK reborns typically cost £300–£600. Anything far below this is suspect. Avoid overseas “reborn factories.”
5. Use safe payment methods
PayPal Goods & Services or card checkout offer buyer protection. Never pay by gift card, bank transfer, or “Friends & Family” to unknown sellers.
Quick comparison: real vs fake reborn dolls
| Feature | Real reborn (authentic) | Fake reborn (counterfeit) |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (UK 2025) | £300–£600 typical | £50–£100 offers |
| Maker | Individual artist + sculptor | Mass-produced factory |
| Photos | Unique, natural, personal | Stock/stolen across many sites |
| COA | Always included, sculpt-specific | Missing or fake |
| Weighting | Fine glass beads, fibre fill | Sand, pellets, poor stuffing |
| Safety | Art object, quality controlled | Unregulated, unsafe for children |
🔗 Go deeper: [Safe buying & avoiding scams: signs your reborn isn’t authentic]
Gentle close
Buying your first reborn should feel safe and steady, not rushed or uncertain. By checking for authenticity — sculpt name, COA, artist transparency — you’ll protect yourself from scams and support the artists who make this craft possible.
Whether you’re buying for yourself or exploring for a child, choose trusted sellers and remember: a real reborn is always worth the wait.
There’s no wrong place to begin.
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