These are recommendations and tips for the care of your new baby.
An artist silicone baby doll is NOT A TOY. It is a fine art collectible – it is important for you to handle it gently. With proper care, your doll will last you for many years to come.
- Support the head when pickup up your doll – the best way to hold it is to cradle it like you would with a real baby. Avoid stretching the limbs or neck.
- Be gentle and avoid tearing. Do not tug on or hyper-extend the limbs or fingers and toes, or poke the doll. If your doll has armatures, bend them with care. Keep away from sharp objects. Avoid stretching the mouth out.
- If inserting a pacifier, pull the chin down gently before insertion to lessen paint friction. Do the same when removing.
- Use care when dressing/undressing. Be aware of fingers and toes, and eyelashes. Dressing from the bottom up is a good idea when possible. You can even wrap hands and feet with plastic wrap or sandwich baggies to facilitate dressing and lessen friction on the paint, if you wish.
- Brush hair gently. I like to use a toothbrush, but a soft baby brush can also be used. The hair is NOT sealed into the head so it can, and will, come out if pulled too aggressively. I cannot guarantee hair for this reason.
- If using hats or hoods, add and remove them gently. Some people even use plastic wrap under hats, to protect the hair. Minor hair shedding is expected and normal, You may wet with a spray bottle or water, or water mixed with a little hair conditioner. You can rinse the hair gently with water and conditioner if necessary. Again, be extra careful with brushing. Take your time.
- A silicone baby may begin to feel a little tacky or appear slightly shiny if handled or changed frequently. You may dust with silicone matting powder whenever this occurs to keep it fresh and lessen friction from dressing. My current favorite is Silicone Velvet
- Remove lint with tape or a gentle rinse with water. Do NOT pick at the silicone.
- Keep your baby free from heavy oils or perfumes.
- If your doll requires additional cleaning, you may wash it with some dish soap and warm water, using only your hands to clean it. Do not scrub. Do not use a washcloth. This could remove the delicate matte layer. It’s best NOT to submerge the entire baby, Including the head, under water. If your doll has a cloth body, do not get the body wet.
- There will be some dust inevitably trapped into the paint – as it is impossible to entirely avoid. If it doesn’t wash off, leave it alone. Do not pick. Dry gently. Dust your doll with silicone matting powder, using a soft cosmetic brush, once it’s dry.
- The paint on a silicone baby doll will never be 100% flawless in appearance. Because of the materials used to paint the dolls, small inconsistencies are common and normal with this medium. It is unforgiving and one tiny mark or missed spot is often impossible to remove without ruining the paint job on the rest of the doll. The process is much different than painting a vinyl reborn doll. For this reason, every single doll will be slightly unique and different.
- , Keep your doll away from moisture. Do not put food or liquids in its mouth.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to dark colored clothing, accessories, or fabric, as dyes can leech into the silicone and stain it.
- Do not lean your silicone doll against dolls made from other materials. They can react with each other.
- Do not leave a silicone doll unattended where pets or small children can access it- not only can small pieces become a choking hazard, but some pets find the texture irresistible to chew!!!!
- Use only silicone matting powder or baby powder to freshen up your doll – never use a food product like cornstarch or sugar, as these can attract rodents and insects.
- It’s a good idea to store the doll wrapped in a blanket, in a cool, dry environment, if not being displayed or enjoyed.
The sale of this doll is for personal/collector or agreed upon use ONLY. Commercial use is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the artist.
Above all, enjoy your new lifelike baby doll (gently!) and have fun!
Thank you so much!
Dawn Donofrio
DD Artdolls
Ddartdolls.com