'I'm a mother to eight reborn dolls – I spent $2,000 on them and treat them like my kids' – The Mirror US
A woman is an "adoptive mother" to her eight reborn dolls – and breastfeeds them and takes them everywhere with her.
Kelly White, 28, developed an interest in these realistic dolls after watching a YouTube video showcasing a collection.
Initially, the Cosplay enthusiast wanted to use the doll as a prop, but she soon found herself feeling "attached to her". Over the past year, Kelly has expanded her collection to eight dolls, spending approximately $2,000 on them.
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She used to breastfeed her younger dolls but now bottle feeds them using a homemade 'milk' concoction of flour and water. Kelly, a content creator from Long Island, New York, said: "I've been wanting to be a mom since I was eight.
"I got attached to her as if she was an adopted child. Suddenly I was buying clothes for her and a bed.
"They are comforting.I'm living my truth of the life I want – as if I was a mom."
Kelly stumbled upon the video in October 2023 and purchased her first doll, Jennifer.
She said: "I got really interested in the reborn collection as soon as I got my first toddler doll for my birthday last year."
Jennifer stands at 39 inches and has her own bed in Kelly's room. Kelly began adding to her collection this year after earning some money through the TikTok creator fund.
Kelly now has two-year-old dolls – Summer, twins Molly and Antony, Ashley, Elizabeth, Michael, and Adam. She is also planning to add a new one – Emily – to her collection this month.
Kelly said: "It was cool that they looked like a real baby. It appeals that they look realistic.
Kelly, who keeps most of the dolls in cribs in her living room, but has baby Adam and Jennifer in her room, added: "I have a routine – I make them breakfast and get them all dressed.
"I put a movie for them.We're nearly done with a Disney marathon.They go everywhere with me.
"By 7pm I get them all ready for bed and I play some songs on an ocarina."
Kelly, who owns a double stroller, alternates taking the dolls out with her to the park or restaurants.
Despite her desire to adopt children, she's currently struggling to find work, which is hindering her dreams. Instead, she gets to "practice" with her dolls.
Kelly confessed: "I lost count on how many clothes I have bought for them.
"I've spent a couple of thousand dollars on them – it's very worth it. Taking care of them is comforting.
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While Kelly is now comfortable going out with her dolls, she admits she does receive negative comments online and in person. She revealed: "Some people think it is weird.
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"I get some comments such as 'women playing with reborn dolls is weird'.
"Sometimes people all the do is stare. Sometimes people say something like – that's creepy.
"I'm not surprised some people don't get it. "When I first got Jen I wanted to keep her a secret.
"I wanted her to be my child. I'm an adoptive mom."
