A young woman recently shared a video on social media that appears to depict her preparing her baby, Bento, for a hospital visit, describing it as “one of the busiest and scariest days for me.” In the video, she packs essentials such as onesies and medical documents, and at the hospital, she is seen caring for the baby. However, it was later revealed that the baby was not real but a hyperrealistic reborn doll, handcrafted to resemble an actual infant.
The video garnered over 16 million views on TikTok and is part of a growing trend in Brazil, where women are seen taking these lifelike dolls to parks, celebrating birthdays, and even simulating childbirth. Some women, like Juliana Drusz Magri, have embraced the hobby, collecting multiple dolls and describing their experience as an escape from reality.
The dolls have gained significant attention in Brazilian pop culture, appearing in a prime-time telenovela and a trending rap song. However, the phenomenon has sparked debate among lawmakers, influencers, and columnists, with some viewing it as a potential threat to societal norms while others consider it a harmless pastime.
In Amazonas, a lawmaker controversially brought a reborn doll into the legislature to argue against public benefits for the dolls, while others expressed concerns about the implications for healthcare and education. A social media post from Curitiba humorously warned doll “mothers” against occupying seats reserved for pregnant women on public transport.
Despite the backlash, a proposal to establish September 4 as Reborn Stork Day in Rio de Janeiro was approved by the city council but later vetoed by the mayor. Legislative efforts to restrict the dolls' access to public services have emerged, although only one case of a woman seeking medical treatment for a doll has been documented.
Vivi Louhrinci, an artist creating reborn dolls, noted the chaos surrounding the increased interest in the dolls, while a political science doctoral candidate highlighted the gendered stigma associated with the hobby. The reborn doll trend, which began in the 1990s, has seen a rise in popularity beyond Brazil, with online marketplaces reporting significant sales increases.
Most reborn dolls are sold for $200 to $250, with some limited editions fetching over $4,000. While a small percentage of buyers include those coping with loss or trauma, many simply enjoy the experience of caring for the dolls. Collectors like Ms. Drusz advocate for the appreciation of the art involved in creating these dolls, expressing hope for acceptance of their hobby.
As the trend continues to evolve, the cultural implications and societal reactions surrounding reborn dolls remain a topic of discussion in Brazil and beyond.