‘It helps with loneliness’: grief, play and the power of lifelike dolls - photo essay

Ineke Schmelter, 71-year-old former nurse and maternity nurse in the Netherlands, has found solace in collecting lifelike 'reborn' dolls that help combat loneliness following her retirement, as thousands of Dutch enthusiasts embrace the hobby of caring for these hyper-realistic baby dolls. Schmelter, who spent her career caring for actual babies, now owns ten meticulously crafted reborn dolls displayed throughout her home, with the most expensive costing €1,200. She frequently takes her dolls for walks in prams around her neighborhood, where curious strangers often mistake them for real babies before she reveals they are dolls featuring extraordinary craftsmanship including tiny veins, skin folds, and multiple layers of paint. The reborn doll phenomenon originated in the United States during the 1990s when hobbyists began hand-modifying mass-produced dolls to achieve unprecedented realism. Today, these dolls have evolved into a global community with millions of enthusiasts worldwide, including tens of thousands in the Netherlands. These hyper-realistic creations are completely handmade, with vinyl or silicone bodies, real human hair rooted strand by strand, and glass granule fillings to match the weight of actual babies. The process involves sculpting clay molds, casting, painting in numerous layers, and meticulous detailing that can take weeks to complete. Dutch enthusiasts like Schmelter often scour charity shops for vintage clothing and accessories, creating a nostalgic connection to their past while caring for their dolls. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, reborn dolls serve significant emotional and psychological functions for their owners. For Schmelter, who was unable to have children despite trying naturally and through medical treatment, the dolls provide comfort and combat loneliness in her retirement years. Researcher Nicolle Lamerichs from Utrecht University of Applied Sciences explains that the dolls appeal to adults through multiple elements: creativity, role-play, collecting, and community connection. Many enthusiasts, particularly women who have experienced pregnancy loss or infertility, use the dolls as a way to process complex emotions about motherhood that mainstream culture often leaves unaddressed. Studies have also found therapeutic benefits for older people with dementia, as the dolls can reduce aggressive behavior, encourage communication, and improve mood by triggering the release of 'feel-good' chemicals in the brain.