This UK Woman Is Raising Two Babies, But One Is Just A Doll
After her daughter grew old, she began longing for the early days of newborn care. To relive that experience, the woman decided to purchase a realistic baby doll.
A 19-year-old UK mother, Maddie, is raising two babies—but only one is real. She has a daughter, Ophelia, and also cares for a lifelike Reborn Doll named Forrest. According to the New York Post, Maddie gave birth to Ophelia nearly two years ago. However, as her daughter grew into a toddler, she began longing for the early days of newborn care. To relive that experience, she decided to purchase a realistic baby doll.
“I’ve got two babies and only one is real," Maddie said in a TikTok video shared by Truly TV.
related stories
Reborn Dolls, like Forrest, are designed to look and feel just like real infants. They have soft skin made of silicone, bright eyes and even a full head of hair. Some high-end versions which can even coo and crawl can cost more than $25,000 (approximately Rs 21 lakh).
Denise Hall, a doll artist from Wales, sells her handmade creations for over $4,000 (approx Rs 3 lakh) mostly to women dealing with miscarriage, infertility or child loss.
However, not all collectors purchase Reborn Dolls for emotional reasons. According to the report, 28-year-old content creator Kelly White from Long Island views them as a substitute for real children due to financial constraints. Similarly, Maddie admitted that having another baby would be a financial burden, making Forrest a budget-friendly addition to her little family.
Forrest arrived in the mail with a birth certificate that included details like his date of birth and birth weight. He came dressed in baby gear with text that reads, “I love my mummy." But Maddie insists he is not a toy.
“They are not toys, they are not meant for children. Artists make them and they are collectables. So, I’m not playing," the teenage mother said.
Despite her love for the doll, Maddie has faced criticism online. Social media users have called her “crazy" and “weird" for treating a doll like a real baby. She dresses, cuddles and caters to Forrest only when Ophelia, 18 months, is asleep.
“People just don’t get it. People judge me for having a reborn and a real baby." According to her, some have accused her of caring the doll over her daughter which she has denied.
“I definitely do not do that," Maddie said.
She is also not worried that Ophelia will feel jealous and maintains that she is her top priority.
“Obviously, he isn’t real and she knows that. I don’t worry about it. I don’t really choose to spend time with him over her because she is my main priority," she added.
- Location :
- First Published: