A woman is the “adoptive mother” to her eight reborn dolls – and breastfeeds them, makes breakfast for them and takes them everywhere with her.
Kelly White, 28, became interested in realistic dolls after showing off the collection in a YouTube video.
The cosplay lover originally wanted to use the doll as a prop but began to feel “attached to it.”
In the past year, Kelly has expanded her collection to eight and says she has spent about $2,000 on them.
She used to breastfeed her little dolls, but now bottle-feeds them – making “milk” from flour and water.
Kelly, a content creator from Long Island, said: “I’ve wanted to be a mom since I was eight years old.
“I became attached to her as if she was an adopted child.
“Suddenly I started spending on clothes and bedding for her.
“They are consoling.
“I am living the truth of the life I want – as if I were a mother.”
Kelly found this video in October 2023 and bought her first doll, Jennifer.
She said: “As soon as I got my first baby doll for my birthday last year, I became really interested in the Reborn collection.”
Jennifer is 39 inches tall and has her own bed in Kelly’s room.
Kelly started 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 also plans to get a new Emily this month.
Kelly said: “It was nice that they seemed like a real kid.
“It’s appealing that they look realistic.”
Kelly keeps most of the dolls in cribs in the living room but has Baby Adam and Jennifer in her room.
She said: “I have a routine – I make them breakfast and dress them.
“I put together a film for them.
“We have almost completed the Disney Marathon.
“They go everywhere with me.
“By 7pm I get them all ready for bed and play some songs on the ocarina.”
Kelly has a double stroller and takes it in turns to take the dolls with her to the park or restaurants.
She wants to adopt her own children but is currently struggling to find work – putting her dreams on hold.
Instead she has to “practice” with her dolls.
“I lost count of how many clothes I bought for her,” Kelly said.
“I spent a few thousand dollars on them – it’s worth it.
“It’s comfortable to take care of them.”
Kelly is now confident going out with her dolls but says she receives negative comments online and in person.
She said: “Some people think it’s weird.
“I get some comments like ‘It’s weird for women to play with reborn dolls.’
“Sometimes all people do is stare.
“Sometimes people say something like ‘It’s scary.’
“I’m not surprised some people don’t get it.
“When I first found Jane I wanted to keep her a secret.
“I wanted her to be my child.
“I’m an adoptive mother.”
