Fake Baby Crèche Opens in France, Highlighting Growing “Reborn” Doll Phenomenon
A unique establishment has opened its doors in Somain, northern France, offering care for a very unusual clientele: “reborn” babies – ultra-realistic silicone dolls. Thérèse Dune, 56, launched the crèche at the end of December 2025, catering to owners who “drop off” their dolls for a day of simulated care.
The service isn’t free. Owners pay 9 euros per hour or 65 euros per day for filmed care, including staged activities, rest times, and simulated feedings. Dune explains, as reported by 20 Minutes, that caring for these dolls “takes a lot of work.” The resulting photos and videos are then sent to the owners.
The crèche quickly gained attention, sparking both curiosity and criticism, notably on platforms like TikTok. this attention highlights a growing trend: the increasing popularity of reborn dolls. Originating in the United States in the 1990s,the market for these dolls has expanded rapidly,experiencing a significant surge in demand in 2025,fueled by social media,according to France Inter.
These dolls, ranging in price from 200 to over 20,000 euros, can be incredibly lifelike, with some models featuring mechanisms that simulate breathing, a heartbeat, or even sucking. For many, predominantly women, these dolls offer emotional comfort and a sense of nurturing.
“Our passion for reborns is the pleasure of well-being, of warmth,” Dune told 20 Minutes, adding that she aims to provide a “safe” space for enthusiasts who often face online mockery and harassment.
The crèche in Somain represents a novel expression of comfort and sociability within this niche community. While still marginal,the phenomenon of reborn dolls and services like Dune’s crèche reveal evolving ways people seek connection and emotional fulfillment.
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