One woman at our Home with Alzheimer's used to walk the floors crying at night, now she most often is still awake, but rocks her 'baby' and sings to her. It's very comforting for some of them. I've made a few to give to the 4-H babysitting club here ... they can be very inexpensive to make if you get the kits on sale from, for example, here http://www.bountifulbaby.com/seaside/index/deals?_s=QOEiQSOVeocntLPJ&_k=fwbHcrjs&s=londyn&t=All+of+the+above+words&d=false&c=13111 and can take anywhere from a few days to make (with painted hair) to a month or more if you're rooting hair strand by strand. Each layer is painted, then baked until you're satisfied with the look. The vinyl is almost silicone-like, it's very soft and once the paint is baked and cured, it's permanent. You can also use special air dry paints to the same effect.
It's a fun hobby and very rewarding to see pts. in nursing homes cherish these little ones, can be an additional source of income ..... and if you get really good at it, I've seen some with more expensive kits sell for thousands of dollars. Check this out:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reborn-baby-girl-doll-PROTOTYPE-Louisa-Jannie-de-Lange-toddler-/321076856336?pt=UK_Doll_Bears_Dolls_EH&hash=item4ac1ac0610&nma=true&si=BAdayIWwgQpfL7p2gah%252BXPLqLkU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 This lady has been doing it for a long time and usually has a waiting list of collectors ready to buy everything she makes. I imagine it cost her approx. $150.00 to make that one, not including the clothing.
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