Given that all artists work is not created equal, and neither is their method of caring for your newly acquired reborn doll.  I highly recommend you pay very careful attention to the directions included from each artist with the purchase of your baby.  Each set of directions may differ, but is equally important to follow.  Incorrect cleaning of a reborn may damage the doll and ruin your collectible, thus rendering it useless to the average reborn collector.

Dust is one of the main destroyers of collectibles and reborns are no different.  If you are going to display your reborn, keep it away from where it can accumulate dust.  Another key is to keep the baby away from heat sources or cold areas.  Too much heat can damage the dolls material (such as vinyl) and too much cold can cause it to crack.

Each artist supplies, or should supply directions for care that includes information about the best way to display your baby and cleaning procedures.  If the artist has not supplied this in your package, don't hesitate to write and ask them for care instructions.  It may be they simply forgot to include this item and it is very important you.

Paints vary from artist to artist as well.  Some use Genesis and for good reason as it does not fade over time and is permanent.  However, direct immersion of your baby into water can and will damage the reborn as the water will seep into the interior parts through the eyes and nose cavities.  Obviously dolls with soft bodies cannot be immersed into water as destruction of the body will occur. 

Artists who use oil paints and creams will generally emphasize the need to keep baby dry as it can damage the body, and even on fully vinyl babies, will seap into the interior and damage it.  As well, it can cause deterioration of the paint on your baby. 

It is generally recommended that you lightly dust your baby and keep it in a display case for general everyday display.  You may display the baby in cribs, etc. for special events or to proudly receive compliments from your special company, but to protect baby to the utmost, she/he should be kept under cover.

To style baby's hair, recommendations vary as well.  I personally recommend a very simple method.  Take a spritz bottle from something like window cleaner, clean it thoroughly and put in just a small amount of hair conditioner.  Fill the remainder of the way with cool water..shake thoroughly.  Each time you wish to style baby's hair, just lightly spritz the hair with the water/conditioner mix (remembering to shake each time to mix) and then lightly comb or pick into place.  Remember, the operative word is lightly.

Above all, remember baby is created with alot of love...treat it as you would any real baby and your reborn will be a lasting treasure to be passed down from generation to generation.