Waldorf doll and playing outside

[Anastasiya]

For some of you who have only waldorf or cloth dollies, what do you do to keep them relatively clean? DD just received her first (and only) waldorf Baby Jess doll from Joy's Waldorf Dolls and I'm wondering what we do when she wants to take her outside in the swing, or down the slide, etc.... or if she plays with her after playing with markers, etc.

Obviously, if the doll was plastic it wouldn't be a problem. But she's not.

[Mama2E&O]

My 6 yo dd brings hers outside all the time. They get grass stain, dirt, you name it! My philosophy is that she should really truly enjoy them and not worry about it- it is pointless for her to have them if she cannot truly love and enjoy them.
We handwash them from time to time (bathing them like you would a baby- in a tub of lukewarm water and mild soap) and let them air dry. I've had to do repairs as well, but no big deal. Of course the ones dd has I have made so I have no problem with washing and repairs.
I am not sure about the baby Jess doll- is that the weighted one? If so, I am not sure how that would be washed other than spot clean only.

[SweetGuayaba]

Hi
I know some Waldorf dollmakers offer doll cleaning & repair services. Dancing rain dolls is one. I would check if Joy's offers such a service and if not if other dollmakers accept doll's from a different maker for these services. If you can find out ahead of time what your options are for repairing/cleaning the doll it might give you enough peace of mind to let her enjoy it freely.
HTH!
Carla

[E.V. Lowi]

If the doll is weighted with sand, cleaning is not a problem. If it is filled with miller or other organic fill, then it's important not to get the doll wet. You can wash a regular wool Waldorf doll by hand with soapy water be sure to gently squeeze out all the water, and let air dry in a warm place. Weighted dolls can be hand washed, but you have to remove the seed fill, before washing and refill it when completely dry.

[htw90]

Originally Posted by Mama2E&O

My 6 yo dd brings hers outside all the time. They get grass stain, dirt, you name it! My philosophy is that she should really truly enjoy them and not worry about it- it is pointless for her to have them if she cannot truly love and enjoy them.

I agree! I've made four dolls that are all well loved! We have tried spot cleaning them but some things just won't come out. I do admit the first stain was hard to take but my husband reminded me whose dolls they are

[mehndi mama]

This brings to mind the story The Velveteen Rabbit!

[Rachel Flores]

My dd has a weighted doll I made her filled with millet (sp?) she takes it all over and while I have had to launder the clothes and spot clean her face, the doll's weighted body still looks pretty new. This might change once dd gets old enough to take the clothes off herself, but I'm not too worried. You might make a rule that your child's baby has to be dressed just like they do to go outside, clothes are MUCH easier to clean or replace than the doll.