These lifelike baby dolls are acting as surrogates

for Iranian families unsure about having more children

Location: Tehran

The dolls are hyper-realistic and even have

rosy cheeks, delicate eyelashes, and a full head of hair

(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) DESIGNER OF THE 'REBORN' DOLLS, MARYAM AGHAYEE, SAYING:

"Many of the customers for these reborn baby dolls are those whose children are complaining of being only-children in their families, wanting a sibling. Parents provide them with these dolls to stop their nagging and complaining. The custom of having one child is largely due to expenses and the economic situation. Some people think that having one child is a kind of social prestige, others think they can spend more time with only one child. But they don't realize that having a real sibling cannot be replaced in this way."

INTERPRETER: Many of the customers for these Reborn dolls are those whose children are complaining of being only-children in their families, wanting a sibling. Parents provide them with these dolls to stop their nagging and complaining. The custom of only having one child is largely due to expenses and the economic situation.

INTERPRETER: Some people think that having one child is a kind of social prestige. Others think they can spend more time with only one child. But they don't realize that having a real sibling cannot be replaced in this way.