Reborn Magnetic Pacifier - The Pros of Making One Yourself

Reborn magnetic pacifiers are a really hot item these days.  They are a fun addition to any reborn baby doll's accessory wardrobe.  Yet, there are many who are trying to decide if they should make the pacifiers themselves or if they should just buy one already made.

Making a Magnetic Pacifier Yourself

PROS -  It can be fun to see your own finished product.

You can order this set or individual items by clicking on the picture. 

You can have your own choice of any brand of pacifier at your disposal.   You can buy a pack in the dollar store for a few dollars.  Keep in mind that dollar stores are no longer really dollar stores unless they actually say everything sold inside costs one dollar or less.  Many times there are off brands of pacifiers that are cute and may suit your needs that do cost $1 per pack of two.  Those will do fine if you aren't concerned about getting a brand name pacifier.  Just don't tell your reborn!

If your reborn is into brand names, then simply go to your favorite retail store and pick up a set of pacifiers that you like. Cost shouldn't matter at that point, but you can get a cute brand name set for $4-8 on average.  

Now that you have your pacifiers, you need to get the magnet or magnets to attach to the pacifiers.  You typically can't go to the store and buy just one magnet.  You most likely will have to buy a pack of them.  You will also need to determine what strength of magnet you want to use.  If your reborn doll has a thicker mouth or an open mouth, you may need to use more then one magnet inside your doll's head to be able to attract the opposing magnet or you will need to buy a larger, stronger and thus more expensive magnet.  You should be able to find the magnets in most craft stores.  They are not usually sold in individual packs.  You find a pack of 6 magnets for $2-4.00.  Now you can make several pacifiers if you'd like.  You can also go online and see what kind of deals you can get for the magnets.  Sometimes you can buy one on Ebay for a few dollars plus shipping. 

The glue for the magnetic pacifier is next.  Depending on how safe your household is, ie. small children and or pets, you will either be able to use something as simple as strong, permanent glue dots where you are not worried that a child will be able to pull the magnet off or a pet will eat the magnet off, or you will want to use the strongest glue possible to prevent the two from separating. The last thing you want is to have your children or pets being able to remove the magnets from the pacifiers.  Even though reborn dolls are really collectibles meant more for older teens and adult enjoyment, there are families who do let the younger children play with the dolls.  Always supervise and there shouldn't be a problem.

The best glue for holding a magnet permanently is the highly toxic, cancer causing (even says it on the label) E6000.  A tube of that will set you back about $5-8 depending on how much you want to get.  You will also need a very well ventilated area to apply the glue to the magnet and the pacifier as the odor will linger on for a few days after you make the pacifier.

Buying a pack of temporary glue dots is a good idea too.  You want to make sure the doll's magnet will attract the magnet you are applying to the pacifier you are making.  You can use a temporary glue dot to ensure that the polarities are correct before applying a permanent glue.

If your doll doesn't already have a magnet inside it's head, you will need to buy one or you can buy a neutral metal disk like a washer which will have a neutral polarity, to glue inside your doll's head.  Make sure the metal you are choosing will attract the magnet and also make sure that the hole in the washer isn't too large or the pacifier won't stay put.  It may move from side to side because there is no metal in the middle.  You can find metal disks online as well but you have to buy more then you probably would ever need to use so check in your local hardware store first.  Make sure it is large enough and strong enough for the magnet to pull toward it.

You can order this pacifier with or without magnet attached.  Click on the Picture to Order.

You will also need to buy something to remove the pacifier nipple.  You can use scissors but they will have to be sharp.  A box cutting knife can work or even a cuticle cutter.  Two people do better at removing the nipple.  One pulls the nipple while the other one cuts.  You need to get the nipple off all the way so the magnet sits flat on the surface. 

An optional purchase for your magnetic pacifier would be felt circles to cover the magnet.   Many doll owners don't want the surface of their doll's face to be scratched by anything.  The felt cover should be large enough to cover the magnet and can be applied to the magnet with more E6000 glue.

You may even want to purchase a mask to keep the glue vapors away from direct contact with your mouth.  This is optional but once you get a whiff of the vapors, you may change your mind.

Now that you have everything you need, simply prepare a well ventilated work space keeping your children and pets far away from the glue vapors.  Get all of your supplies in one place.  Cut the nipple off the pacifier or pacifiers.  If your doll already has a magnet inside it's head, place a temporary glue dot on one side of the magnet and put it up to your doll's face.  If the magnets attract, you are good to go. You can permanently glue the magnet to the pacifier.  If not, just reverse the magnet on the pacifier and then glue.  If your doll doesn't have a magnet inside, you can put the metal washer (not stainless steel or aluminum) inside your doll's head and that will attract any polarity magnet.

Then you can either wait for the glue to dry (usually within a few hours to completely dry) and then put the felt over it, or you can do everything at one time.  The smell will remain so keep the area well ventilated.  Once you are sure it is dry enough, you can place the pacifier on your doll's mouth and the magnets will attract one another and help keep the drying pacifier in place.  Whatever you do, when you are completely finished, put all of your supplies, especially the glue, away and out of the reach of children and pets. 

Go to google and read all of the magnet warnings too.  Keep the magnets away from electronics, pacemakers, defibrillators etc.   Use common sense.

Voila.  You have completed your first reborn magnetic pacifier.  Congratulations.  Now that you are a pro, enjoy your new accessory and perhaps become a reborn accessory artist yourself!