Moving, dressing, carrying / lifting tips.

Fenrisulfr · Post by **Fenrisulfr** » Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:27 am

There's most likely a thread already in existance and I've missed it but thoughts are here in one place for a 'how to', whether for dressing, moving, carrying / lifting and storage (including stands) for all solid dolls.

A lot of folks on here jump in at the deep end having never seen a doll in the flesh let alone picked one up and it's a harsh learning curve if you get it wrong (fingerpokes / tears/ breakage) and disappointment if it's hard work, so please pool your knowledge here folks.

First accessory to kick off the thread is a wheelchair, whether for inside or out. I'm lucky to be able to borrow a titanium sports chair, light, narrow and short but a folding chair which takes less space when stored is better. Ideal when moving a doll around outside or over distance if you have a bad back.

Chronos · Post by **Chronos** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:37 pm

When on the bed I like to keep my doll on a beach towel or small blanket. To move her around I just pull the towel around, no lifting required. Even easier if you use satin sheets.

Post by **AlexKnight** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:18 am

I pretty much always lift my doll in the bear hug way, one arm around her upper waist, and the other lifting her butt. That way, the center of gravity is very close to my own, which makes lifting and carrying much easier.

Something to be aware of when moving a doll from a standing pose to a sitting pose, bend the arms before you lift her, so they're pointing towards you. That way, the hands won't get squished when you sit her down, preventing finger pokes.

Post by **brigittes hubbie** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:04 pm

I always carry my girls in the bridal hug to be able to look at their fingers to avoid finger pokes- I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning not paying attention. Brigitte paid for it.

I ordered an office chair with rolls pretty soon after I got Brigitte who weighs almost 50 kilos. It made it so much easier to move her. And I´m so glad I bought a wheel chair. It made it even easier to move her, even getting her downsstairs without sweating to get her to the car to give her a ride.

Chris

Post by **Nescio50** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:17 pm

Mostly I carry my dolls in bridal position

But when carrying a doll up/down stairs, I pretend to be a fire fighter

About dressing. If possible, all dresses and shirts are put on from the bottom: feet first, legs, over her hips, next hands and arms in place, over her breasts, and then everything in place

If she's wearing stockings, put them on first, that makes it much more easy

Some shirts that are too tight at the neck to pass her hips, it's arms first, head removed, get it over the neck bolt, then everything in place and don't forget to put the head on the doll again

Fenrisulfr · Post by **Fenrisulfr** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:28 pm

Apart from the bridal position for lifting / moving, as well as crossing their arms, I put socks on the girls hands as well to protect the fingers.
On dressing I put 'pop-socks' on their hands or old stockings which makes it easier to put on tops / jackets and their arms just 'slide' down the sleeves and the nylons just slide off when dressed.

Tybalt · Post by **Tybalt** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 5:45 pm

Great tips for newbies like me.

Lemminkainen · Post by **Lemminkainen** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 9:07 pm

I will work on a video of how I lift and transfer Kylli from place to place.

Szalinski · Post by **Szalinski** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 10:06 pm

Pretty much what has already been said, I position Sharon's arms so she hugs me, then holding her against my body lift her by her tight little butt. Easier on my back. I use the bridal lift only to get her in a sitting or prone position.

As for wheelchairs, get one with removable arms if you can.