As you enjoy your day to day, there are some things to think about to help keep your doll damage free and looking wonderful. There are a number of long term positions you will put them in for most of the time while they wait for your attention. That's either hanging, lying down, sitting or standing. All these positions are safe for long term use, although there are things to consider...
Hanging you doll with an official hook set-up is the best way to store your doll long term, as there are no compact pressure points and your doll has no danger of falling. It always reminds me of hanging meat on a hook though, its not very dignified and I would never do it to any of my girls.
If your doll has standing bolts in their feet you may stand them up and lean them against something, usually the wall. However, watch for oil sapping from naked skin parts of the doll onto the wall, as it could prove hard or impossible to get rid of. Even painting over the stain could fail in the long term as the stain would start to appear again. So the best way to stand against the wall long term is to have your doll either fully dressed, or place something like a polyester block (from their box) in the small of their back so they aren't touching the wall. Make sure their legs are locked straight and parted slightly to help stop them from toppling over sidewards. There should be enough angle (but not too much that its looks wrong) so that they don't fall forward when you're not looking. Best way to test is to pull your doll away from the wall slightly and see if they confidently fall back into position. They should be very sturdy where they are stood, kind of "They aren't going anywhere," vibe with no danger at all of falling.
Be aware that a dolling falling from a standing or sitting position could cause serious damage.
Standing your doll for long periods will probably damage the bottom of their feet, nearly every doll I've seen suffers from this, including mine. I use socks all the time over tights and still they perish. The bolts only work to a point to protect their feet.... but they are great at destroying socks and tights! I am looking at modifying the bolt heads somewhat and will post in the open forums what I find an answer.
Lying your doll in a bed can cause compact flatness over a really long period of time, usually in their buttocks. It can and willThough it hasn't worked too well LOL!
When I am sleeping with her I put her on her side in a spooning position, placing her arms out in front of her to protect them. Then I can cuddle her all night, or for as long as my frail human body can handle before reluctantly forcing me to turn over...
Sitting can be a little more tricky as your doll could topple over. You can use their hands to help steady them, but this in turn puts pressure on the hands, more about looking after hands in another thread. Again the flat buttock problem if you leave your doll sitting for long periods of time on a hard chair. When I say long period of time I'm talking weeks here, a few days isn't going to hurt them.
Use their feet to help keep them sturdy, you don't want to come back and see your doll lying on the floor. It will happen sooner or later no matter how careful you are though. :(
So the lesson here is always move your doll about every now and then, a bit of lying in a relaxed flat position, a little standing, some sitting etc would be a good strategy to help keeping them looking great.
Hanging you doll with an official hook set-up is the best way to store your doll long term, as there are no compact pressure points and your doll has no danger of falling. It always reminds me of hanging meat on a hook though, its not very dignified and I would never do it to any of my girls.
If your doll has standing bolts in their feet you may stand them up and lean them against something, usually the wall. However, watch for oil sapping from naked skin parts of the doll onto the wall, as it could prove hard or impossible to get rid of. Even painting over the stain could fail in the long term as the stain would start to appear again. So the best way to stand against the wall long term is to have your doll either fully dressed, or place something like a polyester block (from their box) in the small of their back so they aren't touching the wall. Make sure their legs are locked straight and parted slightly to help stop them from toppling over sidewards. There should be enough angle (but not too much that its looks wrong) so that they don't fall forward when you're not looking. Best way to test is to pull your doll away from the wall slightly and see if they confidently fall back into position. They should be very sturdy where they are stood, kind of "They aren't going anywhere," vibe with no danger at all of falling.
Standing your doll for long periods will probably damage the bottom of their feet, nearly every doll I've seen suffers from this, including mine. I use socks all the time over tights and still they perish. The bolts only work to a point to protect their feet.... but they are great at destroying socks and tights! I am looking at modifying the bolt heads somewhat and will post in the open forums what I find an answer.
Lying your doll in a bed can cause compact flatness over a really long period of time, usually in their buttocks. It can and willThough it hasn't worked too well LOL!
When I am sleeping with her I put her on her side in a spooning position, placing her arms out in front of her to protect them. Then I can cuddle her all night, or for as long as my frail human body can handle before reluctantly forcing me to turn over...
Use their feet to help keep them sturdy, you don't want to come back and see your doll lying on the floor. It will happen sooner or later no matter how careful you are though. :(
The Story Teller