Dolls with significant internal support, such as a full metal skeleton or a dense core, have considerable weight. This internal structure is what gives them realistic heft and posability, but it also creates the biggest challenge for storage: managing that weight to prevent damage to the outer skin.
The primary goal is to prevent the doll’s own weight from working against it. The worst thing you can do is store the doll in a way that creates pressure points, where the internal skeleton pushes against the skin from the inside. This can happen if the doll is left leaning against a hard object or stored on an uneven surface. Over time, this pressure can cause dents, thinning, or even tears in the material.
The safest storage method is to completely neutralize the effects of gravity and weight. Lay the doll flat on its back on a soft, supportive surface like a memory foam topper or a thick duvet. This position allows the entire internal structure to be supported evenly, placing zero stress on any single point. The limbs should be kept straight and relaxed. If you must use a hanging bag, it is absolutely essential that it provides full-body support, cradling the doll from head to toe, rather than letting its full weight hang from the shoulder or neck area. Proper support is the key to protecting both the skeleton and the skin.