Having a baby doll helps children make sense of the world around them. For a toddler heading off to daycare or drifting to sleep, a doll can be a comforting link between home and the unknown. Through pretend play, preschoolers get to take charge—trying out roles, feelings, and words they might not yet express in real life. Dolls and teddy bears say whatever your child wants them to say—and they’re always patient listeners. You may even hear your own words echoed back as your child steps into the “parent” role during play.
Safety is the first concern, though. A doll that is cute, but age inappropriate, can be dangerous, even a fatal attraction. Watch out for pieces that can be swallowed. Keep in mind that the thread that holds button-eyes in place, for example, can be chewed through by baby. A doll that is too large for a young one's small muscles to manipulate is just frustrating. A doll made of hard plastic may hurt baby. So, start with smaller, soft dolls with stitched features, and then, as your child ages up, so too will the complexity of the dolls you bring home.
Dolls for Infants
Cuddle + Kind has expanded its Baby Animal collection (135) this year, and it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite among these adorable 7" hand-knit dolls. They’re on the pricey side—but truly special keepsakes.
Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Sleepy Time Scents Soft Doll Set, 12",Peach ($36.99) Your toddler's first huggables should be soft and safe. Dolls for this age group should have stiched features so that baby can't swallow them with dangerous results.
Dolls for Toddlers
Corolle Pti’ Coeur Sweet Heart is a 12” soft-bodied doll with vinyl hands and face, wearing an adorable bunny costume. Age-appropriate for younger children, the doll has no hair, and the hat comes down, but does not come off.
Dolls and Accessories for Preschoolers
FurReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Interactive Plush Tiger ($79) While I prefer dolls that run on pure imagination, this animatronic doll gets its magic from electricity. It actually “grows” from cub to tiger. Starting at 12.75”, it matures to 15” with similar change to the sounds she makes. Kids interact with Gabby by “feeding” her with a pretend bottle. She growls, burps, and even roars. Oh, in case you were wondering, after she “grows” you can reset her to her younger, smaller self.
Corolle Drink and Wet Bath Baby Paul ($72.) You don't have to be a girl to like playing with dolls, and not all dolls are girl-dolls. One of my most beloved toys was my Tiny Tears baby doll. This doll reminds me of Tiny. His eyes open when he sits up, and close when you lie him down for a nap. But there is one major difference; this doll is anatomically correct. Safe for a play bath, it comes with a pacifier and bottle and potty where it can pee when you press his belly.
A girl version, shown below, of this set known as Baby Emma is also recommended.
Herotron Toy Stroller ($75) There are a lot of toy strollers on the market, but this one stands above the rest for its construction and feature set. It is also refreshing to see that it is specifically marketed to be a toy for girls and boys. After all, many young boys will end up being dads one day, and should know the responsibilities (and fun) of child-rearing aren't just for females. As an aside, how great is it that this toy comes pre-assembled? This means that when the presents are opened, the playing can begin, not the construction.
Dolls for Older Kids
American Girl Doll Daisy Davenport ($135) American Girl Dolls have traditionally featured historically dressed dolls from America's past. Increasingly, the “past” seems to coincide with the youth of the grandparents who tend to buy these high-priced toys for their grandkids. Daisy Davenport, this year’s Girl of the Year doll, is a soccer champ who is excited to go to sleepover camp. Like her sister dolls, she comes with authentic accessories and clothing and a book that helps set her in context. A warning though: This doll could be a gateway drug to a life-long habit of expensive accessories and doll clothes. For instance, the camp cabin with bunkbeds costs more than many bicycles. Another word of caution: Some dolls in the AG line are much more expensive than the others. Should you visit the store or look on-line with your youngster, be sure to set expectations first or you may have tears.
American Girl has also continued its AG Sisters collection of somewhat smaller (14.5” rather than 18”), but significantly less expensive ($85) dolls that are also fully accessorized.
Barbie in the Nutcracker ($31.99) Barbie has been a ballerina since at least 1961 when Mattel offered Nutcracker based costumes. This year Barbie’s flexible ankles let her go en pointe, but her legs don’t bend at the knees, so no pirouettes. Still, fans of ballet and Barbie will love playing with tutu-wearing Barbie.
