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There’s something about doll play that just never goes out of style. The category of baby dolls has flourished for decades, changing with time to reflect new understanding around child development. Dolls are more than just adorable faces and cuddly little bodies — they represent an important medium through which children process the world. These days, there’s a huge range available for all sorts of needs and ages. That’s great news for parents and gift-givers seeking thoughtfully designed toys. Each doll can help kids develop new skills, introduce language, and refine motor abilities.
Open-ended, realistic toys like baby dolls seem deceptively simple on the surface. But they’re versatile. They give children agency and responsibility, which naturally leads to a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem. Play opportunities are enhanced with the presence of small accessories and details like removable clothing, realistic facial expressions, and life-like features like hair or a soft body. The Dolls World Drink & Wet Baby Doll Dribbles 30cm & Accessories is one such product — with features like a potty and a bottle, this doll can recreate real-life diaper changes, toilet training, and outdoor excursions. Roleplay can be so much more than just pretend play because it encourages children to imbibe valuable life skills and habits through play. A doll like this also helps children look at hygiene and the body as a natural part of life. It can help them ask questions and gain clarity about themselves and the world around them.
Soft-bodied dolls are particularly great for younger children who may want a doll that just sits at home with them and their plushies. The Dolls World Soft Bodied Baby Doll Isabella In Rocker 30cm is great for kids who like to take their dolls wherever they go. The compact size means it is not unwieldy for tiny hands to carry around, the accessories make it more interesting to interact with, and most importantly — it comes with a rocker. Children, especially toddlers, who are just learning about the world around them and how to interact with others will enjoy the rocking doll that they can feed and soothe to sleep. Rockers are great for those who want to introduce a new sibling to the family because it lets the child be involved in the process of raising a child. By rocking their new baby to sleep in a similar way that parents would rock their sibling, the child gets to see this as normal and potentially helpful.
Doll accessories like extra clothing are another great purchase for doll owners who want to make an existing play experience more interesting. There’s also the aspect of involving the child in their own activities, encouraging them to keep their dolls clean and tidy, even if they’re not always able to keep their own rooms or toys that way. The Dolls World Baby Doll Romper Outfit For Dolls Up To 46cm Assorted is a set of assorted clothing for a range of dolls that are up to 46 cm tall. This means kids have more options and if they don’t have many dolls from the same brand, they don’t need to worry too much about whether this will fit or not. By dressing the doll in new clothes, children are again roleplaying an activity that helps develop the child’s independence when they dress themselves.
Sometimes dolls come with more than just clothing — they come with an entire experience packed away inside the box. The Baby Alive Better Now Bella Doll is one such product — a popular one among many children who watch TV shows with their parents. This doll isn’t just a plain simple one. It comes with two pairs of outfits: pyjamas and playsuits, two pairs of shoes, bed-time accessories, everyday accessories, and a few medical playset pieces. There’s lots of stuff in there for children, to explore and learn about. Dressing up for bed-time, setting up a doll for an imaginary trip to their best friend’s house, or listening to their made-up stories about how their doll became sick can be opportunities for children to have fun while learning about the world. This type of roleplay helps children navigate what can be particularly scary situations for them, like illness or a trip to the doctor.
A lot can be learnt through play — from new words to important skills. Simple toys with meaningful features help children engage in pretend play and encourage them to make choices that help them develop self-confidence.