Toddlers, both boys and girls, love playing with dollies. Some dolls are more like collectables for older children or adults, whilst others are better for toddlers. Here, we have reviewed some of the best dolls which are ideal for toddlers so you can find them the perfect new doll to love and look after!
7 Best Toddler Dolls
In this section, you will find our reviews of the best toy dolls for toddlers and young children. The dolls we have chosen are small and mostly soft, making them ideal for young children. We’ve also chosen some with removable clothes and extra accessories, so your child can have hours of fun playing with and looking after their new companion!
1. Melissa and Doug Brianna Doll
The Melissa & Doug Brianna baby doll is perfect for children aged 18 months and up. She has a soft body and shiny brown hair which is tied up in cute pigtails. The doll is poseable, and can either lie down or sit up. She can also suck her thumb, or the included pacifier. She comes wearing a two-piece outfit which is removable, so it’s perfect for toddlers to practice dressing their dolls!
The Melissa and Doug baby doll stands at 12 inches tall, which is just the right size for toddlers to play with and cuddle. This also means it’s easy to find other clothes which will fit the doll. If your child loves looking after their doll, there are other accessories available in the Mine to Love range, including feeding sets and diaper changing accessories.
2. Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella
The Wee Baby Stella doll is made from soft, plush material and is perfect for children over the age of one year old. The doll comes with her own accessories, including a pacifier which attaches magnetically. She also comes with a bottle, a book and her own cuddly toy. The doll is perfect for children cuddle up with at bedtime, as it releases a mild lavender scent when squeezed.
The Manhattan Toy Baby Stella comes in a choice of different ethnicities, and there are other accessories available too. There are different outfits, meaning she can get dressed for any occasion, whether it’s a play date or bedtime. There are also feeding and changing sets, as well as a cute made-to-measure crib, so toddlers can have great fun caring for their new baby!
3. JC Soft Body Doll with Accessories
JC Toys dolls are ideal for younger children who would love their very own baby to take care of. This one is 15 inches tall, and comes with loads of accessories to ensure kids will have hours of fun playing with it. The doll has a plush body and vinyl arms, legs and head, so it’s easy to clean. The doll also has eyes which open and close, so toddlers can pretend she’s sleeping or awake.
This is one of the best dolls for 2 year olds, and will continue to be enjoyed for many years after this. The doll comes in a choice of pink or blue accessories, so you can have either a girl or a boy doll. The dolly comes with everything kids need to look after him or her, including clothes and shoes, feeding accessories and even a toy rattle. It’s a great set for encouraging children’s nurturing skills.
4. Twin Baby Dolls
The JC Toys Lots to Cuddle babies each stand at 13 inches long. The come with a pink outfit and a blue one, so your child can have both a girl and a boy doll. The outfits can be machine washed, and the dolls themselves are easy to spot clean, so parents will have an easy job keeping everything looking great.
The JC Toys twin dolls are available in either Caucasian or African American, so you can provide your child with the opportunity to learn about different races. The twin baby dolls come with their own pacifiers, with other accessories available separately. Each doll has a different expression so you can easily tell them apart, and they are both equally adorable!
5. LA Newborn Doll
The LA baby doll is 16 inches tall, meaning it’s a great size for children over the age of two years. It comes in a choice of different ethnicities, including Asian and Hispanic, as well as different choices of outfit. The doll has a plush body and vinyl arms, legs and head for a realistic look and feel.
The LA newborn baby has a cute face which is sure to delight all little ones. It comes with one outfit and hat, but no other accessories. However, the doll is just the right size for preemie clothes, so it should be easy to find some other clothes for it to wear.
6. Disney Belle Doll
Disney Princess dolls are perfect for toddlers who are looking for something a bit different from baby doll toys. This range is designed especially for toddlers and younger children, as it is large and has many features to keep them engaged. The Belle toddler doll comes beautifully dressed in her dress, shoes and tiara. The dress is made from a gorgeous sparkly fabric sure to be loved by girly girls!
There are other Disney Princess dolls available for those who have other favorite characters. Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel and many more can be found online or in Disney stores. The dolls stands at 14 inches tall, and she has long hair which is perfect for brushing and styling.
7. Disney Moana Adventure Doll
Moana toys are extremely popular with toddler girls. This 14 inch doll is great for toddlers, as it is durable and has a cute, friendly face little kids are sure to love! Moana is beautifully dressed in her outfit from the popular film, complete with necklace and a flower in her hair. The flower can be removed so toddlers can wear it in their own hair too.
The Moana doll has posable limbs, so playing with the doll is a great way for toddlers to use their imaginations to create a range of adventures for her! Overall, this is a great doll for 3 year olds who love the film.
FAQs When Choosing a Toy Doll
Parents often have many questions when it comes to finding the perfect baby doll toy for their toddler. Here, we attempt to answer some of those burning questions you might have, so you can find a doll your toddler will love.
What are the Benefits of Playing with Dolls?
Playing with dolls is beneficial for both boys and girls. They can help toddlers develop important social skills which will be required when they start attending preschool and then school. Taking care of a doll is a great way to teach toddlers to take care of their friends. Playing with dolls can also help toddlers become more responsible. It’s great for preparing them to take care of a pet or a younger sibling.
There are many other benefits of playing with dolls too. Toddlers can gain new language skills, as well as improving their imagination. They will also be learning how to be more empathetic and compassionate, which are certainly qualities parents want to see in their children.
Should I Choose a Boy Doll or a Girl Doll?
This is really a matter of personal preference. Some dolls don’t have ‘boy parts’ or ‘girl parts’ even if they are marketed as either a boy or a girl. Some parents don’t feel comfortable with their children playing with dolls with realistic genitals, so this is something to consider before choosing. Some boys might prefer a boy doll, but really it is all down to what your child likes! Or, you can choose a mixture of boys clothes and girls clothes for your child’s baby and they can decide whether to make it a boy or a girl.
Should I Choose a Doll which Looks Like my Child?
Again, this is really down to the child’s preference. It won’t effect your child negatively either way if you choose a doll which is either like them or different from them. Some parents feel it is good to get their a child a doll which is a different race from themselves so they can learn that not everyone looks the same. Younger toddlers will likely not notice their doll’s skin color, whether it is the same or different from their own.
What Kind of Clothes will fit my Doll?
Every doll is a different size so it’s best to check with the manufacturer if there are any clothes available to fit. Many dolls can fit into preemie or tiny baby clothes, so if you have any left from when your children were born, they might come in handy! There are loads of companies making baby doll clothes in various sizes, so there’s sure to be something to fit the doll you choose.
Learning how to make doll clothes is another option for creative parents. There are patterns available to download online, or for those who are more experienced at sewing – just go for it and make something up!
What are the Different Types of Baby Doll?
There are many different types of dolls, each of which has different benefits. Some dolls are soft, others have harder limbs and heads with soft bodies. Some dolls have longer hair, whilst others have none, or have hair made from wool. Dolls can have different types of eyes too – some can open and close their eyes whilst others have painted or sewn on eyes.
For younger toddlers, it’s best to choose a doll with safety eyes and hair which is made from strands of wool, or one without hair. Also choose one which is easy to dress, as toddlers can struggle with tight clothing.
Considerations When Choosing a Baby Doll for Toddlers
It’s a good idea to look for a doll which is aimed at toddlers or young children, as this will be more durable for the rough play toddlers sometimes enjoy! Choose a doll with a soft body or one which is washable for easy cleaning, as you’re sure to know how dirty toddler’s toys can get! You might also wish to look for any compatible accessories, as toddlers love imaginative role playing games. Toddlers also love copying mom and dad, so if you have another baby, they might like to have a doll to look after too.
Some great brands to consider are JC Toys and Melissa and Doug. These both make great dolls for preschoolers and young children, as well as loads of great accessories to go with them. Their products are great quality and offer excellent value for money too.
Best Baby Doll for Toddlers: Our Pick
One of the best dolls for 3 year olds is the JC doll with accessories. It is a great choice for children who don’t have any dolls or accessories already. It comes with everything you need to get started, and there’s a choice of boy or girl options. The doll has a sweet face which is sure to be loved by any preschooler, and she’s sure to provide years of enjoyment.
JC Doll with Accessories
We really do love this doll!
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