Realistic Baby Dolls - What Are They?

After much research I am amazed at the abundant and unique variety of dolls
manufactured today. There are many kinds of modern dolls available;
fashion dolls, character dolls, toddler dolls, and baby dolls. The focus of this
article is to take a look at the baby dolls manufactured by several modern
doll companies to compare what is offered, and to analyze how each company
interprets the meaning of “realistic” in the creation of realistic baby dolls.

The doll companies researched were Adora, Ashton Drake, American Girl, Corolle,
Effanbee, Madame Alexander, and Middleton Doll. A review of the dolls offered by
these companies reveals many varieties of realistic baby dolls. It also reveals more
than one interpretation of "realism." Realistic baby dolls made to appeal to children
are uniquely different from realistic baby dolls made to appeal to adults.

All of the modern doll companies researched manufacture dolls for children's play,
except one. Ashton Drake dolls appear to be essentially designed as collector
dolls for adults. The dolls made by the other contemporary doll companies appear
to have the same general characteristics. For a child, "real" is more than how the doll
looks. How the doll can be related to, and how it appeals to other senses is
important. How the doll feels to the touch is very important, as is the right size.

It is essential that the doll is soft and cuddly, especially the dolls designated for young

babies 0+. The sense of smell is also very important. Realistic baby dolls manufactured for

children have the scent of baby powder added to the vinyl skin. As the child gets older, realistic

baby dolls are represented by dolls that a young toddler or child can manipulate. The dolls can

be fed, bathed, and dressed in several outfits. From the age of eighteen months on, dolls that

are the right size and weight become very important. Most important, realistic baby dolls for children

have to be made sturdy enough to withstand much handling.

What is interpreted as realistic for children, however, isn't the same as what is interpreted as

realistic for adults. Realistic baby dolls for children are designed to appeal mainly to a child's

kinesthetic sense of realism. Realistic baby dolls for adults are mainly designed
to appeal to the sense of sight by resembling a real baby. Of the doll companies researched,

only two offer realistic baby dolls designed to resemble real babies. Ashton Drake baby
dolls have the look and feel of a real baby. However, not all of their collections represent a realistic

size. Collectible baby dolls made by Middleton Doll have the look and feel of a real baby, as well as

representing a real baby's size.

In conclusion, there are many modern doll companies that offer a good variety of realistic baby dolls

for doll lovers of all ages. When choosing a baby doll, there are many things to take into consideration,

most certainly, what kind of a realistic baby doll is desired. Choosing a realistic baby doll for a child is

different from choosing a realistic baby doll for an adult.

The search for buyinga child's realistic baby doll involves two very important considerations.

First and foremost, is the doll sturdy enough to withstand child's play? Equally important, is it

age appropriate to meet the child's needs.

When choosing a realistic baby doll for an adult, the purpose of the doll needs to be considered.

If the purpose is to own a special doll to love, it may be easier to have the doll purchased for you,

so that it can be as much of a surprise as owning a real baby. On the other hand, if the purpose is

to add another special doll to a collection, it may also be important to consider the size of the edition

collection. If you want your baby to be very special, you may want to choose a doll that has a
limited edition size. Whereas Ashton Drake dolls are edition dolls which are realistic except for

size, the collections aren't limited. In comparison, Middleton Doll Collectible Artist Series dolls are

extremely limited - often under 1,000 pieces.

Hopefully, this article will add some food for thought when purchasing a realistic baby doll.

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