Mattel, the toy company, has announced the launch of a new Barbie doll with Down syndrome. The new doll is part of Mattel’s commitment to providing children with diverse and inclusive dolls that reflect the world around us. The Barbie doll with Down syndrome is designed to inspire children to tell more stories through play and to encourage children to play with dolls that do not look like themselves.
How to create a doll that doesn’t look like most other children (without offending anyone)
To ensure that the doll accurately represents people with Down syndrome, Mattel partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). NDSS provided guidance and real-world experiences that informed the design process from start to finish, including the doll’s sculpt, clothing, accessories, and packaging. The result is a doll that immediately connects with the Down syndrome community and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome.
The Barbie doll’s outfit features butterflies and yellow and blue colors, symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. The three upward chevrons on the doll’s pink pendant necklace represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The doll also wears pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) that match her outfit and sneakers with a zipper detail. Some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, so the doll’s orthotics serve as real-life inspiration for children who use them.
Moreover, the doll’s sculpt was created to be more illustrative of women with Down syndrome. The doll has a shorter frame and a longer torso, and the new face sculpt features a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape. The doll’s palms even include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome.
Mattel’s diverse lineup of Barbie dolls is growing
The Barbie doll with Down syndrome is the latest addition to Mattel’s diverse and inclusive doll line. Barbie is the most inclusive doll line on the market, with over 175 looks offering a variety of eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions to tell more stories. Barbie has introduced dolls with vitiligo, dolls that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids, and a doll without hair. This year, Barbie is continuing to represent global belonging and inclusivity with the full 2023 Fashionistas lineup, which also includes new dolls in a variety of body types, including a new Fashionista doll wearing braces and a Ken Fashionista doll with a prosthetic leg.
How proper representation in toys shapes children’s thoughts and perceptions
Children’s early experiences help shape their thoughts and perceptions, and Barbie can play an important role in this process. When a child plays with Barbie, they play out their dreams and imagine they can be anything. Doll play has an incredible purpose during key developmental stages, as it may help set children on a course for success by allowing them to develop empathy, fueling social skills needed to excel as they imagine their futures with an equal playing field. The Barbie doll with Down syndrome allows more children to see themselves in Barbie, as well as the world around them, which can help foster a sense of inclusivity.
Where to purchase the Barbie doll with Down Syndrome
The Barbie doll with Down Syndrome is available for purchase online and in stores this Summer and Fall at major retailers for $10.99 USD. Mattel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through play is a step forward for the toy industry and a move towards a more accepting and empathetic world.
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