When it comes to toys, few things bring as much joy to children as their favorite doll. Baby dolls, in particular, have been a favorite among kids for generations, and for good reason. They offer children the chance to develop a variety of skills while having fun at the same time.
Playing with baby dolls can help children develop their creativity as they imagine different scenarios and scenarios. They can also develop perspective-taking skills by putting themselves in the shoes of their dolls, and imagining what it might be like to be a baby.
Some companies have even started producing dolls that are based on real children, known as “reborn,” which can be a great option for parents or children who want to experience what it’s like to care for a baby without the actual responsibilities.
With so many options on the market, choosing the best baby doll can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve taken the time to investigate and examine the various baby dolls available, analyzing their lifelike qualities, interactive components, durability, and accessories.
Our Top Picks
- Best Anatomically Correct Baby Doll: Miniland Educational – Baby Doll Asian Girl
- Best Plush Baby Doll: Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Brown Doll
- Cutest Baby Doll: Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Jenna
- Classic Baby Dolls: Cabbage Patch Kids Space Friends
- Best Silicone Baby Doll: Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut
- Best Newborn Baby Doll: The New York Doll Collection Boy Baby Doll
- Best Interactive Baby Doll: Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Jordan
- Best For Babies: Creative Minds Basket of Babies Plush Dolls
- Best For Older Kids: Orijin Bees Baby Bee Doll
- Best Disney Baby Doll: Disney Encanto Mirabel
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Dolls Picks
Miniland Educational – Baby Doll Asian Girl – Best Anatomically Correct Baby Doll
- Realistic looking
- The doll comes with a white camisole and underpants that hold up pretty well
- It has a pleasant vanilla scent to it
- Perfect size for toddlers’ hands
- The scent might be too overpowering for some
You won’t find more beautiful dolls than these anatomically accurate Miniland dolls! They are perfect for kids to dress up and pose, as their arms and legs are fully movable. Made from soft, durable vinyl, these dolls can withstand all kinds of playtime adventures.
They have a lovely vanilla scent that adds to the realistic experience. With sewn-on hair and unique facial features that promote racial diversity, these dolls are a great way to teach kids about the importance of acceptance and inclusivity. And at 15 inches tall, they make a statement on any shelf or playroom!
Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Brown Doll – Best Plush Baby Doll
- Soft enough to snuggle
- Easy to carry
- Removable clothing
- Quality made materials
- The pacifier is easy to lose or be separated from the baby doll
Your little one will fall in love with the warm and friendly 15″ Baby Stella doll, who is always ready for a cuddle with her open arms and adorable grin! With her magnetic pacifier, your child can practice putting it on and taking it off. And you don’t have to worry about the magnets falling out because they are securely placed in a stitched inner bag.
This doll is made of super soft and plush fabric that’s perfect for snuggling, and they even have embroidered details like fingers, toes, and belly buttons. Your child will love dressing and undressing their Baby Stella doll with the easy-to-use Velcro-like fasteners on the included outfits and diapers.
Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Jenna – Cutest Baby Doll
- Great lifelike face
- Soft cuddly body
- Eyes that open or close
- Arms & legs (like the face) are easy to clean
- It is one of the smaller dolls compared to others
Prepare to be smitten with this adorable 12-inch soft-bodied baby doll named Jenna. She’s the perfect size for toddlers aged 18 months and older to snuggle, hold, and care for. Jenna’s wipeable face, arms, and legs are easily maintained, and her molded plastic hair is a dream to comb.
When she’s picked up, her bright blue eyes open wide, as if to say, “Hello!” Jenna loves to be soothed by young parents and will happily suck on their thumbs or the included pacifier. Her detachable matching baby hat and beautifully crafted pink romper are sure to delight both you and your little ones.
Cabbage Patch Kids Space Friends – Classic Baby Dolls
- Comes in 3
- They smell like baby powder
- Very soft
- Affordable
- They are small dolls
This set includes three classic adorable space creatures: Mercury Monkey, Pluto Penguin, and Nova Koala. Your little one will love expanding their CPK family with these brand-new 9″ Kids that are based on their favorite Collectible Cuties!
Each character is unique and irresistible. Explore the galaxy with the charming Nova Koala, go bananas with Mercury Monkey, or blast off with Pluto Penguin! Just like other Cuties, these Space Buddies have fun patterns and bright colors. And have you seen how cute they look sucking on their thumbs?
Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut – Best Silicone Baby Doll
- Great details
- Machine washable
- Easy to carry for a toddler
- Affordable
- The body fabric isn’t as plush as on the other bigger dolls
Measuring 11 inches from head to toe, this cute and cuddly silicone baby doll features a soft and huggable body, as well as vinyl that smells just like a freshly-powdered baby. Plus, he’s got moveable limbs that add an extra dose of realism to your child’s playtime fun!
Baby Boy Peanut also comes dressed in a blue, white, and gray polka dot onesie with an elephant on the front and matching headgear. And with his beautiful painted face, striking blue eyes, and light blonde hair, he’s sure to win your heart and your child’s too!
This doll is also equipped with a thumb-sucking feature and even comes with a white baby bottle for more realistic nurturing and pretend play. And when it’s time for nap time or bedtime, this little bundle of joy arrives in an adorable blue crib box that provides him with the perfect sleeping space.
The New York Doll Collection Boy Baby Doll – Best Newborn Baby Doll
- Removable pacifier
- Pretty durable
- Huggable
- Easy to hold
- It is a small doll
This 11-inch newborn baby doll comes with a soft body, making it the perfect companion for snuggling up to and even sleeping next to your child’s bed. The doll’s fingers are designed to be placed in their mouths, and their realistic plastic arms and legs are perfect for little hands to hold onto.
And when it comes time to clean up, no worries – the chic onesie and cap can be easily removed and hand washed to keep them looking brand new. And if your little one takes their buddy on some outdoor adventures and things get a little messy, no need to stress – it’s machine washable!
Plus, the doll’s mouth is perfect for holding a pacifier just like a real baby. With beautiful eyes and round cheeks that exude warmth and affection. Your child will absolutely fall in love with this doll!
Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Jordan – Best Interactive Baby Doll
- The price is great
- It sucks its own thumb
- Its soft body will sit for feeding and cuddle nicely
- Good quality
- The hat is attached to the shirt and cannot be completely removed
Hey there, say hello to the latest addition to the Mine to Love family – Jordan, the bouncing baby boy! He’s got a removable romper and cap that makes him oh-so-stylish. And with those adorable brown eyes that can open and close, he’s sure to capture your child’s heart.
That’s not all – Jordan can suck on his thumb or pacifier just like a real baby! At 12 inches tall, his soft, cuddly body is perfect for little hands to hold and hug. His wipe-clean skin and light skin tone make him easy to care for and snuggle with.
Creative Minds Basket of Babies Plush Dolls – Best For Babies
- Perfect size for the littles to hold
- Very well made
- Great for travel
- The little outfits can be changed
- Surface clean only
This set of 6 soft and cuddly dolls comes dressed in detachable onesies made from the most comfortable fabric, complete with matching hats. Whether it’s at home, daycare, school, or therapy sessions, these dolls will provide your baby with lots of fun and educational playtime.
Take them along on your outdoor adventures or keep them organized in their cozy doll basket. These dolls are hand-sewn with love and are built to last through years of play and affection. The best part is that they come in a 12-inch wide take-along basket.
Orijin Bees Baby Bee Doll – Best For Older Kids
- Good quality fabric
- Realistic features
- Multiple styles available
- Good size
- More expensive compared to other dolls
This 12-inch doll is made of non-toxic vinyl and has movable limbs and legs, making them perfect for imaginative play. With options including Black, African American, Latina, and more, children can finally see themselves represented in their toys.
Though these dolls are a bit pricier than other options, they come with adorable and detachable clothing and hair accessories. Plus, your child will love the matching kid-sized hair accessory that comes with each doll. The non-toxic vinyl material is easy to clean and has a bit of flexibility.
Disney Encanto Mirabel – Best Disney Baby Doll
- Great likeness
- Movable legs
- Great quality
- Affordable
- The glass falls easily
This 11.5-inch doll features intricate embroidery-style patterns on her dress’s scalloped neckline and sleeves, just like in the movie. Her long teal skirt is adorned with vibrant emblems and designs inspired by her family’s magical powers, and if you look closely, you’ll see her name printed on it, just like in the film.
Completing her ensemble are her lime green sunglasses and magenta espadrilles, making her ready for any adventure you can imagine. Bring home the magic of Encanto and start exploring with your new friend Mirabel Madrigal!
How To Choose A Baby Doll?
- Age-Appropriate: It is important to choose a doll that is appropriate for your child’s age. For younger children, choose dolls that are soft, small, and without small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Older children may prefer dolls with more advanced features, such as the ability to talk or walk.
- Material: The material of the doll is also important. Choose dolls made of non-toxic materials that are safe for your child to handle. Many dolls are made of plastic or vinyl, while others are made of cloth or other soft materials.
- Realistic Features: Some baby dolls come with realistic features such as crying, wetting, or feeding. If your child enjoys interactive play, consider choosing a doll with these features.
- Accessories: Many baby dolls come with accessories such as clothing, bottles, and blankets. Consider choosing a doll that comes with accessories that your child will enjoy playing with. You can also purchase a separate baby doll stroller or dollhouse.
- Diversity: It is important to choose dolls that represent diversity, including dolls of different races, ethnicities, and abilities. This helps children develop empathy and a better understanding of the world around them.
What Age Should A Baby Get A Doll?
Babies can benefit from dolls as early as 6 months old, as they begin to develop their sensory and motor skills. At this age, dolls with soft bodies and simple features, such as those made of cloth or plush, can provide a tactile and comforting experience for the baby. As babies grow and develop, they can start to engage in more imaginative play with dolls, which can aid in their cognitive, social, and emotional development (1).
How Do You Clean A Baby Doll?
- For dolls with cloth bodies: Spot clean the body using a damp cloth with mild soap or detergent. For tougher stains, you can use a stain remover. Avoid getting the stuffing wet, as this can cause mold or mildew to develop.
- For dolls with vinyl or plastic bodies: Wipe the body down with a damp cloth and mild soap or detergent. You can also use a magic eraser to remove scuffs or marks. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch the surface of the doll.
- For dolls with hair: Use a doll hairbrush to gently brush out tangles or knots. For tougher tangles, you can use a detangling spray. Avoid using a regular human hairbrush, as this can damage the doll’s hair. You can also wash the hair with mild shampoo and conditioner, and then let it air dry.
- For accessories: You can clean doll accessories, such as clothing or blankets, in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. Let them air dry.
How Do Baby Doll Bottles Work?
Baby doll bottles are designed to simulate the experience of feeding a baby. They typically consist of a plastic bottle with a nipple, similar to a real baby bottle, and can either be filled with water or a pretend liquid to give the impression of feeding.
To use a baby doll bottle, fill it with water or a pretend liquid such as colored water or a milk substitute. Then, hold the bottle to the baby doll’s mouth and gently tilt it downward so that the nipple is inside the doll’s mouth. As you tilt the bottle, the liquid inside will flow out and into the doll’s mouth, simulating the experience of feeding a real baby.
Can Boys Play With Dolls?
Yes, boys can play with dolls. Toys do not have a gender and there is no reason why boys should be limited in their toy choices (2). Playing with dolls can help children develop empathy, nurturing skills, and social skills (3). It is important to let children explore and play with a variety of toys without gender stereotypes or limitations.
