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Dolls play an important role in children’s lives, developing their social and interactive skills as they become friends with the dolls. So, here’s our list of the best baby dolls for 4-year-olds to help develop a close and personal bond with your little ones. Playing with dolls will improve the way children interact with the people around them.
Dolls come with various options and accessories like hats and pacifiers, and some can talk or sing, making them more entertaining for children. They take care of their dolls and nurture them like a best friend. They hang out with their dolls throughout the day and even go to bed cuddling them. Kids tend to be very selective when choosing dolls, and sometimes they can get confused about which one to pick.
Dolls are available in various shapes and sizes and picking a safe one can be daunting. To help you select a beautiful doll that your child would like, scroll down to check out different types of best-selling dolls to choose the right one.
Top Picks
11 Best Baby Dolls For 4-Year-Olds
1. Best Safety-Tested: The New York Doll Collection Baby Doll
This parent-recommended classic baby doll from the New York Doll Collection is simply adorable. It is 11 inches long and is suitable for toddlers. The doll comes with a pacifier that lets your child explore feeding processes. It has detailed PVC features like arms, legs, and fingers to give your child a more realistic playing experience. This safety-tested, soft body baby doll is available in many ethnicities, giving you various options for your child to choose from. It has a washable onesie and a removable hat. Bonus points go to the doll’s light-weighted body, making it easier for the child to carry it.
Also Recommended By: Don’t waste your money has also listed The New York Doll Collection Baby Doll in their top 10.[1] The Best Baby Dolls For 4-Year-Old Girls. Don’t waste your money. https://www.dontwasteyourmoney.com/the-best-baby-dolls-for-4-year-old-girls/
Pros
- Compatible with 11 inch doll accessories
- Features flexible arms and legs
- Comes in a beautiful gift box for gifting
- Gender-neutral
Cons
- Pacifier is not attached to the body
- Small parts can be choking hazards
"My granddaughter refuses to go to bed without this sweet, captivating darling doll. The doll has a soft, gentle appearance, making it her favorite cuddle buddy. I highly recommend it as an adorable gift option for toddlers."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 5,607 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
2. Best Fragranced: Adora Adoption Baby Hope Doll
The Adoption Baby Hope Doll is a beautiful 16-inch baby doll for your beloved child. It has a soft body that smells fresh with a gentle baby powder fragrance. The soft body baby doll has a smooth body and comes with a disposable diaper to let your child enjoy realistic play and enhance nurturing qualities. This baby doll has a blue eye color and a pacifier, customized crib, hospital bracelet, and adoption certificate. Handling the doll and all its belongings provides a sense of responsibility and enhances a child’s learning power. The doll is made of non-toxic material and, thus, is entirely safe for the child. You can choose your child’s companion from this range of creative dolls. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the age-appropriate product.
Pros
- Comes with removable clothes
- Interactive doll features open and closed eyes
- Helps teach children empathy and kindness
- Comes in a cuddly microfiber blanket
- Helps in sibling training
- Comes in five ethnicities
- Suitable for pretend play
Cons
- Clothing may be bigger than expected
- May not be suitable for snuggling
"This doll has become a great companion for my little one's pretend play sessions. Its functional eyes and realistic weight are some cool features. Although it had a strong smell when new, it faded in just a few days. Plus, the adoption certificate is a nice touch."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,217 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
3. Best Functional:Glitter Girls Lacy Doll
Introduce your little one to Lacy by Glitter Girls. She is dressed up in a graphic tunic, sporting a sparkling bow, striped leggings, and pink glittery shoes. Her long blonde hair and purple eye color add to her looks and make her an emotionally expressive doll. As per reviews, the 14-inch tall doll with hair has bendable arms and legs, enabling her to sit, stand, or drive her scooter, and her favorite things are stars and unicorns. Suitable for ages three and up, she can be used to encourage screen-free playtime. Moreover, you can make her additional bows, purses, and dresses or look for matching sets to make playtime more fun.
Pros
- Realistic-looking
- BPA-, phthalate-, and lead-free plastic
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Clothes may not be durable
- Some might find the plastic body harder than expected
"The vibrant attire, purple pupils, and shiny hair have mesmerized my little one from the first day. Though the doll's articulation isn't great, it actively engages my child, making it a worthwhile purchase."
Point to consider4. Best Realistic Doll: Dolls To Play Soft Baby Doll
This cute little pink doll from Dolls To Play is sure to light up your little girl’s mood in an instant. It is made of vinyl and can be easily washed whenever needed. Since the classic baby doll has a soft body, it is perfect for comfortable hugging. This life-like imaginative baby doll is a fantastic choice for both boys and girls and can help enhance your child’s imagination while keeping them entertained. The time-tested doll comes with tiny toes and fingers as well as realistically painted facial features. Also, it comes with a carrier that makes carrying the soft doll very easy. It is machine washable and can be washed as and when it gets dirty. If you are looking for an all-time partner for your child, this is the ideal choice. The social play doll even helps in keeping your child engaged and developing interactive skills..
Pros
- Teaches children about empathy
- Suitable for role play
- Gentle to touch
- Changing clothes develops motor skills
Cons
- Straps may not be adjustable
- May not be durable enough
"This backpack and cuddly doll combo have helped us deal with many tantrums while traveling. The non-adjustable straps were a slight letdown, but the cuddly nature of the doll makes up for that minor inconvenience. Plus, being machine-washable, this doll has been easy for me to maintain."
5. Best BPA-Free: JC Toys ‘Lots To Cuddle Babies’ Doll
The JC Toys Store brings you a fantastic baby doll collection for you to pick from for your child. The soft doll is quality-tested, measures 20 inches, and has a plush body, which is an instant attraction. The beautifully designed vinyl arms make the doll ideal for cuddling. It comes along with a washable onesie which makes it all the cuter. The pacifier and bottle of the nurturing play doll are made from BPA-free material. The odorless material of this cuddly doll makes it a safe option for your child. It is an adorable doll and can help your child develop nurturing skills at a young age. Your child will enjoy fun playtime as they engage in an imaginative role-play with this cuddle baby.
Pros
- Made from safety-tested vinyl
- Soft, smooth, and durable
- Available in single or twin gift sets
- Comes in four ethnicities
Cons
- Head may be out of proportion with body
- May be bigger than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,369 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
6. Best Huggable: Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll
If you are looking for a charismatic Christmas gift that will bring your child all the happiness in the world, this doll is a stellar choice. Kaydora Reborn Baby Dolls are beautiful life-like baby dolls that can accompany your child wherever they go. The doll is 18 inches tall and weighs around 2.5 pounds. It comes with a removable outfit, pacifier, bottle, birth certificate, and a gift box. Liked by many reviewers, the realistic-looking baby doll has naturally brown hair color, painted eyebrows, brown eye color, glued eyelashes, and detailed facial features, which allow it to stand out from other toys. The perfect soft toy to delight your four-year-old, this one has a huggable body made of cotton.
Pros
- Moveable limbs for different poses
- Made to look realistic and life-like
- 100% non-toxic and safe to play
- Meets F963 and EN71 safety requirements
- Made from skin-friendly materials
- Suitable for senior citizens with dementia
Cons
- Limbs may not be well-attached
- Skin color may change over time
"My toddler loves this doll's realistic appearance. It's her new role-play buddy. Its soft, huggable design is also great for accompanying my daughter in bed. Overall, it is a delightful, well-crafted toy."
Quick tip7. Best For Gifting:Kookamunga Kids 18’’ Baby Doll Set
The 18-inch tall baby doll by Kookamunga Kids has delicately crafted and realistic features and dons a bright, detailed outfit. This durable doll set includes a bib, pacifier, feeder bottle, diaper bag, baby blanket, and a plush cuddly fox. The cuddly doll is soft and can therefore be handled easily by a four-year-old. With bright eyes and realistic facial features, it makes a fun companion for children to play with for hours.
Pros
- Cuddly, soft body
- High-quality material
- Exciting accessories
- Encourages imaginative play
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Feeder bottle and pacifier may not snugly fit into the mouth
- Seams may be a bit flimsy
8. Best Easy-To-Hold: Naturally Kids Unicorn Baby Doll
If you’re looking for something fun and unique, you can try these cute Unicorn Baby Dolls. These dolls are available in a set of four and are three inches long, which is just the perfect size for your child to hold. The doll set comes with four baby doll accessories, including two feeding bottles, one dollhouse bear, one tiny cupcake, and a removable hat. It is pretty fascinating for kids as there is a fun element included in each of these dolls. There is a small mouth opening for feeding the doll with its bottle. As you make the doll drink water from the bottle and squeeze its hat, it starts wetting its pants. This feature distinguishes it from the other dolls and is undoubtedly an attractive feature for the kids. Let your child indulge in a fun playtime activity with these colorful dolls that have flexible arms. The BPA-free doll set is suitable for three to seven-year-old girls.
Pros
- Suitable for twin babies
- Can work as a stocking stuffer
- Adorable and realistic -looking
- Comes with closing and opening eyes
- Improves child’s fine motor skills
- Made to fit different dollhouses
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not be durably built
"My unicorn-loving child was thrilled to get these dolls as a birthday present. Their removable clothes and accessories, such as cups and bottles, keep her occupied for hours. Although not the most durable, they have been a nice addition to her playtime."
Did you know?9. Best Twin Set:Melissa & Doug Mine To Love Twins
Melissa & Doug’s Mine To Love Twins is a set of two identical twin dolls–Sebastian and Sofia. These 15-inch tall dolls are the perfect size for children aged between 18 months and five years to play with. They have a medium skin tone and are capable of sucking their thumbs and pacifiers, which adds to their realistic feel. As per reviews, their soft bodies make them great cuddle companions for children. Additionally, these durable interactive dolls have the ability to open and close their eyes, making playtime more interactive.
Pros
- Includes removable rompers, caps, and pacifiers
- Easy to wipe clean
- Develops nurturing and emotional abilities
- Great for gifting
Cons
- Eyes may not shut evenly
10. Best Environment-Friendly: Nice2you Black Girl Baby Doll
Here is the best companion for your child to play with and learn from as they spend time with this doll. This inclusive Nice2you doll is just what every child needs to grow a sense of fondness for friends. It is 12 inches tall and is soft enough to be the right cuddle buddy for your child. Its black curly hair is handmade and is quite amusing for kids. This environment-friendly doll is made of vinyl PVC material and is safe for your child.
Pros
- Clothes are easy to take off and clean
- Joints of body can rotate 360 degrees
- Realistic eyes made from acrylic
- Comes in five colors
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Hair may experience fluffing
11. Best Newborn Doll: Mommy & Me Newborn Twin Baby Dolls
When looking for a beautiful gift for your four-year-old child, you will be pleased with what this doll set has to offer. The set comes with two identical eight-inch newborn baby dolls and accessories like rompers, hats, a swaddle, a fuzzy blanket, and a bloomer for these dolls. Made of vinyl plastic, the cute baby dolls are soft and comfortable for your child. Both the dolls can be undressed and changed into different doll clothes. Also, they come with baby diapers to let your child handle them as real newborn babies. With many positive reviews, it is a perfect doll set to allow your child to don the parenting role and learn the nuances of child care.
Pros
- Set of two dolls suitable for twins
- Develops social and emotional skills
- Blanket can fit both dolls simultaneously
- Dolls are compatible with different clothes
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not be tote-friendly
"I'm quite impressed with these charming and pretty twin dolls. They have a special place in my baby's heart; she talks, laughs, and play with them all day. And the best part is that their outfits stay put even after repeated play."
Now that you have an idea about the best baby dolls available for you, you want to make the right choice for your child. Here are some factors to consider before getting a doll for your 4-year-old.
How To Choose The Right Baby Doll For 4-Year-Olds?
- Material: It is essential to consider the material of the doll that you wish to hand over to your child. The material with which it is made must be child-friendly. The best toddler-friendly doll is soft, cuddly, yet durable so that your child has a long-lasting friend. Look for materials like cotton, cashmere, and fur, which are not just soft to touch but also safe for kids. You can also choose brands that use natural, non-toxic dyes. Avoid materials that are superficially scented or are toxic, like phthalates.
- Accessories: Accessories play a significant role in the imaginative play of your child. Sometimes, simply getting a sensory stimulation doll is not enough to keep your child’s wandering mind captured. You can look for exciting accessories like hats, bibs, combs, doll clothes, and other fun add-ons for your child to get creative. These accessories can also help in enhancing your child’s nurturing skills.
- Safety standards: The most important aspect of buying any toy is the safety standards. Before purchasing any doll, make sure its recommended age range is appropriate for your child’s age and is entirely safe for your child to use. Any toy that has long strings, sharp ends, or small parts must be avoided. You must immediately fix broken pieces because they can result in choking and other health concerns. The body parts like glass or button eyes must also be properly fixed so that there is no chance of chewing or swallowing such items. Always invest in premium quality toys for your child to avoid any kind of ripping off or spilling off material. Keep in mind to check the safety standards mentioned on the toy before buying the product.
- Social and emotional development: As the child grows, there arises the need for a companion that can keep your child engaged and happy. Realistic and engaging baby dolls that come with baby-like features provide comfort and company to the child. Dolls that come in a range of skin tones promote diversity and come with accessories that engage a child in its daily grooming and help develop nurturing qualities. Other than this, the child learns to interact, chat, and express feelings to the doll and that improves their social skills. Also, the presence of a colorful age-specific baby doll reduces the constant need of parents for the child. So, while choosing a doll, remember it’s not just a doll but a companion for your child.
- Ease of cleaning: Always opt for materials that can be washed as cleanliness has to be a top-notch priority for the kids. Wash the dolls now and then with antibacterial detergent to keep away germs. Choose washable dolls that can withstand water pressure and dry without fading. Special care needs to be taken in machine washing the dolls as you don’t want to rip off the material. Some toys involve a lot of glue work and cannot withstand heat, which means you need to be careful during machine drying. Choose a doll that can be easily hand-washed and dried so that there isn’t much hassle. If it can be machine-washed, then dry it near a fan or dehumidifier for better results.
- Size: While choosing a baby doll for your child, make sure the size of the doll is smaller than your child. Kids love to hold baby dolls in their hands and carry them along, so they need to be the perfect size and the weight also has to be chosen accordingly. For kids above 3 years, dolls in sizes 14-22 are suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do four-year-olds still play with dolls?
Since most children indulge in pretend-play, especially at the ages of three to five years, dolls could facilitate their need for a companion during such playing sessions.
2. What is a good baby doll for toddlers?
Ideally, a good baby doll is one that is cuddly, made of non-toxic materials, easy to maintain, falls within the appropriate age range, and is durable enough to withstand rough play. A developmentally appropriate baby doll that produces human-like sounds can make playtime more enjoyable and interactive.
3. Is it normal for four-year-old boys to play with dolls?
Yes, it is normal for four-year-old boys to play with dolls. Regardless of gender, children can play with dolls to make sense of the world around them and explore different roles, scenarios and relationships. Playing with dolls can also help children improve their emotional, social, and language skills (1).
4. At what age should a child stop playing with baby dolls?
It may vary from child to child and there’s no prescribed upper age limit as such. However, you should encourage them to play with dolls at least till the age of eight years to help improve their social-emotional skills, such as empathy (2).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is experienced in reviewing and writing numerous articles on children’s toys. Here, she has collated a list of the best baby dolls for four-year-olds. These tried-and-tested dolls come in various sizes and materials and have interactive features and additional accessories, such as a hat or a pacifier. Some also have exclusive features which enable them to talk or sing, ensuring your child’s roleplay games are interactive and fun. You can check the pros and cons of all the recommended products and our buyer’s guide to make the right choice.
Dolls are quite an important part of children’s lives. They learn to care, share, and form some of the most crucial social skills through their interaction with their favorite dolls. Getting the right doll for your four-year-old involves considering accessories that the doll comes with, such as fashionable outfits, hair accessories, shoes, comb, and bibs, that help the kid have a realistic experience while playing with the doll. Also, make sure the doll is made from safe material and is soft to the touch. Safe and durable materials include cotton, fur, and cashmere. Moreover, check the cleaning process to keep the dolls dirt-free easily. Lastly, ensure the doll passes the quality tests, meets the necessary safety standards, and has no pointy or sharp edges so that your child has a safe playing experience.
Infographic: How Dolls Benefit 4-Year-Olds’ Social and Emotional Skills?
Rather than just engaging in play for a long time, playing with dolls can be a valuable tool for promoting social and emotional learning in 4-year-olds just starting their preschool. So, check out the infographic below to learn about the various benefits of playing with dolls for 4-year-olds. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Playing with a variety of toys leads to appropriate growth for girls and boys
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/playing_with_a_variety_of_toys_leads_to_appropriate_growth - Exploring The Benefits Of Doll Play Through Neuroscience
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7560494/
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