Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best baby dolls are enticing for little ones. They are cute and make great companions for babies and toddlers alike. Dolls are human-like, and they sometimes become a part of life, even after children grow up.
Heather Welch, a mom, play advocate, educator, and developer of educational toys, says, “Playing with dolls is crucial for children as it helps develop their communication and language skills and promotes social-emotional learning. It also teaches children how to care for someone and builds empathy. Besides, pretend play or role-play helps spark children’s imagination.”
If you plan to gift one to your child or any young kid in the family on a special occasion such as birthday, Christmas, or New Year’s, a doll is a great choice. Check out this list to help you explore the best dolls available in the market.
Top Picks
25 Best Baby Dolls For Your Little Ones
1.Best Soft Fabric Doll:Fisher-Price Silly & Sweet Baby Doll
Made with plush, soft fabric that is gentle to the touch, this Silly & Sweet Baby Doll by the trusted brand Fisher-Price is suitable for younger infants with soft, delicate skin. You can press the heart at the center of the doll for baby sounds and soft music. This adorable doll can help introduce the baby to the concept of ‘cause and effect’.
Pros
- Ideal for babies aged six months and above
- Different textures on the doll help stimulate the sense of touch
- Removable electronic music module
- Machine-washable.
- Pleasant and soft colors help bring a sense of security to the baby
Cons
- May not include batteries
2.Best Realistic Doll:JC Toys La Baby Doll
The lightweight, realistic baby doll is easy for older toddlers to carry while walking. Learn more about this classic baby doll by watching this video.
Pros
- Ideal for toddlers aged 18 months and older
- Has realistic design and facial features
- Available in four face types
- Detailed doll clothes made of real fabric
- Removable outfit that is also washable
- Skin of the baby doll is soft to touch and has zero added fragrance
Cons
- Doll needs to be washed by hand
- Clothes might fray slightly over time
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 15,545 fine reviews on Amazon.
3.Best Doll With Pacifier:Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Doll
Here’s a soft classic doll with an adorable smile and a pacifier that attaches to the mouth through magnets. The magnets are securely stitched within the fabric and not easy to remove while playing.
Pros
- Suitable for one year and up
- Embroidered facial features and fabric hair make the doll appealing
- Mushy arms and legs add to the cuteness factor of the doll
- Removable outfit that can be put back easily using Velcro straps
Cons
- Clothes might not be durable
- May have loose threads
"With its wide open arms, welcoming broad smile, and cute tuft of fabric hair, this doll has proven to be a comforting companion for my little one. Moreover, the removable clothes have allowed him to dress the doll as he likes."
Quick tip4.Best Squishy Doll:Gloveleya Spring Baby Doll
The doll is stuffed with cotton to make it extra squishy and gentle for play. The plush ponytails of the doll make it immediately charming for toddlers. Here’s a little video about the manufacturing process of the Gloveleya doll.
Pros
- Ideal for toddlers 12 months and older
- Made from soft fabric with embroidered hair, eyes, and mouth
- Seams are tightly stitched so zero chances of tear and the cotton coming out
- Environmentally friendly
- Available in different attires and hair colors
Cons
- Needs to be hand washed
- May be slightly larger than expected
"This doll’s gift-ready bag made it easy to present this doll to my little one on her birthday. Its cute features, especially the fabric-based hair, were an instant hit with her. Plus, the cute floral frock has only added to its charm."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 9,348 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
Remember5.Best Washable Doll:HABA Snug-up Doll Luis
If you’re looking for the most adorable companion for your little one, this doll with a cute printed face, large brown eyes, and sweet little nose and mouth will be perfect. It can be placed in a sitting position, and caring for the doll can help build social skills.
Pros
- Perfect gift for newborn and older babies
- Delicate soft texture lets your baby snuggle it when sleeping
- Clothes are sewn into the doll and do not come off even if the baby plays roughly with the toy
- Machine washable with cold water
Cons
- Not available in other colors
- Freckles on the doll might fade with use
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 1,526 positive reviews on Amazon.
6.Best Lightweight Doll:Eden Terry Girl Baby First Soft Doll
Image: Genius Baby Toys This doll features embroidered facial features with lovely blonde hair made from strands of thread. The clothes of the doll are quilted to make it extra cuddly for a baby.
Pros
- Ideal for newborn and older babies
- Can be washed in a washing machine, clothes included
- Doll is lightweight for the baby to carry around
- Super-soft and easy to hold
Cons
- Embroidery might not be high-quality
- Clothes might begin to fray over time
7.Best Doll For Newborns:Stephan Baby Ultra Soft Plush My First Doll
Made entirely out of velour, which is a velvety fabric that is extremely soft to the touch, this is the perfect hugging partner for your little one. They will love the pretty lace and cute braids, not to mention the warm, friendly smile of the doll.
Pros
- Ideal for newborns and older babies
- Small size makes it comfortable for little hands to hold
- Features are made of soft materials
- Machine washable with cold water
Cons
- Might be smaller than expected
8.Best Plush fabric Doll:Genius Baby Classic So-Soft Baby Doll
Measuring 11 inches, this cute baby doll is one of the most adorable things your little one has ever laid eyes on. With a pink complexion and blonde hair, the classic doll is right out of children’s imagination.
Pros
- Ideal for newborn and older babies
- Made of plush fabric
- The clothes and hat are all stitched to the doll, and won’t fall off even with rough play.
- Requires surface wash only
Cons
- Might not be as durable
- May be underfilled in the arms and legs
9.Best Scented Doll:Corolle Mon Doudou Miss Pink Cotton Flower Doll
The Corolle Mon Doudou Miss Pink Cotton Flower Doll has soft velour clothes that are sewn onto the body of the doll. The face of the doll is made from soft vinyl material with a hint of vanilla fragrance, making it always smell good. Its dangling hands and the pointed end of the hat make it easy for the baby to grasp the doll.
Pros
- Ideal for babies aged six months and above
- Includes sewn-in label for name or phone number
- Includes a soft blanket
- Machine-washable
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"With its pleasing vanilla scent and huggable size, the doll has become a comforting companion for my child. Its lightweight make has allowed him to carry it around with ease. The doll has quickly become a cherished keepsake."
10.Best With Accessories:The New York Doll Collection Soft Body Doll In Gift Box
The New York Doll Collection’s 11-inch soft body doll is ideally sized for a baby to hold and play with, and its furry soft body is suitable for cuddling and cradling. The doll’s vinyl arms, hands, and legs are detailed and easy to clean, and the open mouth is designed to let your child place their thumb, pacifier, and bottle into it for a realistic effect. This safety-tested classic baby doll is available in various options representing multiple ethnicities like Asian, African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian.
Pros
- Doll can be wiped clean
- Removable clothes and hair accessory are machine-washable
- Includes a hat, onesie, and pacifier
- Has an attractive gift box for presentable gifting
- Safety-tested realistic baby doll
Cons
- Hat may not be stable
- Small parts can easily get misplaced
Quick tip11.Best Realistic:Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll
Keydora’s Reborn Baby Doll can be the ideal doll playmate for your children. It has beautiful blue eyes and visible eyelashes, and you can try multiple hair styles on the doll’s thick hair.
Pros
- Movable arms and legs
- Includes a feeding bottle, pacifier, an outfit, and a birth certificate
- Suitable for role-playing
- High-quality PP cotton cloth
- Meets ASTM F963 and EN71 safety requirements
Cons
- May not be as realistic as expected
- Hair might be slightly rough
"This has been the most realistic doll I have ever seen so far. It has well-defined facial features, wrinkles in the feet and hands, and real-life eyes. And while it is slightly heavy, it elevates my munchkin’s pretend play sessions."
12.Most Adorable:Babi by Battat Baby Girl Doll
Battat’s Babi 14-inch baby doll with a soft body sports a cute outfit with a matching headband and comes complete with a removable pacifier that sits perfectly in its mouth for a realistic effect.
Pros
- Cuddly-soft eyelashes and beautiful brown eyes
- Perfect height for children to cradle and play with
- Durable and easy to clean
- Available in a variety of skin tones
- Fragrance-, BPA-, and phthalate-free
Cons
- Not recommended for children below three years of age
"My little one loves this doll’s simple design. Its detailed eyes, lashes, and other facial features can keep my little one enchanted for hours. Additionally, the accompanying pacifier is a practical touch, and its durable build has withstood being carried around by my toddler."
13.Best Softest:Mary Meyer Taggies Developmental Baby Doll
The Mary Meyer Taggies developmental doll has multiple tags that allow babies to exercise their grip. This stimulates tactile feel and helps improve finger dexterity. The multiple textures on the doll’s body help babies hone their sense of touch. The doll’s clothes are made of a soft material, and her feet are draped in satin socks.
Pros
- Ideal for newborn and older babies
- Made of polyester
- Washable
- Adorable doll with cute facial features
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Stitching may be a bit flimsy
"The best feature of this doll has been its intriguing cloth tags. They thoroughly captivate my baby and encourage him to touch and fiddle with them. Besides, he loves holding on to its satin feet while sleeping."
14.Best Stability:Adora PlayTime Baby Cozy Snowflake Baby Doll
Adora’s PlayTime Cozy Snowflake Baby Doll has a smooth body with a bean bag-weighted bottom that allows the doll to be seated easily. This baby doll can suck her thumb and bat her eyelids, making it the perfect doll for children’s pretend-play sessions.
Pros
- Includes fun baby doll accessories
- Eyes open and close
- Removable clothes and hair accessory are machine-washable
- Gentle-touch vinyl
- Silky smooth body
- Free of BPA
Cons
- Doll’s scent might be unpleasant for some
"I can vouch for this baby doll for its appropriate size and ability to engage my little one in pretend play. My daughter, on the other hand, approves of it for its huggable design and blinking eyes."
15.Best Interactive:Cry Babies Lala Baby Doll
Ideal for helping your child develop social skills, this doll comes with a removable pacifier and a washable onesie made from fabric. The cute baby doll cries when the pacifier is removed. Put the pacifier back and gently rock the doll and the crying stops. There is a water compartment and even two holes under the eyes. Add water and the doll will “cry” tears when the pacifier is removed.
Pros
- Ideal for toddlers aged 18 months and over
- Face of the doll is made from vinyl
- Has large beautiful eyes, colorful hair, tiny feet, and hands
- Appropriately sized
Cons
- Might be slightly rigid to play with
- Hair might not be soft enough
"My little one can’t get enough of this doll as she is a huge fan of the Lala series. While keeping its head stable could be a bit challenging , this has not reduced my child’s fondness for the doll. She treats it like her best friend."
16.Best Dressed:Kookamunga Kids 18’’ Baby Doll Gift Set
This 18-inch Baby Doll by Kookamunga is thoughtfully crafted with realistic features and a detailed outfit. The doll feeding set includes a bib, pacifier, feeder bottle, diaper bag, baby blanket, and a plush cuddly fox.
Pros
- Cuddly soft skin and body
- Perfectly sized for little hands
- High-quality material
- Includes six exciting accessories
- Engaging and interactive doll
Cons
- Feeder bottle and pacifier may not fit the doll’s mouth
17.Best Glory:Fisher-Price Princess Chime Doll
The princess chime doll by the trusted brand Fisher-Price is an adorable soft princess doll with charming features like a hair accessory in the form of a crown and a single ponytail. A built-in chime rings every time the doll is shaken or squeezed, to provide auditory stimulation to the baby.
Pros
- Ideal for babies six aged months and older
- Lightweight
- Easy to grasp
- Can be surface cleaned
Cons
- May not be stain-proof
- May be smaller than expected
"The cheerful doll is currently my child’s most prized possession. She adores it for its warm facial features and the chiming music it emits when squeezed. I wish it were a tad larger though."
18.Best Excellence:HABA Snug up Jonas Doll
The facial details of this doll such as the brown eyes, smile, cheeks, and even the freckles are all embroidered to give babies a realistic feel.
Pros
- Ideal for babies six months and older
- Cuddly and can sit up on his own
- Features an adorable T-shirt, trousers, and scarf, all sewn well
- Machine washable with cold water
Cons
- All clothing items may not be removable
- May be not be soft enough
"This charming doll has proven to be a cherished companion for my child. He loves its soft build and loves to snuggle with it while sleeping. Moreover, the machine-washable nature has eased my worries about keeping the doll clean."
19.Best Companion:Baby’s First Premium Lullaby Baby Doll
Features:
- Ideal for one-year-old toddlers and older kids.
- The doll is dressed in a soft-touch onesie and a hat. Comes with an inbuilt lullaby module that is activated when the doll’s tummy is pressed.
- The sound module can be removed to wash the doll in a machine in cold water.
20.Best Secure:Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pod Hunny Bunny First Baby Doll
This safety-tested cozy and snuggly soft-bodied doll comes with high-quality material and textures that stimulate the baby’s tactile senses.
Pros
- Ideal for babies six months and older
- Plush doll comes in a cozy sleep sack of its own
- Detachable from the sleeping sack, which has two bunny ears
- Easy to carry around cuddly body
Cons
- Putting the baby back in the pod might not be easy
- Colors may be muted
21.Best Sensation:Baby’s First Farm Animal Friends Cow Doll
Features:
- Ideal for toddlers aged 12 months and older.
- The toy is dressed as a cow and made with soft materials all around.
- The toy breaks into a funny song when its tummy is squeezed. This feature is entertaining and stimulates hearing.
- Multiple pieces of cloth stitched together to create the doll’s clothes.
- Machine washable after removing the electronic module from an easy-to-access pocket.
22.Best Plaque:Melissa & Doug Mine To Love Twins
It’s twice the fun with Melissa & Doug’s Mine To Love Twins doll set. They measure 15 inches tall and come with matching removable rompers and caps for added fun. They can suck their thumbs or the included pacifiers just like real babies.
Pros
- Can be wiped clean
- Removable outfit for easy maintenance
- Lightly-scented, and huggable bodies
- Encourages nurturing skills and imaginative play
Cons
- Eyes may not open and close in sync
23.Best Loveable:11-inch Soft Body Doll
For kids who need something extra-large and cuddly, here’s a safety-tested 11-inch doll that features a vinyl head, feet, and hands. The thumb of the toy can be inserted into its mouth, and the face features realistic details and eye color.
Pros
- Ideal for toddlers aged 18 months and older
- Onesie is removable and machine-washable
- Doll is available in different colors to represent multiple ethnicities
- Safe construction and easy to carry around
Cons
- Limbs might be slightly shaky
- Clothes might not be high-quality
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 11,779 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
24.Best Huggable:VTech Baby Amaze Baby Doll
Features:
- Ideal for toddlers aged 24 months and older.
- A learning doll that repeats what the toddler speaks and keeps new words in its memory. Memory can be reset with the flick of a button.
- Four action buttons at the front of the doll bring out various interactive activities.
- The doll ships with a small bottle and pacifier for the doll. Pressing the button with the bottle icon causes the doll to ask for its pacifier or bottle.
- The doll coos and sings songs or plays melodies. There is also a vocabulary book included with the doll.
25.Best Safety Tested:Baby’s First Giggles Baby Doll
Features:
- Ideal for toddlers aged 12 months and older.
- Body and face are soft to touch. The detailed facial features include a smile with two tiny lower teeth.
- Pressing or squeezing the center of the doll causes it to giggle.
- The electronic giggle module can be removed to wash the entire doll with cold water, in a machine.
How To Choose The Right Baby Doll For Your Little One?
Consider the following points when choosing a suitable baby doll for your child.
- Skill development: Look for a doll that your child can play with in various ways and encourages exploration, such as dolls with strollers or the one’s that can be fed or have its clothes changed. Dolls with movable limbs, voice mode, blinking eyes, and other functions will promote interaction, creativity, imagination, and a nurturing nature.
- Easy to clean: Ensure the doll is machine- or hand-washable or can be wiped clean to maintain hygiene and keep your child safe.
- Quality: Choose a doll made from long-lasting, sturdy materials like chemical-free plastic. If you choose cloth dolls, ensure they are soft and skin-safe and durably stitched to endure rough play.
- Safety: Ensure the doll doesn’t have sharp edges, pointy heads, or small parts like shoes, etc., that may lead to a choking hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a baby doll a worthy toy?
Dolls are worthy toys for children. Playing with dolls can help children improve their social skills. Also, roleplaying by creating imaginary worlds helps children process emotions in a better way (1).
2. How long do baby dolls last?
The lifespan of a toy doll is affected by both the material used and how the toy is handled. Dolls made of soft material may not break when thrown around, but the cloth can become dirty and frayed. Hard plastic dolls, on the other hand, are durable and easy to clean.
3. Are baby dolls machine-washable?
Soft dolls can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild cleanser. On the other hand, plastic dolls can be wiped clean with a soapy washcloth or disinfectant wipe. Ensure you dry the dolls to prevent mold build-up.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced writer and product reviewer who specializes in children’s products. She enjoys writing about fun innovations and toys that can capture the attention of little ones and help them in areas like skill development. Since dolls are popular and timeless companions for infants and toddlers, she has chosen to highlight the most feature-rich and beautiful dolls that come with realistic details for children to enjoy. The products listed in this article are of premium quality and long-lasting.
The Bottom Line
Most babies find their first best friend in a doll. They talk to them, feed them, and brush their hair. And if your little one is no different, then gift them one of these best baby dolls. But ensure the dolls are made of safe material and are colorful, attractive, and appealing for children. Talking to a doll can also boost a child’s social and interactive skills. Hence, you may also look for options that giggle, talk, or have built-in voice features. For realistic features, we recommend the NPC-approved and fragrance-free JC Toys La Baby Doll and the award-winning The New York Doll Collection Soft Body Doll In Gift Box, which is safety-tested and easy to clean. From the cuddly soft toy category, consider the Gloveleya Spring Baby Doll, which adheres to the US CPSIA and CA CCPSA safety standards.
Infographic: Why Is Doll Play Important For Your Child?
It’s hard to imagine a childhood without doll play. Apart from serving as one of the safest and easy-to-handle toys, playing with dolls has more to offer the child than meets the eye. So, check out the following infographic to know what makes dolls the number one toy choice for early childhood. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Doll play prompts social thinking
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/desc.13163
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