How do I choose a doll for my toddler?

Babies love dolls because they offer some sought-after companionship. It offers kids a great way to play and learn through gentle, nurturing play. Also, it teaches how to offer empathy and care to other humans. 

Furthermore, there are so many dolls on the market that choosing the best is often difficult. Meanwhile, you don’t also want to buy dolls that will cause harm to your kids. There are certain factors that should help you choose a good doll for your toddler.

Safety

The best baby dolls are made from non-toxic materials, whether plush or plastic. Remember, children kiss and hug their dolls often. For example, you may need to avoid dolls with unsafe accessories like earrings, bangles, etc. Dolls with such accessories are best for kids who know that they are unsafe to put in their mouths. If your family comprises kids from different age ranges, then organize the dolls in a way that your toddlers will touch the accessories.

Features

Most dolls have special features like sounds, music, etc. Before you buy a doll for your toddler, you need to understand how your toddler plays. Some toddlers are not comfortable with dolls that look like real babies. Most often, the toddler may cry because the doll’s eyes are blinking. Also, you may need to avoid dolls with real human features because they could scare your baby. 

Diversity

Don’t choose a doll that looks like your toddler. Choosing dolls that don’t look like your children helps them to normalize differences and encourages your toddler to accept diversity. 

Tips for caring for and maintaining your toddler’s doll

Your toddler’s doll can also get dirty. Depending on the kind of doll, you may need to clean it. To ensure your toddler’s doll is in good condition do the following:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Almost every doll has a manufacturer’s manual to care for and maintain. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the toddler’s doll in good condition.

Wash with machine

Most plush dolls are machine washable. However, you may want to set the machine to wash gently. In other words, don’t wash the dolls in a hard setting, or else they will get damaged.

Don’t submerge in water.

The general rule is that vinyl dolls should not be submerged in water. One of the regular maintenance tasks for vinyl dolls is to clean them. Use baby wipes to clean the vinyl doll if your toddler always carries it around. 

Conclusion

A doll teaches your toddler a lot of lessons, including how to care for another human. Choosing the right one will positively impact the toddler’s life. Don’t choose a doll because of its color; instead, diversify and consider the individual preference of your child. 

Toddlers are frequently emotionally attached to their dolls. Therefore, you need to maintain it properly. Finally, if the dolls have too many accessories, they are not for a toddler. Older kids should use such dolls. For more information about how to choose a doll click the link.