Barbie Doll W/ Down Syndrome: Check Out Mattel's Latest Doll

Check Out Mattel’s Latest Barbie Doll W/ Down Syndrome

BARBIE DOLL – US toy manufacturer Mattel recently showed their newest Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome.

Barbie is arguably the most famous doll ever made. Ruth Handler, the wife of Mattel toy company founder Elliot Handler, was the brains behind Barbie’s conception.

She realized that because there were no adult dolls available on the market, their little daughter Barbara would always play with baby dolls. She discovered the Bild Lilli doll, an adult doll based on a comic strip while visiting Germany. She presented her husband with the concept and created an adult Barbie doll named after her daughter Barbara.

Based on a report from Philstar, the American toy company Mattel debuted a new Barbie doll on Tuesday that features a person with Down syndrome in an effort to help more kids see themselves in the popular figure. A person with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome, which alters how their body and brain grow.

According to the manufacturer, the toy was developed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to guarantee that it appropriately depicts a person with the condition.

“Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and head of Barbie and dolls for Mattel globally, stated.

“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves,” she added.

Barbie-Doll-with-Down-Syndrome — Photo Source: CNN

According to Mattel, the new doll includes a face and body sculpt In order to be “more illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso.”

For instance, the face is more rounded, the ears are smaller, and the nasal bridge is flat. The almond-shaped eyes are also somewhat tilted. The doll’s outfit pattern has butterflies and the colors yellow and blue, which are signs of awareness for people with Down syndrome.

“This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation,” NDSS president Kandi Pickard said. “It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”