Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Tips For Selecting The Best Dolls For Girls In Every Stage Of Childhood

By Jody Leach


Dolls have been a beloved plaything of little girls for centuries. Experts believe that when a child is given a doll to play with, it not only provides her with a "friend", but also encourages development of imagination and nurturing. With so many dolls for girls on the market today, it can be hard to decide which one is best, this guide describes the different types and their features.

Perhaps the first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a doll is the age of the child one intends to give it to. The best choice for an infant or young toddler is likely a soft, cloth doll which has no small parts attached, as these can be a choking hazard, whereas a preschooler needs one that is durable and not easily damaged suited to their boisterous play. An older girl is likely to prefer a more sophisticated doll that she can dress up.

A cloth doll is an excellent choice for a baby's first dolly. Their soft bodies are light and easily carried around and cuddled, and not likely to hurt the child if she drops it or bumps herself with it. Most can be easily laundered in a washing machine or wiped with a damp cloth. Even for preschool-aged children they are suitable, as some teach skills like lacing, buttoning etc.

When the girl is a bit older, she may prefer a doll that looks more like a real baby. These are usually made entirely from rubber or vinyl, or the more cuddly ones have a stuffed, cloth body and plastic head, arms, and legs. Some have hair, and eyes that can open and close, others can be given water in a bottle, and actually "wet" their diapers through an opening in their bodies, just as a live infant does.

Another popular doll with the preschool set is the interactive kind which can perform various actions that make them seem just like a real child. Run on batteries, they are capable of walking, speaking, singing, laughing and many other amusing antics that are sure to make kids smile and feel as though they have a life-like playmate.

Fashion dolls have been a favorite of school-aged girls for over half a century when the Barbie doll was first introduced. Since then, other types have appeared, but all of them resemble adult women and come with an enormous selection of outfits and accessories, as well as items such as houses, furniture, and cars to further encourage imaginative play.

Girls about five and up also love the larger, 18-inch dolls that resemble girls their own age. These pretty dolls have hair that can be styled and a lovely assortment of outfits to choose from, but they can attract a higher price. Although they are fine quality, and likely to hold their value, some parents may prefer to look for an "imitation" line that costs less.

Today there are more options than ever before for buying dolls. There's always stores, and also the international marketplace, easily accessed through numerous sites online. Those who want a unique or classic doll, may even find a treasure or two at places like flea markets or garage sales.




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