Barbie Introduces First Doll With Down Syndrome

Barbie is becoming more inclusive!

Barbie has finally unveiled its newest launch, a doll with Down syndrome.

The newest launch comes in an effort to help children see themselves represented in the toys they’re playing with.

Barbie parent company Mattel said they wanted to produce the doll to: “enable all children to see themselves in Barbie.”

 

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They partnered with the US National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to help bring the product to market.

Charities supporting Down syndrome across the world were delighted to see such a move by a multi million dollar company.

The Chief Executive of the UK Down Syndrome Association said: “Children in our community will be able to play with a doll that represents them.”

 

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British model, Ellie Goldstein appeared in the new Barbie campaign with the doll.

She was delighted be involved with the marketing behind the new addition to the Barbie family.

She said: “Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”

With help from the National Down syndrome Society in the US, Mattel introduced a new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of women with Down Syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso.

Each Barbie also wears a pink  necklace around her neck with three chevrons attached.

 

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They represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with the condition.

The new doll goes on pre-sale at Smyths Toystores  from Tuesday.

 

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It is part of the 2022 Barbie Fashionista Line which features a Barbie with a prosthetic leg, a Barbie who uses a wheelchair, and male dolls that are thinner and less muscular.

The increase in inclusive dolls over the last number of years, Mattel has described this one as their, “most diverse and inclusive doll line, offering a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions, to inspire even more stories”.

Pic Credits: Barbie Fashionista campaign

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• Barbie
• Ellie Goldstein