Lifestyle

A new Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome hit the shelves

The US toy giant in recent years has created dolls with a hearing aid, a prosthetic limb and a wheelchair as well.

A new Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome has hit the shelves!

US toy manufacturer Mattel unveiled a new Barbie doll Tuesday representing a person with Down syndrome last week.

Mattel’s move comes in a bid to make its range more diverse.

Mattel in a statement said that it worked closely with the US National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure its latest doll accurately represented a person with Down’s syndrome.

This image provided by Mattel, Inc., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, shows its first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome. Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society to create the Barbie and “ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome,” the company said. (Mattel, Inc. via AP)

The new doll features a shorter frame and a longer torso and its face is rounder with smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge and almond-shaped eyes which can all be characteristics of women who have the genetic condition.

The dress is puff-sleeved in yellow and blue colours which are associated with Down’s syndrome awareness.

The doll also wears a pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down’s syndrome.

This new also wears pink ankle foot orthotics to match its outfit as some children with Down’s syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles.

In 1959 when the first Barbie doll was launched it featured long legs, a tiny waist, and flowing blonde locks.

The toy company has been previously criticised for the traditional Barbie that did not represent real women.

And with the passage of time, Barbie dolls are being manufactured to represent a more realistic body image of women.

In 2016 Mattel released Curvy Barbie, Tall Barbie and Petite Barbie, as well as a wide range of skin tones reflecting many different ethnicities.

 

The US toy giant in recent years has created dolls with a hearing aid, a prosthetic limb and a wheelchair as well.

Mattel will introduce Barbie dolls with disabilities later this year. (Mattel)

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button