When to buy baby dolls and accessories?

[vikivoly]

DD is really getting into imaginary play. She has 2 basic baby dolls that are made for younger babies and she also has tons of stuffed animals that she treats as baby dolls. She's 19 months. Is she too young for cradles, strollers, and baby dolls that actually do things? I hate to start this thing too early, because I know I'm going to be buying endless dolls for the next 8 years. Should I just let her use her current dolls and animals? If it makes any difference, I'm expecting DD#2 in early October, so she'll be swimming in real baby gear soon enough.

[kaitlinsmommy]

Kaitlin is also 19 months and she is totally getting into her baby doll. I just got an American Girl catalog and am trying to pick something out for her 2nd bday. She has loved her stroller for months but I will also get a cradle & high chair before the year is through. I bet your dd would love any doll stuff you get her, but of course, if you decide to wait, she won't know the difference, right?

Oh, I did get her doll diapers and bottles from Target. They were really cheap accessories but she went nuts over them.

Have fun!

[pamela mom of 3]

My eldest had a litte dolly by playskool at about 6mths old...once as she walked more items were purchased, beds, highchairs, strollers etc.

Plus when my second child was born by dd who was 2 1/2yrs got a special dolly by corolle.

of coarse now with the girls being almost 8 1/2 and 5 1/2 we have a tons of dolls and equipment including a zooper dolly buggy ;)

Little tikes makes some nice options in a reasonable price range, their sturdy and a nice simple to clean plastic, we have some strollers by them and a highchair they work well outside too. Step 2 used to make products for dolls, i know their are some all-in-one units with a bed, change table & highchair unfortunately here with three growing children i lack the space but if you have it, they are an option.

As to dolls themselves by favorites are the corolle, they are made in france and are machine washable, pricey but do stand up very well and have various features, some with sleepy eyes, bean bag bodies etc.

I really love dolls, i even have my first doll :) They are great for role play when you have another on the way too.

i'll see if i can gather some links....

Ok here is a link to the little tikes tenderheart nursery, an all-in-one type unit,
http://littletikes.com/toyfinder/default.asp?URL=/toyfinder/products.asp?category=10&C=CAT

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9232.jpg

little tikes dolly stroller, we have one similar but ours is older, so slightly different

http://littletikes.com/toyfinder/default.asp?URL=/toyfinder/products.asp?category=10&C=CAT

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9233.jpg

LT, high chair
http://littletikes.com/toyfinder/default.asp?URL=/toyfinder/products.asp?category=10&C=CAT

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9234.jpg


~Pamela Mom Of 3

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[egoldber]

I think 18 months on is a good age. My DD really enjoys her doll stroller and high chair. She loves to "feed" her babies. she also puts her baby in the seat of her shopping cart.

[rrosen]

I get seriously giddy when I read this! I can't wait until my dd starts playing with dolls this way. She has started hugging and kissing her doll. I may weep when she 'feeds' them. So, funny because I was NOT a doll girl myself.

[kaitlinsmommy]

I wasn't a doll girl either. Isn't that funny? I agree, it is so sweet to watch your little girl playing with dolls. I LOVE it!