The best dolls in the UK 2023

Much more than a simple toy, the doll is an accessory that is of fundamental importance for the social-emotional and sensory development of children. With this playmate, boys and girls experience adult life in their own way. You want to please your child but don't know which model to give him/her? Save time by reading this buying guide for the best baby dolls.

Berenguer La Newborn 18053 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Berenguer La Newborn 18053

The best baby doll in 2021

The degree of realism of this baby proposed by Berenguer is really striking. It looks and feels like a real baby.

38,31 £ on Amazon

This articulated doll owes its realism to the vinyl which is a material that is both resistant and very soft to the touch. We can say that Berenguer has really paid attention to detail. The little lines on the face, the folds on the skin, the navel, the pink dimples, everything is there. His only flaw is that he keeps his eyes open even when he is put to sleep, which is a bit surprising since it is a bit unusual for babies.

Nevertheless, the child will have the impression to take care of a real baby with this doll with the face of an angel and with beautiful grey eyes. As for the accessories, this toy comes with a small pink blanket, a knitted sweater and a hat.

Baby Born Deluxe Manteau 43 cm
7/10

Best cheap

Baby Born Deluxe Coat 43 cm

The best entry-level baby doll

With this Baby Born doll, children will be able to engage in role-playing games that will stimulate both their imagination and social skills.

17,51 £ on Amazon

This doll is not exactly a model of realism, but it will make a great companion for children aged 3 and up. Since it is only 43 cm, this doll will fit perfectly in the little hands of wolfies. The great thing about this Baby Born Deluxe Coat 43 cm is that it comes with a multitude of accessories.

You will find in the packaging, a comfortable colored legging, a t-shirt, plastic boots, a hat with cute ears and a plush coat that sparkles. Your children will never tire of dressing and undressing him. This articulated doll is a great gift for Christmas, a birthday or just because you want to make your child happy.

Cicciobello Bobo interactive doll 2
9/10

Best high-end

Cicciobello Bobo interactive doll

The best high-end baby doll

By giving this interactive doll to your child, you will give him a vocation for medicine, or at least he will have a very high sense of empathy when he grows up.

52,79 £ on Amazon

This interactive doll made by Cicciobello can be used by a child from 36 months. With this model named Bobo, the child will be able to play doctor in a very realistic way. Indeed, Bobo regularly presents symptoms that can be recognized by his reddened cheeks. Your child will have to find the right treatment to cure him.

This product comes with a set of accessories, including clothes, a glow-in-the-dark pacifier, a syringe, a stethoscope, a bottle of milk and honey and medicine. At night, when Bobo is not feeling well and whines, his pacifier helps calm him down. Finally, when the child has given him the medicine he needs, Bobo gets his colors back.

Simba New Born Baby 3
8/10

Best baby doll for girls and boys

Simba New Born Baby

The best articulated baby doll

This peeing doll was designed so that children can finally analyze and understand the concept of cleanliness thanks to the potty that accompanies it.

19,99 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best doll

Any specific needs?

The best baby doll in 2021

The best entry-level baby doll

The best high-end baby doll

The best articulated baby doll

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best dolls

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Berenguer La Newborn 18053 4
9/10
Baby Born Deluxe Manteau 43 cm
7/10
Cicciobello Bobo interactive doll 5
9/10
Simba New Born Baby 6
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Berenguer La Newborn 18053
Baby Born Deluxe Coat 43 cm
Cicciobello Bobo interactive doll
Simba New Born Baby
The degree of realism of this baby proposed by Berenguer is really striking. It looks and feels like a real baby.
With this Baby Born doll, children will be able to engage in role-playing games that will stimulate both their imagination and social skills.
By giving this interactive doll to your child, you will give him a vocation for medicine, or at least he will have a very high sense of empathy when he grows up.
This peeing doll was designed so that children can finally analyze and understand the concept of cleanliness thanks to the potty that accompanies it.
Recommended age
Ages 3 and up
Ages 3+
From 2 years
3 years old
Size
37.8 x 18.29 x 20.57 cm
8 x 32 x 36 cm
19 x 19 x 31 cm
38.35 x 17.78 x 31.24 cm
Weight
1.09 kg
199.58 g
900 g
1.25 kg
Material
Vinyl
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
Using tips
Not suitable for children under 3.
Not suitable for children under 36 months. Adult supervision is required.
This interactive doll works with 3 LD6/AA folds.
The use of this doll should be under adult supervision due to its many accessories.

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How to choose your doll

Due to the huge selection of dolls from many brands, it has become difficult to choose the best doll for your child. In order not to fail in your choice, a number of criteria should be taken into consideration.

#1 - The materials of manufacture

Children are fragile, especially during their first months. It is not a good idea to expose them to materials that can make them sick or cause allergies. So consider the materials the toy is made of. Ideally, you should choose a plastic, vinyl or silicone toy that is non-allergenic. In addition to being quality, these materials offer a very realistic look.

#2 - The padding

Stuffing is important in that it ensures the longevity of the doll. A doll should be soft and pleasant to the touch, and soft foam is the cushioning material most likely to provide this feeling. This soft foam is of excellent quality and will not lose its characteristic softness over time.

#3 - The dimensions

The size of the doll should be adapted to the child's size. It would be pointless to offer him a huge doll that he won't be able to hug. Reserve large models for pre-teens. The ideal doll should be light and small enough for the child to hold easily. For a 2-year-old, a 35-cm, 500-g doll is ideal.

#4 - The ease of cleaning

With regular care, your child's doll won't become a bacteria incubator. So it needs to be very easy to care for. If it's durable enough, the doll and accompanying accessories can be machine washed. If not, hand washing followed by air drying is recommended.

#5 - The CE mark

This marking gives everyday consumer products the free right to circulate throughout Europe. But that's not all. The CE marking certifies that the baby doll complies with the requirements in force. Despite this, the manufacturer's instructions must always be followed. If it is mentioned that the doll is not suitable for children under 36 months, please take this into account.

Can a boy play with a doll?

The doll is an iconic toy that has been given to children for hundreds of years. Just like a baby's blanket, the doll plays a major role in the cognitive development of children. And as surprising as it may seem, the doll is a unisex toy. Boys and girls can have fun with them, we explain why.

According to early childhood specialists, the doll is a superb receptacle of emotions. In fact, the child does not play with his doll. This accessory allows him to replay the scenes he perceives and assimilates during the day by observing his parents. By putting himself in their place, the child expresses himself.

For a child, especially a boy, the doll is an outlet for the difficult situations he encounters. By reliving a difficult scene through this toy, the boy is able to better understand his parents' gestures and actions. The imitation game unintentionally teaches him the rules and social norms that are necessary for his development.

The infant will also learn about power. Even at a very young age, the child needs to assert himself, and the doll will satisfy this need. By feeding, dressing and cuddling him, the boy communicates with his doll, which will further develop his motor skills and language.

The different types of dolls

Giving a baby doll to a child is a great way to entertain and awaken him. This toy will help the little one to project himself into the future, but it is still necessary to buy him a model that he will enjoy cuddling.

The articulated doll

This doll is similar to a doll, except that it represents an infant or a baby. A doll is a toy that takes the shape of a baby and is specifically designed to entertain and stimulate the child. Made with soft but resistant materials, the classic doll is articulated and can blink its eyes. Moreover, the latter can close completely when he lies down.

The interactive doll

The interactive doll offers much more than entertainment. This toy has more advanced features and offers a wider range of uses. While the basic models just make sounds, the more advanced ones are capable of talking, singing, laughing, crying and even getting angry. And again, the facial expressions of these toys change according to their moods. In short, these technologically advanced dolls behave like living beings.

Poupon or rag doll?

Poupon

As we mentioned earlier in this buying guide, the doll is made of durable materials like plastic, vinyl or silicone. Since it is intended for children, this toy is made of healthy or organic materials. Its interior is padded with soft foam or foam balls. Whether inanimate or interactive, the doll is a great companion for children.

Rag doll

As the name implies, a rag doll is made of 100% rag. Don't get me wrong, the products and materials used to make this toy are not harmful. Most rag dolls are made with wool, cotton and polyester. The entire doll is made with fabric, both the exterior and the padding.

Verdict

Both the doll and the rag doll serve the same purpose. Not only do these toys entertain children, but they also stimulate their curiosity. But if we have to choose only one product, our preference goes in the direction of the doll for the simple reason that it is more realistic. Remember that the doll is a perfect reproduction of a child of the first age. The child will have less difficulty identifying with a doll than with a rag doll.

5 good reasons to give a baby doll to children

The doll stimulates alertness

Taking care of a doll develops a child's emotional intelligence. This daily playmate allows him to understand that others also have emotions. Taking care of the toy helps develop his sensitivity and empathy, which will enhance his human qualities. For many health and early childhood specialists, a child's behavior towards others is inherent to the relationship he or she has with his or her dolls.

The doll enriches the child's vocabulary

Children learn a great deal just by observing the environment in which they live. Make sure they pick up on your actions and behaviours perfectly. When he plays with his baby, he is trying to communicate with him by washing, rocking, scolding, cuddling and feeding. In his effort, he will pronounce his first words, especially those he has learned from you.

The doll improves fine motor skills

The child will become attached to his doll. He will always try to have it close to him and will try to get it wherever he is. In this sense, the doll will allow the child to practice daily. To develop fine motor skills, there is no better solution than this toy. However, the toy must evolve with the child. Around the age of 3, other accessories should be introduced to enrich the puppy's play.

The doll allows him to express his emotions

Whether the doll is inanimate or interactive, it is a real support of projection for the child. This toy allows him to express his emotions at a stage where he does not know how to verbalize them yet. Observing a child playing with a doll will allow you to know a lot about his mood.

The doll shapes the child's imagination

When a child plays with his doll, hundreds of scenarios are played out in his mind, which is beneficial for him. It stimulates his imagination, but especially his ability to create scenes.

The best brands of dolls

In our opinion, the best brands of dolls in 2022 are :

Berenguer
Simba
VTech
Baby Born
Petit Collin

For over 60 years, Berenguer has offered a wide range of highly realistic dolls for children ages 10 months to 7 years. Whether interactive or classic, Berenguer dolls will provide your children with the fun they need.

In business for decades, Simba is dedicated to offering dolls that are both sturdy and safe for children. You will find in its rich collection, the doll that will accompany your child in his daily life.

Contrary to its competitors, VTech preferred to bet on dolls with a very fancy look in order to stimulate even more the imagination of children. Mostly interactive, VTech dolls sing, talk, cry and even produce light effects.

Baby Born is a pioneer in the children's toy industry. High-Tech, its dolls are able to drink, cry, sleep, go potty or pee in his diaper.

Petit Collin is a relatively unknown brand and yet it has been delighting children since 1860. The one which is considered as the last factory of dolls and dolls in the UK seduces by its creations in organic cotton.

What is the price for a doll

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 40 £
Mid-range
40 £ to 60 £
High-end
more than 60 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Read the instructions carefully

Be sure to read the manual that comes with the toy as soon as you open the package. This will not only familiarize you with the toy, but also with the materials it is made of. Since it is intended for a child, you should always make sure that it is made according to the required standards. This will save you some worry.

Inspect all the accessories

Puppies are often sold with cloth or plastic accessories. Before you allow your child to touch them, take a few minutes to inspect everything. Check for any removable objects that the child can swallow while playing. It should be completely safe for the child.

Get involved in the game

When you buy your child a doll, don't hesitate to show him or her the right moves to act like a real mom or dad. To do this, show your child how to change diapers, give a bottle, or make him sleep in his crib. This will make her want to play with her toy child even more.

Inspect all the functions

This goes double for interactive dolls. You need to look for what the doll can do. Does it talk? Does he sing? Is he crying? Does he poop? You need to master all the functions of the doll to see if anything is harmful to your child. Always be careful with toys.

Watch your child from the corner of your eye

When you give your child a toy, never leave it unattended. Watch it out of the corner of your eye. You don't want to be too intrusive in his daily life. If you really can't stop playing with him/her, take a few moments to do so, in the evening before bedtime for example.

FAQ

Should a boy be given a doll?

Early childhood experts agree that a baby doll will not make your boy more feminine. Indeed, the benefits offered by the doll are the same for boys and girls. This toy will entertain him, but it will also stimulate his motor skills, his imagination, his vocabulary, but also his emotions.

At what age can a child play with a doll?

You can offer a doll to your child as early as 3 months. Of course, the doll will only be a cradle companion for him at that age. It is from 10 months that he will be able to play with it. When he is 36 months old, he will finally repeat the scenes that he will have assimilated on his doll.

How to care for a doll?

The maintenance is of course up to the parents. The cleaning will depend on the nature of the doll. For an inanimate model, a machine wash is allowed. On the other hand, if the doll is interactive, it is better to clean it by hand with a wet cloth. This will preserve its mechanical system.

What are the differences between dolls and dolls?

A doll is a reproduction of a newborn or infant. This toy which is proposed in multiple declinations thus resembles a child of the first age, unlike the doll which is a reproduction of an adult person (a Barbie for example). The doll is intended for children from 10 months to 7 years.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. Playing with dolls - Learning and games, Naitreetgrandir.com
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  4. Discover five reasons to offer a doll to a child, Idealike.fr
  5. Tips for choosing dolls well, Paroledemamans.com
  6. The positive impact of dolls→ Buying guide, Bonhommedebois.com
  7. 3 advantages of the interactive doll for the child, Leclubdesmamans.fr
  8. Which doll should I choose for my child ? - Magicmaman.com, Magicmaman.com
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  10. essential for the child from 2 years old., Lesprosdelapetiteenfance.fr
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  12. Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Berenguer La Newborn 18053 7
Berenguer La Newborn 18053
Baby Born Deluxe Manteau 43 cm
Baby Born Deluxe Coat 43 cm
Cicciobello Bobo interactive doll 8
Cicciobello Bobo interactive doll
Simba New Born Baby 9
Simba New Born Baby

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