Best Baby Dolls
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There’s nothing quite like a first doll (and the many others that’ll inevitably join the crew). Playing with dolls inspires open-ended pretend play, which is critical to a child’s development. Pretending with dolls helps develop your tot’s creativity, fine motor skills and nurturing instincts. It even teaches (a little) responsibility. From changing diapers to reading bedtime stories, watching pretend play in action is a window into everything little ones are learning from you—but don’t feel bad if Baby Stella gets tossed aside when your toddler is solely focused on getting to the cup of Goldfish crackers.
We’ve gathered some parent favorites to help you find your little one’s next cuddly companion:
Charming & Realistic
With an adorably realistic face and soft, huggable body, this baby doll is perfect for your toddler who’s just starting to play pretend. And it’s available in multiple ethnicities, so your little one can get an early start in celebrating diversity.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 12 months+ |
| Dimensions | 11” tall |
The Classic
If you want to inspire a future doll collector, get your kiddo started with Madame Alexander. Small, light and super snuggly, this classic from the beloved doll maker makes a perfect first baby doll. The body is completely plush, with a face and hands made of smooth vinyl. Keep in mind: unlike most dolls, you can’t change her clothes or remove her hood.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
| Dimensions | 8” tall |
The Bedtime Companion
Baby Stella is delightfully huggable—her soft body is like a stuffed animal (no hard plastic anywhere), and when your little one gives her a hug, she releases a soothing lavender scent. Stella comes with essentials like a bottle, cozy lamb, pacifier and diaper, and available separately are tons of adorable clothing and accessories.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 12 months+ |
| Dimensions | 15” tall |
The Snuggable Friend
At eight inches tall, this sweet doll makes a great snuggling companion for babies. He’s also a good size for toddlers to carry with them around the house, to the store or to grandma’s, and his pajamas, bandana and cap are all sewn on, so they won’t get lost. And best news of all: he’s completely machine washable.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
| Dimensions | 7.9” tall |
Bathtime Buddy
Parents and children alike love Corolle dolls for their charming, reassuring faces, and now your kiddo can spend more time with their favorite playtime pal by taking them in the bath! This doll is made with slightly different stuffing, so it’s water-safe and quick to dry—just hang it by the loop on its back and let it air-dry. And even after it gets wet, it won’t lose its Corolle-signature vanilla scent.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months+ |
| Dimensions | 13.4” tall |
Soft & Sweet
This lamby friend is perfect if you’re looking for a baby doll that’s more doll-like than baby-like. The thirteen-inch height and soft-all-over body make them perfect for sweet snuggles no matter how big (or small) your little one is. And since the maker donates 10 meals for every doll sold, it’ll have you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, too.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0+ |
| Dimensions | 13” tall |
A Nostalgic Favorite
Do you remember getting your first Cabbage Patch Kid? For decades, little ones have loved learning the backstory of the babies delivered at BabyLand General Hospital and adopted by families. Each Cabbage Patch Kid comes with adoption papers, a unique name and birthday. However, you can change the name and birthday by creating a custom birth certificate. The collection is huge—there are tons of sizes, styles (like the Cuties Collection animals) and features.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
| Dimensions | 11” tall |
Plenty of Accessories
Complete with eight extra accessories including an extra outfit, shoes, bottle, rattle and feeding utensils, this is a great choice if you don’t want to buy accessories separately. This doll is a little on the bigger side at 15 inches, but the soft body and smooth vinyl face and hands means he’s still cuddly. (Bonus for naptime inspiration: he closes his eyes when you lay him down, so maybe your little one will too!)
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
| Dimensions | 15” tall |
Twins!
Double the playtime fun! Your toddler doesn’t have to have a twin to enjoy this lovable duo. Their mouths fit the included pacifiers (or their thumbs), and their eyes open and close. The two dolls come together in a package, so it’s a pretty good bargain (especially coming from a well-loved, parent-trusted company like Melissa & Doug).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months+ |
| Dimensions | 15” tall |
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