Shop these dolls with Down syndrome, as new Barbie sells out
Impossibly cute and inclusive
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
Mattel made waves earlier this week with the reveal of Barbie Fashionistas Doll #208, the storied toymaker’s first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome.
While the doll won’t be sold at major retailers until sometime in the summer or fall of 2023, limited quantities were offered and quickly scooped up by enthusiasts and collectors.
For those who’d prefer not to wade through the swamp that is the secondhand market, it’s worth knowing that, while this show of Down syndrome support is a huge step for Barbie, other manufacturers sell a wide variety of dolls with disabilities that show kids and adults alike the true power of representation.
Here are other dolls with Down syndrome you can buy right now that encourage children to play with inclusivity in mind.
Miniland boy dolls with Down syndrome
Miniland is one of the main manufacturers of dolls with Down syndrome, so we’ll be up front and admit you’re going to see that name a lot on this list.
Its most popular product is this lifelike recreation of a multi-ethnic boy with Down syndrome. Just like Mattel’s new Barbie, this doll has a shorter frame, round face, and almond eyes that offer signifiers of the condition in a subtle, respectful way.
This doll has nearly 100 positive Amazon customer reviews, many of which are written by parents or loved ones of someone with Down syndrome. Some of these Miniland dolls don’t come with clothes beyond some basic white underpants, but the model is fully articulated and has a pleasant vanilla scent.
There are many variants of the boy doll, so use the list below if your desired racial identity or skin tone isn’t featured above.
- African American boy doll with Down syndrome for $29
- Hispanic boy doll with Down syndrome for $40
- Caucasian boy doll with Down syndrome for $40
- Asian boy doll with Down syndrome for $40
Miniland girl dolls with Down syndrome
For those who want a girl doll with Down syndrome, Miniland makes one of those as well.
The Miniland girl doll lineup has the same benefits as the above-listed boy versions. This includes appropriate facial features, articulated appendages, and a pleasant scent during playtime. The same drawbacks, like the lack of included outfits in non-retail-box models, apply here as well.
The highest-profile example is this Caucasian girl doll. She has nearly 40 customer reviews with a 4.9-star rating.
Just like the other Miniland dolls, customers appreciate these products for their quality. We’re also happy to see there are options available for those who want a girl doll with glasses as well.
Here are some other variations in case the Caucasian doll isn’t what you’re looking for.
- Hispanic girl doll with Down syndrome for $33
- Blond Caucasian girl doll with Down syndrome for $40
- Asian girl doll with Down syndrome for $40
- African American girl doll with Down syndrome for $40
- Caucasian girl doll with Down syndrome and glasses for $50
The company offers more than a dozen different varieties of dolls with Down syndrome, so be sure to check this retailer page for the full list of options.
Baby Noah from Paradise Galleries
Baby Noah sticks out his tongue when you squeeze his cheeks. He also comes with this cute outfit.
For those looking for a higher-end option, Paradise Galleries has two different choices for inclusive dolls with Down syndrome. First up is the adorable baby Noah.
Noah is a 21-inch doll crafted by artist Lauren Faith James. It’s made of SoftTouch vinyl, has a medium skin tone with brown eyes, and is completely BPA-free. Of course, Noah also features many hallmark traits of Down syndrome, such as cute almond eyes and creases on his hands.
Unlike the more budget-friendly Miniland dolls, this one comes with a detailed denim outfit. He’ll even stick his tongue out if you squeeze his cheeks! This is certainly a more premium choice mostly targeted at collectors, but it could certainly be used to make kids very happy.
Baby Emma from Paradise Galleries
This baby Emma doll from Paradise Galleries is a high-end product with incredible detail.
Also designed by Lauren Faith James, baby Emma features many of the same cosmetic benefits as Noah wrapped in a different, but equally adorable, package.
Emma comes with an orange gauze onesie and hair clips. Once again, there’s great attention to detail in the eye shape, palm creases, ear folds, and flatter facial features. If you want a doll with a darker skin tone, this one’s among the very best.
Ashton-Drake Galleries Downright Purr-fect Down Syndrome Awareness doll
This adorable doll from Ashton-Drake Galleries is perfect just the way she is.
This Ashton-Drake doll doesn’t come with a bespoke name attached, but she’s easily the most premium member of this list.
The doll is made of RealTouch vinyl, which is designed to feel perfectly lifelike in your arms. And with that added realism, how could you not smile at that adorable grin and truly “purrfect” shirt? In addition to the pictured outfit, this doll also comes with a custom-designed blanket made for snuggling.
You’ll certainly pay a pretty penny to add this doll to your collection, but, the good news is that a portion of the proceeds are said to go towards supporting Down syndrome charities.
Lottie Rosie Boo Doll
The Lottie Rosie doll is subtle with its Down syndrome representation, making it a great alternative for those who can't find the new Barbie.
This last doll on our list is perhaps the most analogous to the aforementioned Barbie, as this Rosie Boo doll is a smaller, 7.5-inch articulated figurine. Her trademark feature is her odd socks, exemplifying a trend that has come to symbolize World Down Syndrome Day, which happens every year on March 21. She also has brown boots that offer her extra support as she walks.
Beyond her condition, Rosie Boo is a huge animal lover who loves causing mischief. Adding these qualities to Rosie’s character serves as a reminder that her full identity is only slightly tied to her 21st chromosome.
In contrast to every other doll on this list, this one isn’t a baby and is instead meant to cater to children around 7 years old.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.