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For a baby, their soft toys or dolls are their constant companions and friends. They talk with their dolls, give them names, and carry them around wherever they go. The best baby doll for a one-year-old would be one that is cute, easy to carry, and made of non-toxic materials. Dolls are an excellent choice of toys for children. Talking to their toys can keep them engaged and happy in their world of make-believe. After all, childhood is a time to be lost in dreams and fantasies. Dolls are available in varying styles and looks, and names like Barbie are synonymous with baby dolls. If you plan to give your child a doll, make sure you give them one that they adore. To help you find the best doll options, I consulted Tom Green, an experienced early years educator, for some suggestions and tips. Check out some best-selling baby dolls you can choose from for your one-year-old.
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17 Best Baby Dolls For 1-Year-Olds
1. Best Diverse: JC Toys Caucasian Soft Body Baby Doll
The 11-inch soft baby doll has a well-defined head, arms, and legs made of vinyl and is ideal for one-year-olds and above. Dressed in a pink and white floral onesie with a matching cap, this realistic-looking doll can make a fun playtime companion for your little one. This adorable baby doll comes with a little blanket and pacifier, adding to the immersive experience. The washable body and dress make it easy to keep the doll germ-free. Available in other styles, including African-American and Hispanic, this parent-recommended doll celebrates diversity and helps enhance the little one’s emotional growth.
Pros
- Unscented
- Functional eyelids
- Child-friendly button- and zipper-free design
- Approved by the NPC
- Encourages imaginative and interactive play
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Hat may have a loose fitting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 15,545 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
2. Best With Crib: Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut
This sweet baby boy doll comes christened with an endearing name- Peanut, to help your child connect with it more swiftly. It measures 11 inches and comes in a multipurpose box that can be used as a crib, encouraging creativity during playtime. Featuring bright blue eyes, light blonde hair, functional arms, and a fresh baby powder scent, the doll provides a pleasant sensory experience. Peanut can suck his thumb and includes a toy baby milk bottle for enhancing role-play and nurturing activities during the early stages of development. Moreover, this classic baby doll makes the ideal cuddling companion for one-year-olds and above.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-toxic and BPA-free
- Flexible limbs
- Portable
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Colors might vary
- Paint on the bottle may not be chip-resistant
3. Best Detailed: The New York Doll Collection Soft Body Baby Doll – Caucasian
The 11-inch soft baby doll for one-year-olds has a detailed vinyl head, arms, and legs and comes dressed in a soft pink striped onesie with a matching cap. This hand-washable doll is convenient to wipe down with a damp cloth, and the outfit can just go into your next washing load. A cute doll like this one helps children to develop their self-help and cognitive skills. Skills like problem solving, self-care activities like grooming, brushing hair, brushing teeth, and washing hands are easier for toddlers to practice on something else before they can apply it to themselves. This beautiful doll has attractive packaging and makes a good gift item. It is available in three other styles—African American baby doll, Asian baby doll, and Hispanic baby doll.
Pros
- Ideal size for toddlers to hold and cuddle
- Easy to play
- Encourages interaction
- Skin-safe material
- Includes a pink pacifier
Cons
- Pacifier may be slightly hard to put in
- Some may find the hat falling often
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 11,779 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Point to consider4. Best Cuddly: Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pods Hunny Bunny
This ultra-soft all-fabric baby doll from the award-winning brand Manhattan Toy comes wrapped in a cushiony bunny-shaped sleeping pod, making it a cozy and cuddly sleep companion for the little one. It can also be used as a prop during playtime. Made of lightweight and velvety soft materials and featuring a soothing countenance and placid expression, this eight-inch plush doll makes for a calming companion during car rides. In addition, the pod is satin-lined to provide an enhanced sensory experience to the little one. Moreover, the gender-neutral design and colors make it an ideal gift for birthday and baby showers. Check out the tester’s experience in this review video to know more about the doll.
Pros
- Detachable pod
- Embroidered facial features
- Encourages nurturing play
- Child-safe button- and zipper-free design
- Meets EN71 and CPSIA safety standards
Cons
- Seams may not be durable
- May not be machine-washable
5. Best Realistic-Looking: JC Toys – La Baby Purple
The 16-inch vinyl baby doll with a soft, huggable body looks very realistic and is one of the perfect dolls for your baby to cuddle and sleep. This soft baby doll for one-year-olds is easy for your toddler to hold, carry, and cuddle. This doll is exquisitely detailed with a soft vinyl head, arms and legs, bright, sparkling eyes, dainty fingers and toes, and finely sculpted hair. It comes dressed in a cute, removable purple onesie and matching hat with velcro fasteners. It encourages your baby to indulge in creative play and develops nurturing skills. JC Toys follows all safety norms, and the pacifier is attached to the outfit, there are no buttons or zippers on the clothing, and no eyelashes or open-close eyelids. Watch this video of the product for more information.
Also Recommended By: Dietitian Meets Mom has also listed JC Toys – La Baby Purple in their top 10.[1]8 Best Baby Dolls for 1-Year-Old. Dietitian Meets Mom https://dietitianmeetsmom.com/best-baby-dolls-1-year-old/
Pros
- Lightweight doll
- Washable and easy to maintain
- No loose parts
- Fragrance-free material
- BPA and phthalate-free
Cons
- Bottle may seem flimsy
- Some may find the doll smaller than expected
"The best part about this doll is the option to choose between various skin, hair, and eye colors. Besides, the doll is cuddly and has a lifelike weight. Plus, it provides hours of nurturing play and keeps my children occupied."
6. Best Embroidered: Playtime By Eimmie Baby Doll – Kaylie
The soft African American ragdoll is an ideal baby doll for one-year-olds as they can cuddle, sleep, or play with it. This 14-inch rag doll has an embroidered nose, mouth, and eyes. The yellow and pink doll clothing is removable, allowing its outfits to be changed. Playing and caring for this doll helps develop social skills and responsibility, and helps develop healthy emotions like empathy and compassion. It also strengthens vocabulary and language skills as kids make conversations with the doll. This beautifully made girl doll is created considering all safety norms, making it ideal for all ages. The baby doll’s accessories are made to encourage imaginative play and cognitive development and keep playtime both fun and interactive.
Pros
- Made of soft velvety plush material
- Suitable for ages three and above
- Highly detailed clothing
- Easy to carry along
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Hair may fall out with time
- Some may find the headband difficult to hold
"This doll is soft and durable, and it has helped significantly with my kid's naps. I like how well-made it is. It also keeps her engaged for hours. Overall, it has been a good buy."
7. Best Cheerful: JC Toys ‘Lots To Cuddle Babies’ Pink Soft Body Baby Doll
The pink Caucasian baby doll and accessories designed by JC Toys are made using safety-tested vinyl and are non-scented, BPA-free, and soft and smooth to the touch. Ideal for children aged two and above, this classic baby doll has a large body and a well-designed head, arms, and legs. It includes removable doll
Pros
- Durable
- Soft and comfortable to hold
- Easy to change clothes
- Washable clothes
Cons
- Color might differ
- Might seem slightly big for younger children
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 3,369 good reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Personalized: Dibsies Personalized My First Dolly
If you’re looking for a doll with a dress on which you can get your little one’s name embroidered, consider the Personalized My First Dolly by Dibsies. The doll is 13 inches long and available in two hair color variants—brunette and blonde. It comes with an attached hat, eliminating the hassle of dropping and dirtying the accessory. Its slender build makes it lightweight and travel-friendly, allowing your child to carry it during family outings and trips. Moreover, the beautiful, plush doll makes for a snuggly and comforting sleeping companion.
Pros
- Soft-to-touch fabric
- Embroidered features
- Child-safe button-free design
- Meets US safety standards
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Dress may not be removable
- May not be able to sit up on its own
"My daughter was thrilled to receive this doll as a birthday present. Its color looks very vibrant, and the craftsmanship is also praiseworthy. The personalized name on the dress adds a special touch, turning the doll into a memorable keepsake."
9. Best Safe: Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella – Beige
The 12-inch fabric baby doll for one-year-olds and above features a soft tuft of fleece hair, a diaper, a pink floral dress, and a pink hair ribbon, with a fabric hook and loop for fastening the dress so that your toddler can easily change its clothes by themselves. With her wide happy smile and open arms, this cloth baby doll can be dearly cuddled, snuggled, and held tightly. This doll is innovatively designed to inspire imaginative play and inspires toddlers to role-play, care, and nurture. All the toys from this brand are rigorously tested for safety, so your munchkin is always safe. This is a good option among the best dolls for one-year-olds, as it is packed in giftable packaging, along with the accessories, it is a perfect gift. This plush doll comes in a variety of fabric skin tones and hairstyles, with dolls for both girls and boys.
Also Recommended By: The experts at Journey Of Parenthood also think highly of Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella – Beige.[1]THE BEST BABY DOLL FOR A 1 YEAR OLD (AND BABY DOLL STORAGE IDEAS!). Journey Of Parenthood https://www.journeyofparenthood.com/best-baby-doll-1-year-old/
Pros
- Embroidered facial features
- Plump tummy
- No loose parts
- Magnetic pacifier
Cons
- Some may find the size small
- Doll might get distorted due to the magnet system
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 8,038 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
10. Best Huggable: June Garden Sweet Dolly Florida
Stuffed with ample soft filling, the Sweet Dolly Florida is ultra-soft and huggable. Dressed in a bright pink hooded one-piece, the cuddly doll looks cheerful and gives a cute and cool contemporary feel. It has embroidered facial features, including vibrant blue eye color and an endearing smile to soothe and comfort your little one. Sporting a seating pose, the doll can be easily placed on the bed or the nursery shelf when not being played with. The slightly raised arms make it easy for the little one to carry the doll. It measures 11 inches in height, is named Frida, and is one of the perfect dolls for newborns as well as older babies.
Pros
- Removable clothes
- Velvety soft fleece fabric
- Allows diverse role-play scenarios
- Meets EN71 and CPSIA safety standards
- Available in a variety of skin tones
Cons
- May not be dryer-friendly
- Hair color may be slightly different from the images
"My toddlers are taken by this doll’s inviting facial features and can spend hours changing its clothes and hairstyle. Even after months of use and frequent washes, the doll looks as good as new and continues to delight my kids."
11. Best Soft: Madame Alexander – My First Baby Doll
One of the best first baby dolls for one-year-olds, it has an extremely soft fabric body and a soft vinyl head and hands that are perfect for little hands to hold. This 12-inch weighted baby doll also has painted eyes and hair. Dressed in a very soft, snuggly pink sleeper with a hood, this baby doll has extremely cute features. You can even give it to a newborn as it’s quite soft and cuddly. Playing with this realistic doll helps toddlers learn empathy, collaboration, and relationship skills, as it’s designed to encourage creativity, imagination, and nurturing skills.
Pros
- Baby-safe material
- Attention to detail
- Washable and easy to maintain
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Material might get dirty easily
- May seem flimsy to some
"I would have liked the doll to be a bit bigger, but my son still loves playing with it. It was his first doll, and even though it's been months, it continues to be his favorite. All in all, its charming design and machine-washable fabric have made it a cherished yet practical find."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 1,632 reviews on Amazon.
Quick tip12. Best Snuggly: Haba My First Snug Up Dolls – Luis
The eight-inch sweet and snuggly Luis makes one of the best first baby dolls for one-year-olds. He comes wearing light blue fleece pajamas, a bandana, and a matching cap is sewn on. There’s also a little tag on the top of the sewn-on cap that babies love to play with and chew on. This cuddly doll has a very soft filling, which makes it ideal to snuggle with, and he can also be made to sit up. Luis has cute features with a printed face with a sprinkle of freckles, rosy cheeks, wide brown eyes, and a sweet cupid bow smile. Playing with dolls from a young age is very important for both boys and girls as it helps develop emotional skills and can also be used to teach about social norms. This is one of the best dolls for one-year-olds as it is safe for newborn babies as well, and makes a perfect baby shower gift. It compliments Luisa, which is a pink snug-up doll that is sold separately.
Pros
- Ideal size for little hands to hold
- No loose parts or pieces
- Encourages pretend play
- US and European safety-certified
- Printed details for safety
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Details might fade with time
- Costume may not be removable
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 1,526 positive reviews on Amazon.
13. Best Durable:Playtime By Eimmie- Allie
The 18-inch girl doll comes with fun accessories such as a padded backpack to carry the doll or store its accessories, furry slippers, a sleep mask, pajamas, and clothing made of high-quality materials. This realistic doll with thick brown hair allows your little one to play with it for hours. The doll’s soft body, freckles, dimples, and movable limbs make it interactive and attractive.
Pros
- Appropriate size
- Life-like features
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to carry
- Encourages pretend play
Cons
- Some parts may seem loose
- Might seem stiff
"Watching my daughter dress, feed, and put this doll to bed is enjoyable. The doll had a chemical smell when new, but a quick wipe solved that issue. Moreover, the carrying case makes it easy to keep the accessories contained and carry the doll when traveling."
14. Best Environmentally Safe:Gloveleya Spring Girl Collection Baby Doll – Pink
The 16-inch, plush, and soft baby doll comes in a cute pink color and is very soft. The cuddly doll comes wearing a pink floral dress, a pink hair bow, and a flower. Made of high quality materials, like super soft polyester fibers, it guarantees extra durability. Its environmentally safe, soft plush fabric has a squishy material filler. It’s free of toxins and has passed CPSIA and CCPSA standards for safety. This lightweight girl doll is just right for your baby to hold, carry, and hug. It makes a wonderful gift as well and teaches cooperation, sharing, and taking turns.
Pros
- Embroidered face details
- No loose parts
- Encourages pretend play
- Develops compassion
- Machine-washable
- Available in different cool colors
Cons
- Some may find it smaller than expected
- Costume is not removable
15. Best Quality: Gund Baby Toddler Doll
The plush blonde toddler doll adorns a blue floral dress and is an eight-inch fabric doll with a twisted pink headband and blue matching shoes and ribbon. It is suitable for children of all ages and is huggable and soft. This girl doll is machine-washable and features ultra-soft plush and is a great option among the best first baby dolls for one-year-olds.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials
- Stays intact to prevent choking hazards
- Sturdy
- Easy to carry
- Easy to snuggle
Cons
- Might seem too small for some toddlers
- Fabric might get dirty easily
"I got this doll as a gift for my granddaughter, and its soft build and pleasant features instantly captivated her. It is the perfect size for cuddling, and the yarn-made hair adds an adorable nostalgic touch."
Quick tip16. Best Machine-Washable: Genius Baby Toys Classic So-Soft Baby Doll
The baby doll for one-year-olds is classic in a true sense of the word and has not compromised on its quality in all these years. It is long-lasting and durable and can even be kept for the next baby. It has an ultra-soft body and peek-a-boo satin belly, which makes it all the more huggable. It’s easy to clean as it’s machine washable, so your toddler can play with it all day long without worrying about its cleanliness. This 11-inch doll made with high-quality materials is an ideal size for your baby to hold, carry and snuggle up to, and in fact, can even be given to a newborn baby.
Pros
- No loose parts
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Develops compassion
- Encourages roleplay
Cons
- Some may find it smaller than expected
- May be underfilled in the arms and legs
17. Best Molded: Baby’s First Bathtime Baby Softina
The 11-inch molded doll comes wrapped in a bath blanket and with a mini diaper, making it the ideal playtime prop for creating imaginative and fun bathtime scenarios. Its soft molded body gives a feel similar to human skin, adding to the realistic play experience for little ones. Apart from being used for role-play scenarios, the doll’s child-safe features make it suitable for cuddling during naps. It can serve as an ideal companion for babies one-year-old and above. Moreover, the doll is a contemporary replica of the iconic Goldberger Softina doll, making it one of the must-have toys for your baby’s nursery.
Pros
- Lifelike features
- Waterproof exterior
- Squishy soft body
- One-piece design
Cons
- Can only be surface-washed
- Water may seep into the head if not attached properly
"Incorporating this doll into my little one’s bathtime routine has eased his bath-related fears. While I would have liked a towel attachment to be more durable, the molded design of the doll is excellent for keeping it mold-free."
How To Choose The Right Baby Doll For A 1-Year-Old?
Here are a few tips to help you pick the right doll for the apple of your eye.
- Safety: The best first baby doll for one-year-olds should always be made of soft fabrics and unscented and safe vinyl. Also ensure that there are no choking hazards like buttons, hooks, or other small parts that can come off loose, as a baby is going to put everything into its mouth. Before choosing the right doll, always ask yourself if it would be risky to leave your child alone with it. Also, check the packaging to see if it says that there are removable parts that might be a choking hazard.
- Material: Babies love soft dolls that they can snuggle with and touch. BPA-free plastic is suitable if you are looking for a more interactive doll. It’s also wise to look to get a doll that’s easy to clean, as it is bound to get soiled. The material used and how they were made are of vital importance. Materials should comply with the quality and safety standards. Low-quality dolls may use materials that are dangerous, and babies usually put everything in their mouths. So, do read the manufacturing details printed on the box carefully and choose dolls made with high-quality materials.
- Size: The average-sized baby doll is usually between 14-18 inches, though some do come in smaller sizes. Toddlers and younger children find it easier to carry around dolls in this size range.
Suitability for your child: No 1-year-old is the same and your child might be more mature than others. You need to use your discretion as to what kind of doll your toddler can play with after checking all the features and safety requirements. Your child’s capacity and abilities should be the deciding factor. - Suitability for your child: No 1-year-old is the same and your child might be more mature than others. You need to use your discretion as to what kind of doll your toddler can play with after checking all the features and safety requirements. Your child’s capacity and abilities should be the deciding factor when choosing the best doll for one-year-olds.
- Look and feel: This entails the looks and usability of the doll— some babies are scared of how some dolls look. How your baby reacts to dolls can be unpredictable. You should test this first as you don’t want to upset your baby and waste money on something that your child does not like. You also need to check how your baby can use it. Some poseable baby dolls have movable body parts that enhance children’s pretend play sessions. Some might be electronic, battery-operated, or realistic such as having feeding bottles or clothes to wear. You need to make sure that you choose what’s best for your baby.
- Interactivity: Some dolls are interactive and like and are capable of crying, feeding, and changing diapers, and may even be talking baby dolls. Others are more basic and do not require batteries and leave much to the creativity and imagination of your child. What you buy will depend on the purpose for which it’s intended.
- Accessories: The right accessories like clothing, strollers, or themed playsets, can help your child use their imagination when playing with their doll. This helps them to emulate behavior that they see around them and develop social, caring and nurturing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a one-year-old play with a baby doll?
Once your baby has crossed 12 months, they will be able to grasp things between their thumb and pointer finger and start playing with you (1). Thus, you can introduce a doll to them to help improve their motor skills and hand-eye coordination and encourage pretend play.
2. Why should toddlers play with dolls?
Playing with dolls helps children develop communication, creative thinking, fine motor, and self-soothing skills. It also encourages pretend play and makes them more empathic and caring toward others. It can also improve their language and vocabulary.
3. At what age should my child stop playing with dolls?
No set of guidelines says your child should stop playing with a doll at a certain age. Usually, children stop playing with dolls by nine or ten years (2). They may also abandon their collection as they reach the pre-teen age.
4. Should I get my son a baby doll?
Yes, you can if your boy wishes to play with it. Whether it is a girl or a boy, playing with a doll can promote empathy. It can also prepare them to welcome new siblings and be more caring.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is an expert in the field of baby, pregnancy, and nursing products. She has written numerous in-depth reviews on this subject. Therefore, her articles are trusted to be authentic and informative. Here, she has made a list of the best baby dolls for a one-year-old, keeping in mind their safety, size, suitability, and other important factors. Her comprehensive description of each doll will help parents choose the best doll for one-year-olds.
The Bottom Line
Dolls are more than just toys to play with for one-year-olds. They are your little one’s companions in their make-believe world. The best dolls for one-year-olds help improve your baby’s speech, imagination, and fine motor skills. When selecting the best doll for your little one, ensure it is cute and adorned in bright clothing with well-detailed features, such as the JC Toys Caucasian Soft Body Baby Doll. It should be lightweight and compact for your child to hold, cuddle, and play with at any time and place, similar to the Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut. You can also consider dolls such as The New York Doll Collection’s Baby Doll, which represent diverse races, instilling the concept of inclusivity from childhood. And as safety is paramount when choosing a toy for your little one, ensure the doll is made of safe materials free of BPA, phthalate, and odor. Besides, it should not contain small parts that may pose a choking hazard.
Infographic: What Are The Social And Emotional Learning Benefits Of Dolls?
Dolls have long been a staple in the toy boxes of children around the world. While they are often associated with imaginative play and role-playing, dolls can also offer children numerous social and emotional benefits. Check out the infographic below to learn about these benefits. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Important Milestones: Your Child By One Year
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-1yr.html - What Age Should Kids Stop Playing With Toys?
https://www.southernearlychildhood.org/what-age-should-kids-stop-playing-with-toys/
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