That’s why the brand’s newest doll, called My First Barbie, is made specifically for preschool-aged children ages 3 and up. The new line of dolls and accessories have the same look and feel of other Barbie dolls, but are updated with larger accessories, easy-to-dress Velcro fashions and a larger, softer doll body made for smaller hands. The dolls are available in four skin tones. My First Barbie is 13.5 inches tall, 2 inches taller than traditional Babs, with a larger waist that de-emphasizes the bust line (it remains in place, however), and flesh-tone modesty undergarments permanently attached. Her fashion is more kid-like, with playful heart, star and flower designs on jammies and flouncy preschool-friendly dresses and swim gear. Her accessories are larger for littler hands, and her hair is extra long for easier brushing. We talk to parents and kids almost 365 days a year," she said. "We started hearing a theme around younger kids wanting to play with Barbie. Parents were concerned that their children at the preschool age didn't have the fine motor skills to have a positive play experience with our traditional fashion doll." Mattel recognises that young children need toys that are easy to handle and safe for them. That’s why My First Barbie is made with non-toxic materials that have been tested and approved for children aged three years and above. This means that parents can rest assured that their child is safe while they play with My First Barbie. But My First Barbie is not only safe for children to play with, but it also offers many unique benefits.

Little kids can dress their My First Barbie™ doll (not included) for a fun day in the sun! (Clothing compatible with My First Barbie™ 13.5-inch dolls.) My First Barbie's limbs are moveable, like some past versions of the doll, and her facial features remain recognizable. A huge milestone: Her fingers and thumbs are connected, eliminating a frequent complaint that Barbie's hands get caught in her clothes when children try to put them on. Parents also indicated that they are likely to choose a toy for their daughter based on a favorite character, and this ‘favorite’ status is often driven by content exposure. This finding led to the creation of My First Barbie YouTube content, the first Barbie animated special designed for preschoolers. Inviting younger kids to ‘meet’ Barbie and be introduced to her inspiring world. My First Barbie’s colourful outfit also provides visual stimulation and encourages children to explore different colours and patterns. My First Barbie’s smaller size is perfect for little hands and makes it easy for children to carry her around wherever they go.A pink ruffle swimsuit is included, as well as large-scale accessories like a sunhat, tropical drink and pair of sandals.

The animated special follows Barbie and her friends as they prepare for a surprise party. Storylines highlight preschool themes of friendship and family, with simplified plots, original music and life lessons. The four main dolls featured in the special are Barbie “Malibu” Roberts, Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts, Teresa and Renee. For starters, My First Barbie promotes imaginative play and creativity. Children can create their own storylines and scenarios, and the doll’s versatile hair allows them to try out different hairstyles. This helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

The doll that boasts an array of unique features which make it perfect for little hands. My First Barbie doll is larger than a standard Barbie doll, standing at 34,29 CM compared to the standard 29,21 CM. From its soft and huggable body to its large, easy-to-style hair, My First Barbie is built for the perfect playtime experience. While this is the first Barbie designed specifically for preschool-aged children, all Barbie dolls are approved for ages 3 and up, so you can gift one to a preschool-aged child. Closures on the clothing are simple, facilitating easy dress-up play for smaller hands -- which can also help build dexterity! Preschool-aged kids want to brush hair, change outfits, and tell stories but may require help from an adult with the traditional Barbie scale.