It’s a Doll’s Life

Six-year-old Rosie from Wiltshire lives with Downs Syndrome and like many children her age, she loves to play with dolls.  Her newest one is extra special though.  The Rosie Boo doll, made by toy company Lottie Dolls, has been named after and modelled to look just like her.  Lottie Dolls aim to educate and empower children and it’s hoped that Rosie Boo will go some way to bringing more diversity to the world of children’s toys.

Inspired by Inclusivity

Lottie Dolls has been producing toys with a difference for girls and boys since 2012.  The idea for the business came after CEO Ian Harkin struggled to buy children’s toys in a shop.  Ian noticed that most of the dolls for sale seemed adult-like in appearance, with unrealistic body proportions.  Doing further research, he noticed a gap in the market for toys that celebrate childhood and inspire healthy body images and positive role models.  Lottie Dolls, along with their male versions named Fynn, were developed with that in mind and each doll has been given the proportions of a nine-year-old child so they’re age appropriate.

A Living Doll

Rosie has been a big fan of the dolls for many years now, amassing an impressive collection as well as a model treehouse for them.  Because Rosie loved the toy treehouse so much, her dad Jason set about building her a life-sized version in the family’s garden.  Soon after, Jason’s carpentry caught the eye of Lottie Dolls CEO Ian who thought Rosie would be the ideal inspiration for a new doll.  The Rosie Boo doll is a welcome addition to a range that includes a doll with a cochlear implant and an astronaut doll with autism.

Rosie Boo Doll

To develop her extra special toy, Ian and his team of designers worked closely with Rosie’s family to make sure it was as true to life and informative as possible.  The finished ‘mini Rosie’ wears a dress with a rabbit on it, reflecting her love of animals and her hair is styled exactly as Rosie’s is.  To represent her disability, she wears odd socks, a symbol of World Downs Syndrome Day, and supportive shoes to help her walk.  She also has the distinctive almond shaped eyes and button nose shared by others with the condition.  To educate children, the Rosie Boo doll comes complete with a booklet to give more information on Downs Syndrome.

On the importance of having dolls like Rosie Boo available for children, Ian concluded: “It’s extremely important kids play with a diverse toy box.  Working with child psychologists, we have learnt how playing with toys with differences helps develop empathy in kids and it’s incredibly powerful for kids to be able to see a doll in their likeness.”