Mattel releases first Barbie doll with Down syndrome

It’s been one of the most requested additions from customers. Now, Mattel has released its first ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome.

Mattel Inc. releases Barbie doll with Down syndrome.

It’s the best-known doll brand in the world, and now in a world first, Mattel has released a Barbie who has Down syndrome.

The doll will be one of the company’s 2023 Barbie Fashionistas collection, part of Mattel’s bid in recent years to increase the diversity of its dolls.

The Fashionistas collection features Barbie and Ken dolls in a range of ethnicities, body and hair types, genders and physical abilities.

To create the doll with Down syndrome, the toy company worked alongside the US National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

The collaboration meant that key details such as the sculpting of the doll, which features a short frame and longer torso, were in line with what a person with Down syndrome looks like.

Other key features of the doll include the face, which has a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge.

The doll is being release as part of the 2023 global Barbie Fashionistas collection. Picture: Supplied

The face also includes eyes slightly slanted in an almond shape with white spots in the iris.

In terms of accessories, the doll wears a puffed sleeve dress in blue and yellow, which are the colours of Down syndrome awareness.

She also comes with a pink pendant necklace, which features three upward chevrons to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

And as some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, the doll also comes with these as an accessory.

Mattel head of design for Barbie Kim Culmone said that since taking on her role, one of the top requests from customers has been for a Down syndrome doll.

She said the development of the doll took more than a year and several rounds of feedback with the NDSS to make sure it was an accurate reflection.

Mattel has released a new Barbie doll who has Down syndrome.

NDSS CEO Kandi Pickard said: “It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This means so much for our community who, for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them.

“This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”

Mattel global head of Barbie and Dolls Lisa McKnight said: “Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world.

“We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”

The Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome will be available at Kmart, Target and Big W.

It can be purchased from April 26 with a price tag of $13.

Originally published as Mattel releases first Barbie doll with Down syndrome