Before You Buy Baby Dolls

This is a question that concerns collectors. All baby dolls are not created equal when it comes to edition size. If you don't want to see your baby coming and going, you should find out if the doll is limited, and if limited, the edition size. Many popular baby dolls today, including those in the Lee Middleton Artist's Series, are extremely limited--often under 1,000 pieces. These dolls tend to sell out fast. Other dolls many have no limit, and appear in a company's catalog for many years.

If you are buying the doll for a child or an elderly person, the weight of the doll matters! Small children, 5 and under, and elderly people sometimes cannot comfortably carry some of the larger, weighted baby dolls. They would be happier with a smaller baby doll, perhaps a Huggums from Madame Alexander, or,a Treasured Child made by Lee Middleton (medium weight). For the very youngest customer, consider "My First Baby" by Gund. Small and light, these dolls are one of the few that are baby-safe.

For very young children, an Artist Series Lee Middleton Doll or an Adora Baby may not be sturdy enough--the dolls have soft bodies with vinyl arms and legs, and with vigorous play, limbs can detach. Look for a baby made for play, such as the Treasured Children by Lee Middleton (they have an interior armature that lets them hold poses) or washable, durable babies by other manufacturers. Remember, though, that older children often are careful enough for a "collector" baby.

Your baby doll may be purchased in a sleeper, a christening outfit, or a dress. There may come a time that you want to change the look of your doll, or play with her. If so, see what extra outfits are available for your doll. Some dolls, such as the Madame Alexander babies, have limited outfits available. Others, like Lee Middleton and Adora, have many extra outfits. Even if your doll doesn't have a line of extra outfits, it is possible to sew for the doll, or find preemie clothing that fits.

Some collectors prefer sparse wigs, just like a baby would have, with wispy, realistic hair. Other collectors and usually children prefer hair that is thicker--that can be combed and played with. Be sure to check out the wig before making your purchase. If the doll is wearing a cap or bonnet, make sure to take it off and see the full wig.

Larger dolls allow you to find real baby clothing to dress your doll. Smaller dolls are more portable (and you can fit more of them in your collection!) Also, if you are going to buy several baby dolls for a display, do you want them all to be the same height and scale, or do you prefer a mix of heights and scales? All this should be considered before the purchase of your first baby doll.

Prices on baby dolls vary greatly. A very inexpensive, decal-eyed vinyl baby can be found at Toys R Us for $19.99. Most high-quality baby dolls run from $49.99 (some Madame Alexander Huggums) to $69.99 (Treasured Children and Adora Babies) to between $100-$150 and more for others (Lee Middleton, Limited Adora Babies, Larger Madame Alexander Babies, Susan Wakeen). There is a great deal of difference in the quality from a $19.99 Toys R Us baby doll and a collector baby doll.

If you are an artist or budding artist, you may be concerned with whether or not your doll can be "reborn," (customized with new skin tone, new face paint, re-rooted or re-wigged hair, etc). Dolls that are popular for being reborn include Berengeur baby dolls and Emily from Ashton Drake.