Mattel Releases the First Barbie Doll With Down Syndrome

Hey Barbie!

The first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome has officially launched “to allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie,” according to Mattel!

“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,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie & dolls at Mattel, said in a press release.
Lisa McKnight

In previous years, the Barbie brand has been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and in recent years, the toy company Mattel has worked towards creating more diverse dolls.

Since then, the company has introduced Barbie and Ken dolls in wheelchairs, vitiligo, hearing aids, and prosthetic limbs!

“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves. 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,” McKnight said.
Lisa McKnight

During the process of creating the new doll, Barbie worked with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), to accurately represent an individual with Down syndrome.

The features include a shorter frame, a longer torso, a round face with smaller ears, and almond-shaped, slanted eyes according to the NDSS.

Not to mention the Barbie doll is also dressed in a yellow and blue patterned dress with butterflies which are symbols associated with Down syndrome awareness, according to the NDSS.

And if you look closely at the necklace, you’ll notice the three upward chevrons which represent “the three copies of the 21^st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome,” according to the organization.

“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, said Kandi Pickard, NDSS President and CEO.”
Kandi Pickard

British model Ellie Goldstein, a young lady with Down syndrome even went on Instagram to share just how important this Barbie doll is to her!

“When I saw the doll I felt so emotional, and proud. It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with the doll and learn that everyone is different. I am proud that Barbie chose me to show the dolls to the world,” she wrote on Instagram. “Diversity is important as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away, Barbie will help make this happen.”
Ellie Goldstein