Best doll for 2 1/2 yr old boy? New baby on the way!

spookylukey

My nephew is due a baby brother or sister in a few months time, I'd like to get him a doll for when the baby is born a) to give him a little pressie so he doesn't feel left out and b) so that he can feel included when Mum is busy with the new baby he can do the same activities ie feeding/cuddling etc his 'baby'.

There's so many different types of doll available nowadays so was hoping for some recommendations please. I'm guessing it shouldn't be anything too advanced ie the ones that cry or are teething... or would that be good as it's more realistic for him?

Also would it be best to get a boy doll (just the clothes, I know they don't really have a gender!) so he can identify with it or maybe the same as whatever the baby is? He'll be 2 1/2 when the baby is born.

Thanks in advance for any input

ellay864

While I applaud your reasons I know that when my DS1 was 2 1/2 (he was that age when DS2 was born) he already had a perception that dolls were for girls, not because I 'forced' stereotypes on him but simply through generally play at nursery, mums&tots and even at friends houses with their kids. The idea of giving him something so he doesn't feel left out is lovely, and one of my sons favourite toys was a toy tractor that his new baby brother gave him, and we got him to choose something for the baby too. But it might be nicer to get him something purely for him, and to match up to having the baby there. And when mum is doing things with baby the best thing she can do to stop him feeling left out is to let him watch and share in activities where possible. I breastfed but DS1 would sometimes sit by me and pass me a towel to wipe baby's face....though more often he'd ask to watch Postman Pat or play with his toy cars!! And of course he got plenty of time to cuddle his baby brother and do other little things when I changed him or dressed him.
The important thing is not to exclude the older child, and sometimes giving them something and expecting them to play with that while mum's seeing to baby can give the message that mum hasnt got any time for older child and that's when resentment and jealousy builds up. Let mum talk to him before the baby comes about things she'll have to do so it doesn't come as a total shock to him. But just making baby part of everyday routine for him, not any big deal, is the best way to not have him feel he's being pushed out at all

spookylukey

Thanks Ellay, I was going to get him other little pressies too I just thought a doll might help him adjust to a new baby and keep him occupied when Mum is occupied feeding baby etc. I think at the moment he'd be quite happy with a doll but I take your point that by the time the baby comes he might decide that dolls are for girls! I'll pass your tips on to his Mum and Dad - I think it's going go be a big shock for them all!

diable

Do not buy a boy a doll.

What we did was include the eldest in the routine, help hold the bottle, place bottle in steriliser, bring nappies etc etc etc

heretolearn_2

Why not buy a boy a doll?

ladybirdintheuk

I know loads of boys that love dolls. It really depends on the child.

I'm considering getting one of these for my little one when we have another (depending on how old she is by that point - I don't think she would be very impressed if she is 13 by then Might be worth thinking about?

gonzo127

i agree i dont see anything wrong with a boy having a doll - however i would caution spending a lot of money incase they dont like it, just get your very basic one

- my 2 1/2 yo daughters 'best' friend is a boy and when ever he comes over he always likes playing with her dolls with her, to the point his mum has gone out and got him his own doll

the other thing i would look at is what extras you can get for that doll and how much they cost as you might find that they dont just want the doll, but some bottles, extra clothes, nappies, dummys etc

Counting_Pennies_2

There is absolutely no problem with getting a doll, and I think a boy doll is the right thing to do.

My son had a boy doll around the same time, and it was fantastic when his little sister came along. He even did his breastfeeding at the same time as me! It is all about acting out what is happening in his life at a time of great change.

My son then had ownership of his dolly and I looked after his sister. The things he did with his dolly enabled my daughter to be kept safe from head banging on the floor, and he knew which one he could pick up!

He is now 7 and very grown up. Don't worry all you phobic 'no dolls for boys' out there. He is well adjusted and is in to all the boy things out there. The dolls help role play.

He now plays with a playmobil fire engine set which he loves to roll play with.

In terms of which doll, get the cheapest doll in blue clothing and that is all you need to get. Also get a small one, no need for going for a Baby Annabel size, it will swamp the new addition!

Tulip09

My son had a few dolls/ buggy's & kitchens etc to play with and they turned out to be amongst his fave toys. He is now 12, great at housework (when pushed now) & fantastic in the kitchen and loves experimenting daily (Jamie Oliver 30 min meals has a lot to answer for aswell) . He is naturally drawn to babies/ toddlers and will look after them with ease and confidence and if he stays the same, would make a fantastic dad. My OH wasn't allowed 'girl' toys at all to play with and is awkward in the kitchen and with younger children/babies.

Morty_007

I have bought my 3.5 y/old DS a baby boy doll for exactly the same reasons you have cited OP(and yes, it IS anatomically correct!! My son has been asking for a boy doll for ages now and a doll in blue clothes wouldn't have fooled him for a moment.) from Amazon. This one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Peterkin-New-Born-Baby-Boy/dp/B000RPFPKS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1294306052&sr=8-3

Its a nice newborn size and cheap!

My boy loves playing with the dolls at Nursery and hopefuly will love this one when he gets it. (not decided whether to wait and give it to him when baby is born or 3 months before so he can get used to it...any thoughts!?!?) he will be able to join in with everything that I do with Baby. I intend to encourage him to help out with the real baby too but I think he is going to want to push the pram etc which isn't practical because of sizes! So he will have his own baby to look after too.

I'm a bit saddened at the posters who are saying don't buy a boy a doll....what era do we live in???

LJM

diable wrote: »

Do not buy a boy a doll.

What we did was include the eldest in the routine, help hold the bottle, place bottle in steriliser, bring nappies etc etc etc

i don't see any problem in buying a boy a doll if he wants it let him have it,i know plenty of little boys who have dolls and pushchairs in the same way my 6 year old girl has loads of cars garages and lego.