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

Morty_007

clairec79 wrote: »

I probably wouldn't buy him a doll, purely because I wouldn't want him thinking he can treat the baby like he treats the doll (carrying it round and so on) I know some will say their child likes to copy them, but my elder children very quickly went from playing 'baby' with the doll to playing 'baby' with the baby and I wouldn't want the toddler picking up the baby

But i'd rather he "practice" on the doll first Millions of babies have older siblings who don't damage them...because they are taught how to do it right by their parents whether that be verbally or by example or by the use of a doll. I have taught my son to treat all his toys with respect and he knows the difference between a live baby and a doll. I know he will treat his doll as gently as he would a live baby and whilst I don't want him necessarilly carrying baby around, I have no problem with him getting involved, helping out and holding baby as carefully and gently as I know he does with dolls.

babyshoes

Anatomically correct dolls are nothing new! I had a boy doll and a girl doll when I was a child in the early 80's. They were made from fairly thick plastic and would wee if you fed them water from a special bottle. Of course, my brother and I learned that you could squeeze the boy doll's tummy to make the water squirt out more quickly and make him wee on someone, like a water pistol! The fights we had about that!

I would say getting a boy dolly for him could be good, and if you want to teach him to change a nappy, then go for a weeing one! If you want to encourage simple nurturing, then a soft bodied one might be better for cuddles.