There’s A New Barbie In Town & She Has Down Syndrome! 💙🎗️💛
As a mother to a daughter that has Down Syndrome, my heart is beating fast at the thought of Barbie’s new doll with Down Syndrome features. I’ve shared Bella’s journey on the radio for the past decade and this is the first time I can share about an exciting new Barbie doll representing the Down Syndrome community! The news of the new Barbie just dropped on the National Down Syndrome Society’s website and is part of this year’s worldwide effort: “Barbie Fashionistas Lineup,” which allows more children the opportunity to find a doll that represents them.
Mattel worked closely with the NDSS to develop a Barbie that shares similar Down Syndrome characteristics, such as:
- New rounder face, smaller ears, flat nasal bridge, along with the eyes slightly slanted in an almond shape.
- The doll’s palms even include a single line “Simean crease.”
- The doll’s outfit represents with yellow and blue colors, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness.
- The doll also wears pink ankle foot orthotics (AFO’s) as some children use to support their feet and ankles.
- The doll’s pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The three chevrons, or arrows, are a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community and are meant to represent “the lucky few” who have someone with Down syndrome in their life.
The doll is for sale at stores for $10.99. Good luck finding one! If you do, please let me know where. I need to get one for our family! Thanks for all the support everyone! 🙂
Xoxo, Social Queen Darlene & Bella