Introduction
Toddler dolls are a variant of baby dolls that became popular in the 1950s. These dolls represented a toddler or a young child in their appearance. Toddler dolls had chubby faces, rounded tummy and childlike features. The toddler dolls that were mass-produced in the 1950s were typically eight inches or so tall.
The First Models
The earliest models of toddler dolls were seen in the 1930s and 1940s. Vogue Dolls were the first to come up with this variant in these decades. These dolls were called Toddles . These first models were made up of composition, with painted facial features and limbs attached to the torso with rubber bands.
Vogue Dolls re-launched their toddler dolls in the 1950s with the name Ginny . Composition was replaced with hard plastic and sleeping eyes (eyes that could close when the doll was lying down) were introduced. In the mid fifties, Vogue added walker toddlers- the heads turned side to side as the legs moved to simulate walking.
New Toddlers
Toddler dolls became very popular by the end of the decade and many more companies launched their models with hair wigs, sleep eyes and walk features. Wendy , Alexander-kin and Wendy-kin from Madame Alexander’s, Muffie from Nancy Ann Storybook and Ginger from Cosmopolitan were some of the other popular versions of the period. Cheaper versions also came into the picture around this time.
The toddler doll trend continued into the sixties when the fashion dolls became the new fad. Hard plastic went and vinyl came into the picture, rooted hair was used and walk features were done away with. Toddler dolls became cheaper to manufacture around this time.
What Determines the Price
Toddler dolls have become expensive collectibles in our time. The price depends on the condition of the doll and the brand name. Brand names such as Madame Alexander, Vogue and Nancy Ann that spell high quality command a lot of respect and consequently moolah. There can be a great deal of price difference between these and cheaper versions. ‘Mint’ toddler dolls, meaning almost untouched dolls that nearly look the same as at the time they were manufactured, are the hottest of the range and the costliest.
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