My 18 month old DS seems to be scared of dolls

[Kalypso]

My 18 month old DS seems to dislike/fear baby dolls. He likes pushing buggies, but will only do so if they don't have a doll in them.

Today, at playgroup, he headed into the playhouse, which he normally loves, and suddenly stopped at the door. I then saw that somebody had left a baby doll on the floor inside. I asked him brightly, "Oh look, what's that DS?", but he whimpered and walked away. I couldn't persuade him to go into the playhouse (although I didn't try very hard, to be honest).

Likewise, last week he caught sight of a bunch of baby dolls in a cot at a 1 o'clock centre. He stood staring at them, so the playworker assumed that he wanted one. She pulled up a high chair and placed a doll in it next to him. He looked momentarily shocked, and then suddenly moved quickly away from the doll and burst into tears.

So, my question is, while I'm not really concerned that he doesn't like baby dolls (should I be? I assume irrational fears are part of toddlerhood?), I'm wondering if I should actively try to help him overcome his fear, by encouraging him to play with them, or whether I should just let him be for now.

Any ideas?

It could be anything - maybe he saw an arm or leg pulled off one or some random thing.

Honestly I'd leave him be - don't force it. He'll see other kids playing with them and I'm sure that'll help. Try not to react too much, just comfort then move on to something else.

my DS2 was scared of cats for a bit about 17 months - loved dogs but burst into tears if he saw a cat - not reason and now he loves them a few months later

Its common, i work in childcare and have seen it often and it has never worried me or the other workers. It will most likely pass over time, if he persists with his "phobia" maybe go to the shops and let him choose one, or borrow one from a friend just so he becomes use to seeing them.