Why are the majority of dolls not for under 3's? Confused...

[charlotterachenda]

My daughter is 18 months old and loves dolls. However she is completely uninterested in anything that doesn't look realistic or looks plastic. She will just ignore it. Someone I know had this realistic looking doll and she fell in love with it and wouldn't let it go. She was talking to it and cuddling it and it melted my heart. I've looked on the Internet at the "reborn dolls" and even the "Ashton drake" dolls. Why aren't they suitable for under 3's? Is it because they are made of vinyl is that a toxic material? What about silicone dolls? Is it a wear an tear issue with younger children? I understand dolls with batteries and accessories that could cause choking hazard but are there any super realistic dolls suitable for babies that don feel like plastic? Would you give a reborn doll to a child under 3? Thanks in advance

Also, she isn't interested in soft toys or soft toy dolls. But she loves realistic soft dolls and I want to find one safe for her.

I don’t know for sure but I imagine that the softer dolls (not hard plastic) have fingers etc that would be quite easy to bite off and would be a substantial choking hazard. So that’s why they’re not suitable for under-3s. Things suitable for small children tend to have nothing that could come off/apart in the normal course of play at all.

Goetz do some nice ones for 18 month olds.

I think ihe age 3 limit is to do with cost/rigorous ness of testing.

The age restrictions are purely to do with costs. It’s much more expensive to get a toy or any product tested and approved for under 3s. Even many obvious baby toys say not for under 3. You just have to be sensible and use your judgment.

IT is done for the benefit of the manufacturer and protect them from any litigation in case of accident.
Could an eye get loose and be inhaled/ingested. Does the dress have a button.
Many of the dolls will be safe for her. As PP said , use judgement.

There are plenty of "my First" models by Zapf Creations and Corolle dolls. It is often the potential for moving and small parts to come loose or be chewed, including clothing abd accessories.

Thanks for your answers everyone.

Yep, because it’s cheaper to get a toy approved for over 3s. If you’re sensible and watch out for any small swallowable parts and play is supervised, I don’t see why you can’t by a doll marked 3+