Living / 12 September, 2025 / Christina Walter
For generations, dolls have been a huge part of childhood play. Not only is a doll often a child’s first best friend, but it’s also a toy which naturally supports a child’s development. For example, they offer opportunities for nurturing roleplay like dressing, feeding, or putting them to bed. In turn they help to build imagination, empathy, communication and routine skills.
Both BABY born and Baby Annabell from Zapf Creations have long been favourites in households!
BABY born recently teamed up with Child Development and Play Expert, Dr. Amanda Gummer, founder of the Good Play Guide, for its School Readiness campaign.
Gummer highlights how doll play is a natural and effective way to prepare children for school, encouraging social, imaginative and emotional development. The BABY born range is praised as a developmentally supportive tool during this key transition.
As the home of the number one nurturing doll, BABY born and Baby Annabell have something special for every age and occasion. From birthdays to Christmas, and even those little weekend treats, these much-loved dolls are always a hit and what’s more, they’re guaranteed to bring big smiles.
From birth, babies are already learning about their world. Having a little companion beside them can provide comfort and smiles from just a few months old. BABY born offers an adorable range of dolls designed for newborns, from puppets to rattles, encouraging sensory stimulation and imagination from the start.
The new BABY born for Babies Funny Bunny Cuddly with Dummy Holder is an ideal first friend.
Suitable from birth, Funny Bunny has soft, long ears for sensory exploration. Plus, you can use the finger pockets in its arms to bring it to life and see those first smiles from your baby. The long ears also serve as a dummy holder, keeping it within reach.
RRP £11.99
Perfect for little ones from 12 months, the adorable starter dolls BABY born Lena and BABY born Lukas are the cutest first companions for toddlers. With seven lifelike functions, babies can feed, put to bed and give BABY born a dummy, mimicking their daily routines.
What’s more with no batteries needed, parents will be assured their little ones can have a fun playtime with Lena and Lukas.
RRP £29.99
Pets are often seen as part of the family, and BABY born My Cat Cookie joins the range as a playful feline companion.
BABY born My Cat Cookie features interactive elements that promote sensory development, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, whilst supporting independence and routine in younger children aged 1+.
Purr-fect for imaginative play, she can join make-believe vet visits, a pretend cat café, or playful chases around the room. Children will love interacting with her, creating joyful moments and unforgettable giggles as they build their bond.
RRP £29.99
Child development expert Dr Amanada Gummer says, “Playing with dolls helps children practise empathy and build emotional understanding.”
Baby Annabell offers a gentle parenting play experience, encouraging a caring nature in children.
New for this year, Baby Annabell Annabell, Baby Annabell Leah and Baby Annabell Alexander come in a new pastel coloured romper range.
From waking for a morning feed and using her realistic mouth movements so she can drink from her bottle, to getting her ready for bed, there’s so much fun to be had caring for Baby Annabell!
RRP £59.99
The BABY born Emma doll, the star of the brand’s Animated Series, is available in an adorable romper and comes with 10 accessories for opening a world of realistic and imaginative play.
The magic plate reveals a delicious meal with water, and when BABY born needs the potty, press its tummy to see them go to the toilet just like a big boy and girl.
Emma, Jonas and Eva will cry real tears after drinking from the water bottle and can be comforted by turning the magic dummy to open and close their eyes.
RRP £49.99
In addition Gummer adds, “Children often mimic the world around them through their play, and when they take on the role of a parent or caregiver, they are not only exploring relationships but also developing their sense of responsibility and problem-solving abilities”.
The new Emily Walk with Me 43cm doll is an interactive friend for children aged 3 years and above. Emily has six lifelike functions that children will adore.
Place her on the floor and watch as she crawls all by herself! Press her tummy button, and she’ll crawl again and again.
Children can even help Emily take her very first steps by holding her hands. Emily’s realistic movements and sounds make playtime magical. She giggles, kicks her legs, waves her arms, and makes the sweetest baby noises that will melt hearts.
RRP £54.99
Speaking on dolls and accessories for children, Gummer highlights, “The accessories and role play sets that accompany BABY born encourage storytelling, which boosts children’s communication and language skills – a vital part of school readiness.”
Designed for children ages 3+, the BABY born 3 in 1 Bassinet transforms easily between a carrycot, cradle or cot for endless bedtime fun.
Whether gently rocking the baby to sleep or carrying them room to room using the handles, little doll parents will love wrapping their baby in the colourful blanket for a night full of sweet dreams.
The Bassinet comes with colourful, decorative pins which can be added to make it their very own and supports developing fine-motor skills.
RRP £34.99
Dr. Amanda Gummer concludes, “When children care for their doll (feeding it, changing its clothes, or putting it to bed) they’re engaging in nurturing behaviours that promote emotional regulation and encourage independence.”
To see more of BABY born and Baby Annabell’s adorable ranges, perfect for imaginative and endless play, visit the BABY born website here and Baby Annabell website here.
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Following popular demand, Bébécar has introduced the elegant Stylo Class SOLO – the perfect choice for parents looking for a luxurious pram from birth. Featuring the iconic Stylo Class chassis, spacious carrycot and raincover, the SOLO offers timeless style and exceptional comfort without the seat unit. Available in the beautiful 2026 fabric collection, it delivers the premium craftsmanship, comfort and classic styling Bébécar is renowned for from your very first stroll.
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