Barbie brand introduces Chelsea Doll with Scoliosis

THE Barbie brand has taken representation to a whole different level as they introduce a Chelsea doll with scoliosis. According to the brand, this is to make strides to further inclusivity in the doll line for Chelsea, Barbie’s little sister who is core to the Barbie world.

In their announcement of the new doll, Barbie said that according to the Division of Orthopedics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, more than 100,000 children are diagnosed with scoliosis each year in the US alone.

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“With the release of Chelsea with Scoliosis – featuring a doll with curvature in the spine and a removable back brace – Barbie hopes to better reflect the world around us for all kids to see themselves in play, while also normalising the wearing of a back brace.

“To ensure the accuracy of the doll, Barbie worked closely with Board Certified Neurosurgeon and specialist in children’s complex spinal disorders, Dr Luke Macyszyn, who provided counsel throughout the development of the Chelsea Doll with Scoliosis,” they said. 

Lisa Mcknight, executive vice-president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel, said they believe in the power of representation. “We are committed to creating dolls in a variety of looks so that kids can see themselves in Barbie – and now, in a line celebrating Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea. Our Chelsea line provides infinitely more ways to spark storytelling, all while providing kids with a way to develop their empathy and social-processing skills through doll play,” she said. 

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The Chelsea Doll with Scoliosis was made to be reflective of what kids are seeing around them, helping to normalise back braces for children who may wear them and encouraging children who don’t wear back braces to celebrate the importance of inclusion.

Children’s early childhood experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. It is important that they see themselves reflected in the product. As scoliosis occurs ten times more often in girls than it does in boys, the Chelsea line was the perfect place to expand representation.

The six-inch Chelsea Doll with Scoliosis is wearing a pink dress with a matching pink back brace and white shoes and has her long, brunette hair styled in waves.

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