Soft Baby Dolls – Complete Buyer’s Guide

Why is it essential to have the best soft baby doll for your child? There are various dolls to choose from, and it is important to have one that is washable and durable. Some dolls are too hard for babies and aren’t easy to clean; that is why you need one of the best soft baby dolls that are durable and, most importantly, safe. 

We have put together a comprehensive list of the best soft baby dolls to help you choose which one is the best for your child. 

Best Soft Baby Dolls (Our All-Around Favorites)

These dolls are perfect first baby dolls for infants because of the soft, durable, and safe materials. As a parent, you won’t have to worry about any small pieces or hard materials that could potentially cause harm.

1. Classic So-Soft Baby Doll

This unique doll is one of the most popular on the market today and is excellent for children of all ages. These dolls are extremely soft and easy to clean, as they are machine washable. They are suitable for ages birth and up. 

The Classic Baby Doll can last for ages, as many customers who purchased the same doll decades ago claim they are still in great shape. One of the doll’s best attributes is how soft it is, even after multiple washes. Although this is a great doll for small children, some have complained about it being too small.

If you want a doll that is soft, safe, and built to last, this one should certainly be on the top of your list.

Pros

• Super soft
• Machine washable
• Durable and long-lasting
• Safe materials

Cons

• On the smaller side

2. My First Baby Powder Pink – Madame Alexander

This unique doll features a soft vinyl head and fabric body making it easy for your child to hold. This doll is crafted with quality in mind and is perfectly safe for your newborn. This type of doll is ideal for satisfying your newborn baby’s nurturing instincts.

Wrapped in a super soft, snuggly material, it is sure to help your child feel safe and secure. This doll is easy to clean and is machine washable. We have found some quality control issues with this doll, and others felt that the doll was overpriced. 

However, If you want a doll that is safe and snuggly for your child, this one is worth a look.

Pros

• Soft
• Easy to clean
• Soft vinyl and fabric materials
• Built to last

Cons

• Expensive
• Some Quality control issues

3. Baby Stella Peach

This unique doll is great for children 1-year-old and up. These adorable dolls come with a magnetic pacifier, and a smiling face with high quality embroidered stitching.

What makes this doll stand out from the rest is your ability to swap out different clothes types. This doll is diverse and comes in various skin colors and hairstyles that are all carefully crafted with quality in mind. 

This toy is sure to be a hit with any kid and will allow you to provide your small child with a unique, soft, and well-built doll that will last a lifetime. Of course, some parents may be wary about purchasing due to the magnet holding the pacifier. This could pose a choking hazard if the material becomes torn. 

Pros

• Unique skin tones and outfits
• Well-built
• Soft and cuddly
• For girls and boys
• Safe for small children

Cons

• The magnet may pose a choking risk

4. Playtime by Eimmie Soft Rag Doll (Charlie)

Charlie is a soft, durable, and safe rag doll that is fun for children of all ages. Charlie is a gentle and snuggly doll that acts as a great companion for your little one. Eimme Soft is a series of similar dolls: Allie, Eimmie, Kaylie, Ollie, Ballerina, and Salsa Julie, which each include their own unique looks and interchangeable outfits. 

Quality and craftsmanship are evident with this doll, as it includes an embroidered face and is crafted from materials built to last. This is a great doll for boys and girls alike and should be a hit with babies of all ages. Although, some parents did experience some quality control issues right out of the box.

If you are looking for a unique, well-built, and safe doll, Charlie is the one for you. 

Pros

• Quality fabrics
• No small parts
• Soft and snuggly
• Built to last

Cons

• Some quality control issues

5. Thermal Baby Doll

This cuddly little doll is sure to satisfy even the pickiest parent due to it’s soft and durable fabric. This doll measures 11 inches and weighs in at 3.2 ounces, making it perfect for your small child to hold. 

This doll is easy to clean and is machine washable. Its soft materials and lack of small parts make it completely safe for your child. This doll is great for all ages, suitable for children from birth up.

The only complaint about this doll is that it easily falls apart with frequent play. 

If you are looking for a doll that is easy to take care of and perfect for your small child, this should be at the top of your list. 

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Safe for all ages
• Super soft material great for snuggling
• Perfect size

Cons

• Falls apart easily

Soft Baby Dolls for Infants 

These infant-safe baby dolls are great, as they lack any small hazardous parts and are perfectly safe for hours of play. These dolls are all easy to toss in the washing machine and long-lasting. 

Here are some of our favorite picks for soft baby dolls for infants.

GUND My First Dolly

This beautiful, durable, and safe doll is great for infants due to its safe materials and lack of small parts. Gundo created this doll with embroidered quality materials, including the eyes and nose.

It stands 13 inches high and weighs 3.36 ounces, making it a lightweight choice. The good news is that it is safe for infants 1 month and up. The only complaint parents had about this doll is that it is too large for some babies. 

If you are looking for your infant’s first doll, this one is certainly worth taking a look at!

Pros

• Embroidered facial features
• Quality materials and embroidery
• Safe for infants 1 month and above
• 13 inches, 3.36 ounces

Cons

• Too large for some babies

Haba Snug-up Dolly Luisa

Luisa’s soft and snuggly materials make her great for comforting your child during their infancy. These dolls are beautifully crafted using a high-quality fleece material, which allows them to retain their integrity even through frequent play.

This doll is just the right size, coming in at 8-inches and weighing in at about 7.7 ounces. 

Luisa will provide your child with comfort through some of the most critical developmental stages, such as social and emotional development due to her soft fleece material. Luisa is machine washable and safe for children from birth on up. The only complaint we received was that some parents believed it to be too small for their child.

If you are looking for a comforting, soothing, and cozy doll for your child, Luisa is one of the best available.

Pros

• Durable fleece material
• Provides comfort
• 8-inches tall weighs 7.7 ounces
• Great for nurturing during critical developmental stages
• Embroidered face and no small parts

Cons

• Too small in size
• Some quality control issues with shipping

Mary Meyer Taggies

Mary Meyer specifically designed this doll to aid in your child’s developmental growth, as it’s soft materials promote comfort and stimulate social and emotional development. It is 8-inches tall and weighs in at .64 ounces. 

This doll is crafted using only the finest materials available and includes satin feet and an embroidered face, making it perfectly safe for small children. Mary Meyer has a long history of manufacturing quality dolls, as their company’s genesis dates back to 1933. 

One of the unique features of this doll is the colorful taggies surrounding the entire toy. Furthermore, Mary Meyer created this doll using various textures and materials, which are sure to make it one of your baby’s favorite toys.

If you are looking for a unique, fun, and well-made doll, this one is worth a look.

Pros

• Soft materials with satin feet
• Promotes emotional and social development
• 8-inches tall and weighs .64 ounces 
• Well-built
• Many textures and materials

Cons

• Could fall apart with frequent play

Stephan Baby Ultra Soft Plush Dolls

This ultra-soft doll is great for parents looking for a simple, safe, and durable doll for their child. This unique plush doll comes in various skin tones and hair colors, such as dark complexion and black hair, and a light complexion with blonde hair. 

These beautiful cloth baby dolls are crafted with your child’s safety in mind, as it includes safe embroidered facial features, so small parts won’t be a concern. 100% polyester material makes this doll safe for machine washing. It stands at 8-inches tall and weighs in at 0.32 ounces.

Although this doll keeps safety in mind, some parents have issued concerns regarding the ribbons in the doll’s hair as a choking hazard, which is just something to consider.

If you are looking for a well-built, affordable, and safe doll for your child, this would be one of our top picks.

Pros

• Ultra-soft
• Various hair colors and complexions
• Safe
• Machine washable
• 100% polyester material
• 8-inches tall and weighs 0.32 ounces

Cons

• Ribbons could pose a choking hazard

Wee Baby Stella Sleepy Time Scents Soft Doll

This unique doll comes with a calming and comforting lavender scent that soothes your baby. This scent is released from the doll’s plush material when your baby hugs it, promoting your child’s social and emotional development.

Like many baby dolls, this doll includes an embroidered face to prevent any choking hazards or other health issues.

The Stella Sleepy Time doll is very diverse, as it comes in various skin tones, hairstyles, and clothes suitable for both girls and boys. It also comes with various accessories, such as a book, bottle, and teddy bear.

The doll’s dimensions are the perfect size for your child, as it is 12-inches tall and weighs 1 pound. It is suitable for children that are one year and up. Baby Stella’s only downfall is that there were some quality control issues where dolls would be delivered damaged. 

If you are looking for a unique doll that soothes your child with the calming scent of lavender and soft construction, this one should be a contender.

Pros

• Calming lavender scent
• Soft and safe materials
• Many accessories
• Quality construction
• Promotes developmental growth

Cons

• Quality control issues

Best Soft Baby Dolls for 1-Year Olds

The best soft baby dolls for 1-year olds should be safe, snuggly, and promote developmental growth. Our picks are crafted with only the safest and most durable materials available. Here are some of our favorites. 

Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Boy

These durable, unique, and cuddly dolls are some of the most recognized on the market today. Its durable and soft fleece construction, beautifully embroidered facial features, and various skin tones make this one of the most unique dolls on the market today. 

Each doll is equipped with magnetic pacifiers, embroidered facial features and comes shipped in a decorative box that is great for gifting.

If you are interested in a unique and cuddly doll for your child one year or over, this is certainly worth a look.

Pros

• Soft and quality materials
• Accessories including a magnetic pacifier
• It comes in a variety of skin tones.
• Embroidered materials ensure safety.
• Well-known doll manufacturer

Cons

• Quality control issues

La Baby Boutique Hispanic

This culturally diverse doll is perfect for children 1-year-old and up. La Baby Boutique built this doll with a sturdy vinyl head, arms, legs, and a soft and durable outfit that is great for cuddling.

As a parent, you can be sure that this is the right choice for your child. It has been tested and received the National Parenting Seal of Approval, which ensures that this doll is safe and is considered one of the best products on the market. 

Pros

• Durable vinyl construction
• Cuddly clothing
• National Parenting Seal of Approval

Cons

• Quality issues with frequent use

Melissa & Doug Jenna

Like all Melissa & Doug dolls, this one is well-built and safe for children 12 months and older. With its quality vinyl construction and striking features, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful dolls on the market..

Pros

• Vinyl construction
• Safe
• Striking features

Cons

• Broken pieces upon delivery

Melissa & Doug Jordan

This doll is similar to the others in the lineup, as it includes vinyl construction and beautiful facial features. This doll is also suitable for children 12 months and older. 

The only potential downside is that there’s a small chance it could come delivered in poor condition, but it’s unlikely. 

Pros

• Vinyl construction
• Durable
• Quality clothing

Cons

• Some packaging issues

Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut

This well-built and affordable doll is great for your child as they navigate the developmental stages. Adora made this doll from soft, scented vinyl that is sure to withstand frequent play. This doll is also machine washable and is non-toxic and BPA free.

Pros

• Non-toxic
• Durable 
• Scented

Cons

• Smells too strong for some

Soft Baby Dolls for Toddlers

These soft baby dolls for toddlers are ideal for children 18 months or older. They are all safe and built with durability in mind for those tough tosses and throws. Check out our top picks.

Melissa & Doug Mariana

Like many similar offerings from this company, Melissa & Doug crafted Mariana with only the best materials available. It is the perfect size for children 18 months or older, and it is easy for them to carry.

This doll has Melissa & Doug’s 100% happiness guarantee and is sure to be a hit with your toddler. 

Pros

• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Durable construction
• Perfect size for small children

Cons

• Minor issues with shipping

JC Toys 8-Piece Layette Baby Doll Set

This unique doll allows your child to customize the outfit completely. It includes eight pieces of clothing and other accessories.

The designers created the Layette doll to teach young children nurturing skills and dealing with emotional and social development. This is a great way to introduce your child to a safe and durable doll that is sure to last a lifetime.

Pros

• Eight accessories
• Customizable 
• Beautifully crafted
• Safety tested

Cons

• Not super soft

15″ Realistic Soft Body Baby Doll

This realistic doll comes with ten accessories, including a bottle, pacifier, table setting, and rattle. It is great for babies two years old and above and will stimulate their imagination, allowing their growing minds to think critically.

The doll is beautifully detailed and very lifelike. Although a tad pricey, we believe it is worth every penny.

Pros

• Lifelike
• Durable
• Ten accessories

Cons

• Small pieces could pose a choking hazard

12-Inch Baby Doll, Car Seat, And Accessories

This baby doll is great for when your child needs a companion on the road. It comes equipped with its own car seat, rattle, and bib. This is one of the most interactive ones we’ve seen, and we are confident you and your child will agree.

Pros

• Accessories
• Durable
• Lifelike

Cons

• small

Baby Alive Step ‘N Giggle Baby

This unique doll is very lifelike, as it makes sounds, drinks, eats, and even lights up. While not truly a “soft baby doll”, the range of interaction is sure to engage your child and keep them occupied.

The Giggle Baby comes with a comb, a bottle, and a diaper. Baby Alive is one of our favorites on the list and is for children three years and up.

Pros

• Interactive
• Accessories included
• 25+ sounds 

Cons

• Bad packaging
• Messy hair

Things to Consider When Buying Soft Baby Dolls

When you’re shopping for a baby doll, you don’t want to just grab the nearest toy off the shelf and assume it works for you and your child. Instead, consider these factors before you make a purchase.

Is the Doll Machine Washable?

Your child’s doll will likely get dirty over time. Toddlers and babies tend to take their toys with them everywhere, whether it’s through the mud or a dusty room. Therefore, it is essential to look for a doll that is machine washable for easy cleanup. 

Materials

You must ensure the materials are non-toxic and BPA-free. All of the dolls in this review are free of toxic chemicals and are perfectly safe. That way, your baby can chew on the doll or play with it as much as they want without any threats to their health.

Age Recommendation

It is essential to look at the age recommendation for the doll you intend to purchase, as some may have small parts not suitable for infants. A doll ideal for toddlers, for instance, may have small pieces that an infant could easily chew on and swallow as a choking hazard. 

What Parts are Soft

Often, the entire doll is soft; however, some may include hard plastic or other materials. Designers often embroider the facial features of dolls suitable for infants. For toddlers, they may use soft vinyl for the doll’s face, hands, and feet. 

Durability

It is important to look for a durable doll that is not easily broken or torn, especially with frequent use. Most babies aren’t easy on their toys, and if the doll isn’t durable, you’ll most likely end up replacing it within a few months or sooner. These dolls should last for decades if built with quality materials.

Final Thoughts

We recommended these dolls because we would purchase them for our children. They are all made with safe materials, can comfort your child, and can last for years with proper care. With these suggestions, you can ensure that you will be purchasing a safe, durable, and long-lasting doll that should provide plenty of fun for your baby.