Barbie's New Doll with Down Syndrome Hailed as 'Huge Step' Towards Inclusion

Mattel Inc. debuted the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome with the unveiling of its 2023 Barbie Fashionista line to promote diversity and inclusion.

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Barbie worked together to create an appropriate representation of a person with Down syndrome.

Mattel used several creative methods to make the 2023 Barbie Fashionista doll's design necessary for the Down syndrome community, according to The Hill.

As for Barbie's physical attributes, Mattel said that this Barbie doll features a redesigned face and body form to be more reflective of women with Down syndrome, having a "shorter frame and a longer torso," per People. The new face contour of the Barbie Down syndrome doll is rounder, has smaller ears, and a flat nose bridge. The eyes have an almond shape and are tilted somewhat. Even the hands of the Barbie Down syndrome doll have a single line, which is a characteristic often seen in individuals with Down syndrome.

According to Mattel, the Barbie Down syndrome doll also wears shoes with a zipper design in addition to matching pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) that go with her outfit, as several children with Down syndrome "use orthotics to support their feet and ankles."

2023 Barbie Fashionista: A Huge Step Towards Inclusion

NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard said it was a great privilege to collaborate with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome. She noted that members of their community can play with a Barbie doll that is like them for the first time, which has enormous significance for them. She said that the Barbie doll serves as an example of the importance of representation, according to Forbes.

"It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating," Pickard said.

According to NDSS, 6,000 infants born in the United States each year have Down syndrome.