Benefits of Waldorf doll over other dolls...

4108 Views 10 Replies 10 Participants Last post by kghaffar, Mar 25, 2009

Ubelle

Discussion Starter · Mar 25, 2009

Can anyone help me try to explain to very mainstream in-laws why a Waldorf doll is better than the plastic babies & dolls they keep wanting to buy DD?

Dear GMIL is VERY interested in buying an American Girl Doll for DD, who is turning 2. Aside from the AG doll being not age appropriate, what other things should/ can I mention that might sway them towards our preference.

The natural fiber's/ material vs plastic/ synthetic is not going to win them over.
I am trying my best to explain that the warm and beauty of these dolls will make them a life long treasure, but I am an engineer through and through and tend to write and speak in bullet form - present the facts and figure it's logical to all - that doesn't work with MIL & GMIL.

Thank you.

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Bird Girl

· #2 · Mar 25, 2009

Just point out that American Girls Dolls are too heavy, too delicate, and have too many small accessories to be appropriate for a 2 year old. Waldorf dolls are easy to carry, warm, and snuggily to a small child. There's plenty of time to get AGs--but 2 is the right time for a small and snuggily doll.

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berrymama

· #3 · Mar 25, 2009

I am also more scientific minded, but I will give it a shot...
A simple, neutral expression allows the child's imagination freedom to see the doll as happy, sad, or angry depending on the situation and the child's imagination. The more detailed the doll, the less it encourages the child's imagination.
Waldorf dolls are soft but firm at the same time, just like real people. The natural fabric and wool absorb the scent of the child, unlike plastic that smells like, well...plastic.

There are lots more reasons, but that is all I can think of right now

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SilvanaRose

· #4 · Mar 25, 2009

Personally if it were me I would simply state that there is a no-plastic-rule in my house. My other arguement would be that the waldorf/natural type dolls offer more for the childs imagination. Plastic dolls are ugly, contrived and full of chemicals lol. Natural dolls are soft and cuddly and safe. I don't know how you couldn't win that conversation.....however I totally know how hard it is to explain a natural/weird way of life to a 'normal/mainstream' person. I think that the waldorf dolls are beautiful.

Why exactly do they feel the need to get her a mainstream doll? What are they hoping to accomplish? Try to explain what you are trying to accomplish in having natural toys in your house. I wish I could be of more help but this is how I would feel......

Good luck!!

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SilvanaRose

· #5 · Mar 25, 2009

lol I love how in the span of a few minutes we all managed to say basically the same thing

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dogretro

· #6 · Mar 25, 2009

Unless GMIL is talking about a Bitty Baby, that makes no sense for her to buy a doll that is for a nine yr old for your 2 yr old. I have an AG doll that my daughter will get one day (along w/ another one I have picked out for her, too), but not until she is at least seven or so. The clothes and accessories are too detailed and expensive to give to a young child. IMO, if the plastic thing is not going to sway her, emphasize the age thing. Personally, I love AG stuff and my daughter will have some, but there would be no way I would sink that type of money into a toy like that when she is WAY too young for it and would probably ruin it.

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Demeter_shima

· #7 · Mar 25, 2009

If you need the Steiner reasoning behind it...it boils down to
the more detailed the doll, the lazier the child's imagination gets to be.
(This was basically said before...but I figured I'd offer a super-easy way to explain it)

If the child has to imagine more, they are giving their brain a work-out and developing just by looking at it. The painted doll is "finished". It's like handing the child a mostly filled-in coloring book.

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alllyssa

· #8 · Mar 25, 2009

Practically speaking . . . the plastic baby dolls are uncomfortable to sleep with, especially if you co-sleep and they HURT if you accidentally, or not so accidentally get whacked with one.

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aprons_and_acorns

· #9 · Mar 25, 2009

Has your GMIL seen any Waldorf dolls? Obviously I don't know her personally, but I do know that a lot of times the "beautiful, one-of-a-kind, made by hand" factor really sinks in when a person can actually look at the dolls. There may be one that really speaks to her. And then she will think it is her idea! LOL

Is GMIL crafty at all? If so maybe you could appeal to the handmade aspect? That things made by hand with love have a certain wonderful-ness about them that makes them extra special. Any crafty person knows it's true

Good luck!

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ema-adama

· #10 · Mar 25, 2009

I have a highly critical and suspicious MIL who cannot understand a no plastic rule and finds anything natural/Waldorf very unaccessible.

I got her to make some of the clothes for the doll I made, and she enjoyed helping me out with that.I am also more scientific minded, but I will give it a shot...Although DS is still too little to really play with it, soon enough I am sure he will be.

As berrymama said:

Quote:

A simple, neutral expression allows the child's imagination freedom to see the doll as happy, sad, or angry depending on the situation and the child's imagination. The more detailed the doll, the less it encourages the child's imagination.

This is I think the biggest reason for me to choose these dolls. My DS can choose to see exactly whatever expression best fits with his play.
As I started to look into just how important imagination is in the overall development of the child, it became that much more important to me to nurture his imagination..
I also do not like permanently smiling faces. It freaks me out a little to be honest - it just seems fake to have a permanently fixed smile.

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kghaffar

· #11 · Mar 25, 2009

How about some scientific medical reasons...

Here is how the AG Bitty Baby scored at healthytoys.org

http://www.healthytoys.org/product.d...?getrecno=1320

Simply tell her the PVC content (read hormone disrupting phthalates) is too high for you to be comfortable with...

If she insists on a plastic doll refer her to some safer brands like Gotz or Corolle.

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