As parents to toddlers, you've been through the toy store multiple times and odds are you've bumped into something known as 'cry babies dolls' staring back at you.
You've probably seen ads for these or even the Cry Babies: Magic Tears YouTube series that your child does watch on their tablet.
You would think it's a good and familiar toy for your child to play with. But is it though? While the cartoon show may be popular and your child may want one, there's plenty you should know about cry babies dolls before you pick one off the shelf and bring it home.
What Are Cry Babies Dolls?
These are dolls that look like human children that are made by IMCToys. There's also a cartoon show on YouTube, produced by Kitoons, which comprises "animation, songs, magic and fun."
The key selling point of these dolls is that they cry and the baby has to then place the pacifier in the mouth of the doll to make it stop crying. The idea is that the baby gets a sense of independence by playing with these dolls.
It is the baby for your baby.
Now, this isn't exactly unknown territory. Companies like Mattel and Hasbro have been doing this for years. The Transformers franchise comprising animated shows and a multi-billion dollar franchise is a prime example of toys and shows synced together to achieve higher sales.
However, unlike these companies, IMCToys does miss out on a few fundamentals with its cry babies dolls. Here's what you need to know.
Not The Best Build Quality
The cry babies dolls are built on a budget. And while that may be understandable, they aren't the most friendly when it comes to toddlers. Especially, if they chew or suck on any of their parts.
Questionable Use Of Chemicals
The dolls also cry and some versions need to be filled with water. They will then cry or emit water when you squeeze them. However, there are also versions that have magic tears.
These are the concerning ones as the supposed magic tears comprise slime and sparkles. It comprises "Linalool, Limonene, and Alpha-Isomethlylone," as the fine print reads, and "May produce an allergic reaction."
While there haven't been reported cases of allergic reaction with these dolls, the UK's consumer protection organisation, Which, did find phthalates at 25 per cent above the legal limit in these dolls in 2019.
The European Union bans phthalates for use in children’s toys at levels above 0.1 per cent of its total weight.
At the time, the toymaker recalled these dolls as a precautionary measure.
Annoying Noises
Another annoying bit about the crybabies dolls is the annoying noises. While they may seem cute at first, they do get annoying after a bit.
The pacifiers make a bizarre clicking noise when inserted in the doll's mouth.
And the system doesn't work as reliably as one would hope. So, the sound may continue even after the child plugs in the pacifier, defeating the purpose of the doll for your toddler.
Confusing For The Child, Headache For The Parents
The objective of a cry baby doll is to invoke some independence in the child. However, the limited functions do not exactly make that happen. This is mostly the case with the dolls not being as reliable as one wants it to be.
This leaves your child confused and even upset and crying since the doll won't listen to them. And this, in turn, leaves you upset and crying. It may seem like a vicious cycle and to an extent, it is.
While the cry babies dolls may seem like an interesting buy for your child, they can be a hit or miss. You can look at roleplay or other games if you want them to be a bit more independent.
Lead/Feature images courtesy: YouTube
Source: Fatherly
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