Mattel’s New My First Barbie

Barbie reaches new heights. The Barbie doll has had many makeovers since her introduction in 1959, helping collectors date her vintage. Mattel’s new My First Barbie doll is noticeably different from her predecessors and will be easy to recognize. Developed with the preferences and fine motor skills of children as young as 3 in mind, this doll is 13 1/2 inches tall, while a traditional Barbie is 11 1/2 inches. Her larger size, along with a soft body and larger waist, make her easier for young children to handle. My First Barbie’s clothes are designed to appeal to younger children, with pastel colors, heart and flower patterns and other features that distinguish the new Barbie’s style from the typical, more “adult” fashion doll. But the doll is still recognizable as Barbie, with the familiar Barbie face and made in four skin tones and hair textures.

Photo: Mattel