Barbie makes history by introducing its first Chelsea doll with scoliosis

Barbie doll maker made history by introducing its first-ever doll with scoliosis. Chelsea, the toy company’s line depicting Barbie’s younger sister will be inducted with a new doll featuring curvature of the spine and a removable back brace.

The historical move is unveiled with an aim to normalise medical equipment and encourage children to celebrate inclusion. As per reports, the team at American toy company Mattel, Inc worked closely with Dr Luke Macyszyn who is a board-certified neurosurgeon and specialist in children’s complicated spinal disorders. The designer at the toy maker company took advice from the doctor to develop its first doll with scoliosis.



The doll is 15 centimetres tall and wears a pink dress along with a removable green back brace. It has white shoes and dark brown hair. In a statement, Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said that the company believes in the “power of representation” and is devoted to creating dolls in many varieties so that children can see themselves in Barbie.

The removable back brace on Chelsea is a way for kids to become more ‘reflective’ of the world. Hoping that their new doll would encourage conversations, McKnight also said that the company’s Chelsea line provides “infinitely more ways to spark storytelling” while also improving the social skills among kids.

FAQs:

1. What is Barbie?
   Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by toy maker Mattel.
2. What is Chelsea?
   Chelsea is the doll is introduced as Barbie’s little sister.