At Dolls Inc., we understand the transformative power of doll therapy. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities, or severe anxiety, a weighted therapy doll is far more than a keepsake. It is also a source of calm, an anchor for emotional well-being, and a meaningful tool for connection.

Whether you are a family caregiver looking to comfort a loved one, or a long-term care home staff seeking therapeutic resources for your residents, choosing the right doll is an important
decision. To help you select a companion tailored to your loved one’s unique physical and cognitive needs, we have broken down the process into five easy steps!

Step 1: Finished Doll vs. DIY beBorn Kit

First, decide how you would like your doll to arrive. We cater to both immediate care needs and collaborative activities:

  • Finished Doll: Ready for immediate comfort. These dolls arrive weighted, stuffed, and fully assembled by our team. This is the ideal choice if you need a calming presence that is ready right out of the box for a resident or loved one.
  • Ready to beBorn DIY Kit: Perfect for care facilities, occupational therapy sessions, or family bonding. Assembling and stuffing the doll together can serve as a wonderful tactile, hands-on activity that fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size and Weight

Weight and size play a vital role in sensory stimulation and physical comfort. Our dolls are available in three main size ranges:

  • Preemie (16 inches): Lightweight and manageable, this size is ideal for individuals with limited arm strength, arthritis, or physical limitations who find heavier dolls difficult to
    hold.
  • Newborn (18 to 22 inches): Our most popular range, these dolls provide realistic sensory feedback, fit perfectly into standard newborn clothing, and offer the ideal level of  deep-pressure stimulation.
  • Toddler (26 inches): Larger with a more substantial weight, these dolls are wonderful for individuals who crave a larger presence or enjoy the therapeutic routine of dressing a bigger doll.

Step 3: Select the Limb Configuration

The configuration of the doll’s limbs affects how it feels to hug, hold, and interact with:

  • 1/4-Limb: These feature realistic vinyl hands, feet, and faces with soft cloth upper limbs and body. They are extra cuddly, flexible, and squishy, making them the most comfortable choice for individuals who primarily hold, hug, and sleep with their doll.
  • Full-Limb: Sturdier and easier to position. If your loved one enjoys changing outfits frequently or sitting their doll up in a chair alongside them, then full-limb dolls offer greater poseability and realism.

Step 4: Select the Eye Type and Expression

Different facial expressions can evoke different emotional responses, especially for those with memory loss.

  • Open (Awake) Eyes: Best for active companionship. An awake doll serves as an engaging buddy to sit at the dining table, join in facility social activities, or watch TV together.
  • Closed (Asleep) Eyes: Ideal for nurturing and calming agitation. Sleeping dolls naturally invite soothing behaviours like rocking, swaying, singing lullabies, and gentle tucking-in routines that ease sundowning symptoms.

Once you’ve chosen your eye type, browse our gallery to find the facial expression that you like the best. Choose from chubby cheeks, gentle grins, or peaceful sleeping expressions depending on what will bring your loved one the most peace.

Customization Tip: All awake dolls come with high-quality acrylic eyes. If you wish to match the doll’s eye colour to your loved one’s (or a family member’s), then leave a note at checkout. 

Please note: Eye colour requests are subject to availability.

Step 5: Boy, Girl, or Surprise Me!

  • Girl Outfit: Arrives in a girl’s onesie with a matching headband.
  • Boy Outfit: Arrives in a boy’s onesie with a matching hat.
  • Surprise Me: A wonderful option for care teams or families who want to recreate the joyful surprise of welcoming a new baby to the family.

Bringing Peace and Purpose Home

Weighted doll therapy offers a profound way to ease anxiety, spark cherished memories, and provide a sense of purpose to those who need it most. Whether you are ordering a companion for an aging parent or stocking a care facility, our team is always here to support you every step of the way. Explore our collection today!