Pregnant Midge called her friend - Baby Doctor BARBIE. Oh..What a Happy Family!
Written: Jan 05 '03 (Updated Apr 12 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Includes Dr. Barbie, Two Babies, Medical Tools, and Accessories.
Cons: Happy Family Controversy Makes This Set Hard-To-Find.
The Bottom Line: Attention to detail in this set is good, Barbie, Babies, and accessories are durable, and children like play time fun with Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor.
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| Lisa_J's Full Review: Mattel Happy Family Baby Doctor Barbie |
Upon learning of her expectant condition, Midge phoned her friend Barbie, who also happens to be their Pediatrician – a.k.a.: baby doctor – and let her know about the soon to be addition to the Happy Family™. Naturally Baby Doctor Barbie was ecstatic to learn that Midge, Alan, and Toddler Ryan would be welcoming a baby to their Happy Family unit. Of course she agreed to be doctor for the new baby, after-all she is a family friend and Dr. for Ryan.
Many are aware of the controversy that surrounded Happy Family Midge & Baby. For those that might still be clueless in Barbieville, Mattel introduced a new series, including a pregnant Midge doll. Regardless of the critics, our family happens to appreciate the attributes available from this entire set. We own Happy Family Midge & Baby, Happy Family Alan & Ryan, and Happy Family Accessories. My only regret is that certain retailers used the voicing of some cynics to fuel a ban of this line from consumer availability. I feel that retail America stepped into a dangerous arena of attempting to suggest what is okay for my children to play with. Shame on the stuffy corporate prudes. They need to realize that most critics are merely voicing an opinion, not expecting censorship of a toy!
Moving forward to the purpose of this review, I would like to introduce you to Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor by Mattel. This set includes Barbie in the role of ‘Baby Doctor’ (why don’t they call her ‘Pediatrician’?!), an exam table, two babies swaddled in blankets (1 boy and 1 girl), several physician instruments, bottles, and other applicable accessories.
Accessories within the Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor set include:
- Exam Table
Primarily white with purple top, and pink doors. The top of the table is adorned with two isoletes that gently rock via a white handle that extends up and has a loop that Barbies hand fits into, allowing a gentle rocking motion.
- Stethoscope
- Thermometer
- Otoscope
- Ophthalmoscope
- Tongue Depressor
- Pink Baby Bottle & Blue Baby Bottle
- Three Containers (Perhaps Alcohol, Lotion, & Powder)
Clipboard w/ Writing Instrument
The real reason for purchase of Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor was to complete the Happy Family set that my youngest daughter received. She enjoys playtime with Mattel Happy Family Midge & Baby and Mattel Happy Family Alan & Ryan. Prior to getting your panties in a twist, you might arrive at an acceptance mode by realizing that Midge & Ryan were married in 1991, and both dolls adorn wedding bands, thus dispelling any myth that this set encourages teen pregnancy. Also, Mattel conducted research prior to releasing the set, including consultation with psychologists.
This set is part of the ‘Supporting Children in The Arts’ series, a line that is specified at encouraging children to pursue their dreams. As I briefly mentioned, I wish Mattel had called this doll a Pediatric Doctor, versus a Baby Doctor. Most children know the proper term. However there are children that attend check-ups at Family Physicians, so perhaps Mattel was attempting to be politically correct.
After observing the reaction of my 7-year-old (now 8) daughter toward this set, it is easy for me to highly recommend Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor and apply a 5 star rating. She enjoys setting up office for Barbie, complete with Skipper as receptionist, and booking a full day of visits for Barbie. Patients include the two babies in this set, the Happy Family, and various other Kelly dolls (especially the chicken pox one). Although Missy owns a different Barbie physician, this doll is the current doc of choice within Barbieville. During a recent session of Barbie play, I overheard a dialogue Marisa organized between Baby Doctor Barbie and Kelly. Kelly asked Dr. Barbie, “Can I be a Pediatrician?” to which Dr. Barbie replied, “Certainly, you can be anything you want to be!” Awe, how is that for positive playtime?! I appreciate that the attire of Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor is child friendly.
Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor arrives wearing purple pants, white sneakers, a white undershirt, and an adorable lab coat. The coat is pink with ditsy print that includes storks, sunshines, butterflies, and snails. On the left side of the coat is a nametag, “Dr. Barbie.” She is wearing pink earrings, has blonde tresses that are styled in an update manner (Front portion of hair has a side part with pomade like slick comb of hair toward back of head. Remaining tresses flow to mid-back length.), and has a calm accent of make-up. Overall she appears friendly, and serves as a superb compliment to the Happy Family series. Her right hand has a hole in it, allowing the included accessories to fit snug. In addition this set includes Two Babies, one adorned with a Blue Blanket & Cap, the other adorned with a Pink Blanket & Cap. Both infants have painted on, coordinating diapers.
Attention to detail in this set is good, Barbie, Babies, and accessories are durable, and children like play time fun with Happy Family Barbie Baby Doctor. As mentioned, I recommend this doll and accessories.
©2003 Lisa_J
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 16.99
Type of Toy: Playscene
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years
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Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
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Rest in Peace Barbara, you are missed.....
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