'Something I dreamed of as a little girl.' The reactions to Mattel's new Barbie with Down Syndrome.

Lo-and-behold — we have a new Barbie doll in our midst!

This week, the makers behind Barbie (AKA Mattel) launched the first Barbie doll 'with' Down syndrome. 

The doll was made in consultation with America's National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), which is the leading human rights organisation for all individuals with Down syndrome, situated in the US.

The people behind Mattel said they wanted to bring out the doll to "enable all children to see themselves in Barbie," this new launch is part of a wider line aiming to foster a sense of diversity and inclusivity.

And the new doll has certainly sparked a series of conversations.

Watch Madeline Stuart's story. Post continues below. 

NDSS said a lot of consultation had been done to ensure the doll accurately represented a person with Down syndrome.

The doll has a shorter frame and a longer torso, with "a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape," Mattel said. 

The doll's palms even include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome.

Even the finer details like the doll's outfit also are a nod, Mattel saying the doll's puff-sleeved dress pattern features butterflies and yellow and blue colours, which are symbols and colours associated with Down syndrome awareness.

The doll's pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons then represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. 

And the Barbie doll also has pink ankle foot orthotics, as some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles.

Kayla McKeon, is a self-advocate with Down syndrome. She said on Good Morning America that it was "incredible" to see this Barbie come to life.

"It showcases women with Down syndrome, and having a Barbie doll with Down syndrome is pivotal for representation today," she said. 

For British model Ellie Goldstein, she felt elated when asked to be the UK ambassador for the inclusive Barbie doll.

"I am so thrilled there are now Barbie dolls with Down syndrome. When I saw the doll I felt so emotional, and proud. It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with the doll and learn that everyone is different," she wrote on her Instagram.

"I am proud that Barbie chose me to show the dolls to the world. Diversity is important as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away, Barbie will help make this happen."

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Mattel said that a significant amount of consultation went into designing the doll alongside NDSS.

"NDSS's guidance and real-world experiences informed the design process from start to finish, including the doll's sculpt, clothing, accessories and packaging," Mattel said in a statement.

Interestingly, Mattel's head of design for Barbie, Kim Culmone, said that since taking on her role, one of the top requests from customers has been for a Down syndrome doll.

And NDSS' President and CEO, Kandi Pickard said: "This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating. This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them."

This is the latest doll released by Mattel, done in a bid to make its range more diverse. It comes following criticism that Barbie has struggled to represent real women, given the original doll's unrealistic body proportions. 

In recent years, Mattel has expanded its range, including more Barbies from various ethnic backgrounds, different body shapes and sizes, and also dolls with a hearing aid, a prosthetic limb or using a wheelchair.

Lisa McKnight, global head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel, said she hoped the new doll would help "teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world".

Ultimately, it's the comments from the community themselves that has the biggest impact.

One mum who has a daughter with Down syndrome wrote: "I'm so excited. I played with Barbies as a girl and now I'm so happy my daughter with Down syndrome, Ireleigh, will have one too!"

Some customers have rightly pointed out the need for the Barbie with Down syndrome, the Barbie in a wheelchair, the Barbie with a hearing aid — and any Barbie for that matter — to not all be white, but ethnically diverse as well. 

Darryl Steff is the Chief Executive Officer of Down Syndrome Australia. 

He said to Mamamia that this new Barbie doll contributes to better representation of the diverse society in which we live.  

"It is important for children, and their parents to see diversity in the toys they play with. We shouldn't underestimate the impact this can have on people's acceptance of diversity in the community," he explained. 

"We are pleased to see that Mattel had worked with the National Down Syndrome Society in the US to come up with the doll and that they have reflected many of the key characteristics of people with Down syndrome in the doll's design, as well as key colours and relevant details. Overall, the design is reflective of the characteristics of someone with Down syndrome, whilst keeping within Barbie's overall brand."

As another mum shared: "I have tears. As a mama of a kid with an extra chromosome, thank you for seeing the beauty that is reflected every day in kids like mine. Difference isn't scary, it's amazing!"

It's what Dutch content creator Enya said — known best by her Instagram handle @downsyndrome_queen — that has resonated big time.

"When I heard the happy news that Barbie would be launching this doll, I was shocked with joy. So many emotions went through me, this news is really fantastic," Enya said. "As a young girl, I spent days with my sister and friends playing with Barbie. We loved this so much, now there's a Barbie with Down Syndrome.. wow.. beyond amazing, something I dreamed of as a little girl."

The Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome will be available at Kmart, Target and Big W. It will be available for purchase from April 26 at $13.

Feature Image: Mattel/Instagram @elliejg16_zebedeemodel.

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