Make your own weighted doll (Instructions)

We created this short Instagram Reel to show you how easy it is to make a weighted baby doll.  Trigger Warning you will see an unassembled doll.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Center For Babywearing Studies (@centerforbwstudies)

Here are some general steps you can follow to make your own weighted demo doll for babywearing consultations: Be as creative with this as you like!

1. Gather materials: You'll need a doll or stuffed animal approximately the same size and weight as a newborn or young infant and materials to use as the weight. Some options for weight include rice, beans, or small pellets, which can be placed in a small bag or pouch. You'll also need a sewing kit and other materials to attach the weights to the doll or stuffed animal. We like this dolls JC Dolls, they are in expensive, a good size and come in different ethnicities. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074B1MPHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4VAZMB9DXVM0XHN99WSE?redirectFromSmile=1&th=1 
2. Determine the weight you want to achieve: It is important to ensure that the weighted demo doll is similar to an actual newborn or young infant so that it accurately represents the weight and feel of a real baby when worn in a carrier. You can use a kitchen scale to determine your doll's or stuffed animal's weight and then add weights until it is approximately the same weight as a newborn or young infant. However, since live newborns move and adjust themselves they hold a portion of their own weight. Your doll will feel more realistic if it is about a half pound to full pound lighter than your intended target. ie. you want to simulate a 7lb baby, then you will weight the demo doll to 6.5 lbs. 
3. Attach the weights to the doll or stuffed animal: You can secure the weight to the doll or stuffed animal. One option is to sew small pouches filled with weight directly  into the doll or stuffed animal, simply remove some of the stuffing and add the pouch, and stick back up. Another option is to use velcro or other fasteners to attach the weights to the doll or stuffed animal. A pocket style cloth diaper is an easy way to add weight to the baby's bum area. Ensure the weights are evenly distributed and don't cause the doll or stuffed animal to become too top-heavy. You want weight in the baby's head, but not too much that it becomes unrealistic. 
4. Test the weighted demo doll: Once you have added the weight to the doll or stuffed animal, it's important to ensure that it accurately represents the feel of a real baby when worn in a carrier. You can do this by wearing the demo doll in various carriers and asking others to hold the doll/stuffed animal and provide you feedback. Adjust the weight and the distribution of the weight until it feels comfortable and natural to carry.
5. Use the weighted demo doll in your consultations: Once you've completed the above steps, you can use your weighted demo doll in your babywearing consultations to help demonstrate different carrying positions and techniques to clients. You can also use it to help clients get a sense of the weight and feel of a real baby when worn in a carrier, which can help them make an informed decision about which carrier is right for them.

Have fun making your demo baby's!