Mattel, the company behind the iconic Barbie doll, has made history by introducing its first Chelsea doll with scoliosis. The 6 inch (15cm) doll will feature a curvature of the spine and a removable back brace, aimed at normalizing the equipment and encouraging children to celebrate inclusion.

The team at Mattel worked closely with Dr. Luke Macyszyn, a board-certified neurosurgeon and specialist in children’s complex spinal disorders, to ensure that the design of the doll accurately reflected the reality of scoliosis. The doll wears a pink dress, white shoes, and has brown hair styled in waves, with a green removable back brace.

Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said, “We believe in the power of representation and are committed to creating dolls in a variety of looks so that kids can see themselves in Barbie – and now in a line celebrating Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea.”

“We’re proud to launch the first-ever Chelsea doll with a removable back brace to continue to be more reflective of the world kids see around them,” McKnight added. “Our Chelsea line provides infinitely more ways to spark storytelling, all while providing kids with a way to develop their empathy and social processing skills through doll play.”

The introduction of the scoliosis doll is a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and representation in the toy industry. Mattel’s commitment to creating dolls that accurately reflect the diverse world children see around them will help to break down barriers and promote a positive message of acceptance and self-love.