cabbage patch preemies

kamcfarlane

ok, first off, i have to admit that my sister and i were obsessed with cabbage patch kids. in fact, one time we actually packed our 12 cabbage patch kids for an overnight at grandma's instead of packing clothes because we couldn't bear to leave anyone behind.

i've been thinking about it lately (as i consider when ryan will be old enough to play with my CPKs), and i'm disappointed that they make "preemies". they are the same as the other kids, just smaller and cuter. i feel like this is just promoting the whole notion that preemies are just tiny babies.

probably completely ridiculous, but i sent an email to CPK telling them that i love their product, but that i am disappointed in their preemie product. i told them that a true preemie doll should come with a CPAP, feeding tube, and monitor. and that i felt their product was perpetuating the myth that preemies are just tiny babies and unintentionally making it more difficult for preemie parents to overcome that.

apparently i'm just in the mood for sharing my opinion with unexpecting corporations today.

dmblack

I've got a totally different viewpoint on this.  Actually their newborn is closer to the size of my DD when she was born.  The preemie is actually bigger than the newborn CPK.  Just and FYI.  I bought the newborn for my DD because it was a smaller doll and it was closer to the size she was when she was born.  I guess I haven't taken it offensively that their preemie line is promoting that preemies are just tiny babies. 

 I had wanted to buy one of the Preemie dolls (remember me preemie) that other ladies on here have but didn't want to spend $100+ to get something that showed the size of my DD when she was born.  The CPK newborn (not preemie) is the same size of my DD when she was born.  Just my 2 cents.

philschrek

Just wondering if you ever got a response from the company.

Kimmie0270

Interesting thoughts about the doll.  I never really thought about it like that before.  Did they ever answer you?

pmkmp

I was JUST talking about this other day!  I find it extremely ironic that out of my 3 CPK dolls, my preemie boy one was my favorite.  Amongst my friends you were very cool if you had a preemie and we thought that of the real world too.  We had no idea!  I do think it does send a conflicting message to kids, but I think as they get older they realize the truth.

RubyRed7

I bought one for Ruby for her first Christmas. I thought it would be a great way to talk about her being a preemie when she is a little older, a conversation starter so to speak. So for me personally, I'm glad they make it. That being said, I agree that most children would not understand what a preemie is, and it's up to parents to educate them. I agree with you that I don't want "preemies" to be glorified in any way...

Another example, Cabbage Patch also made a Special Needs doll. I feel the same way about that. I wouldn't want kids to be buying it without their parents having a coversation about it, but I appreciate having the option, as I'm sure I would if I had a child who could personally relate to this doll...

kamcfarlane

no response yet - i just sent it this am.

rubyred - great idea buying one for ruby! that's a great way to start the conversation! i hadn't even thought of that. and i had no idea about the special needs CPK. it's an interesting idea...

i definitely see both sides to this. i mostly just wanted to make sure they realized that the doll may have some negative implications as well.

RubyRed7

And I agree with you. I know the Special Needs doll was done in collaboration  the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization that promotes accessible play for children with disabilities and gave some info on the box. I think something like this would be helpful to the preemie dolls so there is an educational component to the doll itself... Let us know if you ever hear back from them!

southphilly

I'm with the original poster-I was just thinking about this the other day.  It's pretty offensive to me as I feel like I'm constantly encountering people who think that preemies are just minature ft babies.  rather they are criticially ill (hence nicu) potentially facing a lifetime of hurdles.  I find preemie glorification underinformed and misguided. 

crystalpopcorn

I guess I don't find it offensive.  I had eight CPK as a kid.  I still have them, and all of their clothes!  Two of the eight were preemies.  I didn't think anything about it as a kid, and honestly don't think much about it now.

I am curious to hear what CPK says though!

TriciaJoy

I think if they came with some medical equipment, I'd be fine with it. but I do think they sort of glorify "oh how cute and tiny" notions.

RubyRed7

Where is my Reflux Preemie???

RubyRed7

PS. If you order from the Cabbage Patch website you can personalize the dolls name and birthday for $3.

AFwife1106

What I found completely out of line was the reborn dolls.. they make a preemie one.  I googled something like "28 week preemie" when I was in the hospital to find more information about what we could expect and found a link to those dolls.  I think the full term ones are creepy, but to see a 24 week preemie doll was weird.. I almost emailed ebay to report it as offensive.  

lstaylor73

RubyRed7:

Where is my Reflux Preemie???

 Yeah, I need two of them.  Do they actually puke whenever you lay them down?  Now that would be worth getting.  LOL!

*KatieH*

lstaylor73:

RubyRed7:

Where is my Reflux Preemie???

 Yeah, I need two of them.  Do they actually puke whenever you lay them down?  Now that would be worth getting.  LOL!

lol NO NO NO no more puke!  

mommamorris

i agree... idon't think i'd write the letter- but i applaud your zeal!

i think there should be a tv show about a nicu. (don't steal my idea, ok guys? haha!) people definitely don't get it... my husband's command and coworkers definitely didn't.. i think anything to show the real side of preemieness is a plus.

 

btw, my mil made a doll for wren that is the same size she was when she was born... (she found a pattern online that you enlarge based on weight.) i saved lots of wren's nicu stuff (cpap hats, clothes, blood pressure cuffs etc.) for her to play with when she's older.