Lottie doll launched to steer girls away from sexualised Barbie type toysIan Harkin

A new doll has been launched in the hope her wholesome image and realistic body shape will help steer young girls away from more sexualised products like Barbie or Bratz.

Entrepreneur Ian Harkin, 38, of Battersea, London, first launched the Lottie doll in August, and it has since gone on to win eight awards.

The doll went into production after Mr Harkin carried out research and focus groups with parents, nutritionists and child psychologists.

Lottie has a body shape based on the dimensions of an average nine-year-old girl, and is flat chested and slightly smaller than other 'fashion' dolls such as Barbie.

Mr Harkin says he was inspired to create Lottie after he read a report by nutritionist Dr Margaret Ashwell who said the current dolls available could have a negative impact on girls perception of body image.

Lottie's clothes reflect her interests, which include ballet, horse riding, and the great outdoors.

Speaking to his local newspaper, Ian Harkin said his research found that mums and dads felt their children were 'growing old too fast'. Lottie he says, is just a 'normal girl'.

"She is not going to nightclubs and driving around with boys, she is playing outdoors using her imagination."

Before creating Lottie with his colleague Lucie Follett, Ian's company made Kate and William royal wedding dolls. He spent 18 months planning the Lottie doll, and intends to launch six more dolls into the range next year.

The dolls are priced at £16.99, and have reportedly had the celebrity thumbs up from mums Amanda Holden and JK Rowling.

We're reminded of The Simpsons' episode - Lisa v Malibu Stacy.

More on Parentdish:

Is Sindy a better role model than Barbie?

Tattoo Barbie: Whatever happened to the simple joys of Tiny Tears?


Would you buy this doll for your kids?

Christmas gifts for tween girls

  • <p> H&amp;M cardigan, &pound;12.99, from <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/" target="_blank">Hm.com/gb</a>&nbsp;or H&amp;M stores nationwide.</p> <p> H&amp;M have a good selection of pretty and affordable clothes for pre-teens this year. She might like this knitted angora/cotton/viscose/polyamide cardigan with buttons at the front and elbow patches. Available in cerise, purple, dark orange or grey marl, and in a wide variety of sizes, including 10 - 12 years.</p>
  • <p> Red&nbsp;by Taylor Swift,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>&pound;8.99, from <a href="http://www.play.com/" target="_blank">Play.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/&amp;tag=aolpdishedit-21 " target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p> The fourth album from Taylor Swift, the 22-year-old US songwriter who started out as a country singer. Described as &lsquo;America&rsquo;s sweetheart&rsquo;, she has based a lot of her songs on her own teenage experiences of friendship and love. Will inspire any tween who&rsquo;s learning to play the guitar.</p>
  • <p> Lush Christmas collection, Stardust, &pound;26.95, from <a href="http://www.lush.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lush.co.uk</a>&nbsp;or stores nationwide</p> <p> Brilliant treats from Lush this festive season include a pink sparkly star containing everything she&rsquo;ll want to be a Christmas fairy - Candy Mountain bubble bar, a reusable bubble bar Magic Wand, Snow Fairy shower gel, Party Popper bath ballistic, Shimmy Shimmy massage bar and Snow Globe soap.</p> <p> </p>
  • <p> Lanky Cat Ziggy, &pound;10.25, from <a href="http://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wickeduncle.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> A small, floppy, cuddly black cat that&rsquo;s 12&rdquo; long when stretched out from nose to tail, but small enough and skinny enough to fit in a small bag. For those moments when you need a mascot, a friend&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp; or a bit of assistance with spells&hellip;</p>
  • <p> The Apothecary by Maile Meloy, &pound;6.99, Andersen Press, &pound;4.83 from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/&amp;tag=aolpdishedit-21 " target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p> Part fantasy, part thriller, The Apothecary is set in post-war London. Janie, from Los Angeles, comes to London where she meets Benjamin, who dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin&rsquo;s father, the mysterious apothecary, is kidnapped, he entrusts the two new friends with his sacred book, full of ancient spells and magical potions&hellip;</p>
  • <p> Warm hat, &pound;12, from <a href="http://uk.monsoon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Monsoon.co.uk.</a></p> <div> Lovely selection of hats, scarves and gloves from Monsoon this winter to keep her well wrapped-up against icy cold weather. This gorgeous floral-patterned knit, with pom pom detail, has a matching scarf available, and is made from a blend that includes wool and angora. Hand wash.</div> <div> </div>
  • <p> Cupcake Kit, &pound;12.99, from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.firebox.com/" target="_blank">Firebox.com</a>.</p> <p> There&rsquo;s really nothing a cupcake can&rsquo;t fix, from a broken friendship to a sad Sunday afternoon. And who knows? If she gets really good at it, she might get her own TV show&hellip;Here&rsquo;s everything she needs to get going &nbsp;-14 recipes, 250 pretty&nbsp; cupcake liners, and a pastry&nbsp;bag and piping nozzles&nbsp;to create wonderful icing effects<strong>.</strong></p>
  • <p> Miyuki Drop and Swarovski Memory Wire Bracelet Kits, &pound;8.50 each, from <a href="http://www.thebeadshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">Thebeadshop.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> From the inspiring website of the Manchester family business, The Bead Shop, these kits feature Miyuki drops and Swarovski beads in shades of gold, platinum, green or amethyst in a mixture of crystals, pearls and metallic. Full instructions are included, but The Bead Shop recommends that you also buy a neat Wire Cutter,&nbsp;&pound;10, to make the job easier.</p>
  • <p> Woolly White Heart Hottie, &pound;9,95, from <a href="http://www.dotcomgiftshop.com/" target="_blank">Dotcomgiftshop.com.</a></p> <p> For toasty toes on cold winter nights, pullover-style hot water bottle cover&nbsp;-&nbsp; red, with a knitted white heart&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp; with a British standard hot water bottle inside.&nbsp; Other styles include a British union jack or a red and white spotted heart on a grey background.</p>
  • <p> Twister Dance,&nbsp;Hasbro, &pound;26.99, or &pound;19.79 from <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Home.htm" target="_blank">Argos.co.uk.</a></p> <p> A brand-new dance game that helps you learn the moves by following the lights from the Twister Dance console. Three different levels&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp; Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. And you can plug in your own music via your MP3 player to keep the party going.</p> <p> </p>