Mattel, the makers of Barbie, has introduced its first-ever doll with scoliosis. The toy company launched its new Chelsea doll, who is Barbie’s little sister, with a curved spine and a removable back brace. Mattel worked closely with a specialist in children’s complex spinal disorders to develop the doll. We can’t currently find the doll in stock in the UK but you may find it on eBay or Amazon.

Amelia was diagnosed with infantile idiopathic scoliosis just before her 2nd birthday. We had noticed the top of her rib cage seemed to stick out more on the left side than the right. After seeing the GP and a private consultant we were referred to The Scottish National Spine Service at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. Her consultant explained that at Amelia’s age some patients have a resolving type of curve which improves with age, whilst others have a curve which can progress, requiring treatment. Amelia was required to go for an MRI scan which came back clear and was asked to attend a further X-ray in four months’ time, which would determine whether she would require treatment or not. The X-ray showed that Amelia’s scoliosis had deteriorated and that she would require treatment in the form of bracing for 20 hours per day until she stops growing.

Amelia was cast for her brace under general anaesthetic then within about 3 weeks she received her first brace. We were required to gradually build the brace time up over the course of a few weeks. We introduced the brace as Amelia’s special or magic vest that was going to help her grow big and strong.

We were worried about how Amelia would cope wearing the brace and it was hard being the one strapping her into it, wishing she didn’t need to wear it but knowing she had to. Looking back, I do think it was harder on us as parents than it was on her because, unbelievably, she didn’t complain once. The hospital put us in touch with another family whose child was a similar age to Amelia but had been wearing his brace about a year at this point. Chatting with them reassured us and helped us to see how Amelia’s future might look.

Two years down the line and in brace X-rays show that Amelia’s curve has more than halved in size. We are extremely compliant with the brace and most days she has it on for more than 20 hours. Amelia will never remember a time where she didn’t wear her brace and she has adapted really well to wearing it. It does not stop her from doing anything. Amelia is very active and her brace can be removed to allow her to take part in her gymnastics, swimming, and dancing classes which she loves attending. For the time being our experience of bracing has been very positive but we are aware of how things can change with growth spurts and how Amelia’s views of her brace may change as she gets older. Currently she is very proud of her brace and shows it off to all of her friends and teachers at nursery.

After seeing the Barbie Chelsea doll on the news, we purchased one for Amelia and she loves having a doll that wears a brace just like her. We also got her a soft toy with a hard brace the exact same as hers from Higgy Bears online. She was ecstatic to see the brace has the same pattern as hers and she couldn’t wait to show it to her friends. I think it is important to have dolls/toys that are inclusive and represent everyone and I am pleased that this is something that we are beginning to see a lot more of.

We are so proud of Amelia and how she copes with her brace. Her positive attitude really is inspirational. Her wonderful consultant and amazing orthotist have been fantastic with Amelia, and we can’t thank them both enough.