Mindy, If your doll is in excellent condition and in her original clothes, she could be worth $200+. All things considered, prices have dropped in this economy. However, mint dolls in original condition hold their value very well and might even realize more that a book value at auction. Thanks for your question.
I went to a local auction last night and bought a Vogue Baby Dear with the topknot for $5.00. Do you know where I could find a picture of the original clothes and what the "hair" looked like? The doll I bought is in very good condition. No bite marks, no damage to skin. No tears in the cloth body. I'd love to find out what the original clothes and doll looked like. She's the 18" doll.
Congratulations on finding a nice doll for $5.00!! I would recommend the book, "Collector's Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls" by Judith Izen & Carol Stover (I have the first edition, but I think there is a newer version that you can get on Amazon.com). On pages 262-267 you will find lovely color photos of Baby Dear and her outfits. The doll pictured above does have her original dress. I have also had a doll with the footed "nighty night" two piece flannel pjs. I am always looking for these outfits at yard sales and flea markets and haven't had much luck in finding any. You might try eBay or local doll shows. Hope you have better luck. Thanks for your comment.
The baby dear doll is one of the dolls my mom had when she was young, and the doll I'd been dying to have but my mom wouldn't allow me, she kept on saying “when your old, dear”, time came that I understood why my mom took good care of the doll. It's not only a gift she got from my grandmother, it's also a collectors item. When I got married and had my own dauhgter my mom gave me “baby dear”. I was so excited. It's an heirloom that I will pass to my daughter someday. And I bought my doll her own crib at
http://www.mydollfurniture.com/baby-doll-furniture-doll-cradles-bassinets.html 'baby dear” has her own comfy and cozy cradle.Thanks for this blog entry.
I have this doll. I received it when I was a year old. I thought is was a real baby boy. Everyone in my family, especially my grandfather treated it as such. I cut all the hair off. I still think of it as a real baby. When I talk about him, I think of him as an actual baby. When my son was born, everyone said that he even looked like my doll.
My sisters had Baby Dear dolls as children. There was not much left of them by the time I came along, but I do remember them.
My 2 1/2 year old daughter loves the Golden Book Baby Dear story. Am looking for an actual Baby Dear in good condition for her to play with so, I can't pay $200. as this doll will probably be toted everywhere. Have looked on e-bay, but the one I was interested in was 200+. Do you know of a look alike doll?
Hi Jayne, I have the doll you are looking for. Have kept it in my closet for the past 35 years. She is in excellent condition since she has been tucked away for so long. As a little girl, I called her "Babe" (very original, I know!) I always handled her gently since I used to pretend she was an orphan left on my doorstep! Anyway, I took her out of my closet the other day since I am in the process of moving. I had no idea she was such an original! A friend told me to research her on the internet after seeing her little tag on the back. I did so, and got here. I would love to find a good home for her. Let me know if you are still interested...
Hi Leslie,
I happened to find this website and saw your comments regarding "Baby Dear" doll. I have been looking to replace mine that was destroyed by my abusive step-father when I was 8 years old. I loved that doll so much, and, here it is 50 years later, and, I still miss her. If you still have her, I would be very interested in giving her a "good home".
My Baby Dear, was the original 1960, with the top knot on her head. She was dressed in a white with pink flowers, short sleeved layette set.
I hope to hear from you, either way.
Have a happy New Year
Debbi
I HAVE A BABY DEAR LOOK ALIKE DOLL I'VE HAD SINCE 1962, I BOUGHT HER WITH MY ALLOWANCE. SHE HAS NO HAIR, BLACK EYES AND PRETTY PINK LIPS. SHE HAS THE CLOTH BODY(NO TEARS OR REPAIRS) WITH PLASTIC HEAD,ARMS AND LEGS. I'D SAY SHE'S IN GOOD COND. I MADE HER A PRETTY BABY BLUE AND WHITE VINTAGE EYELET OUTFIT WHICH INCLUDES A BONNET, DRESS, PANTALOONS. OUTFIT IS TRIMMED WITH TINY RED ROSES. NO BAD SMELLS.SHE'S ADORABLE TO ME,BUT I MUST DOWNSIZE DUE TO MY TINY APT. I'M ONLY ASKING $35.00 PLUS $15.00 SHIPPING EXPENSE.
do you still have your doll? If so can you send me a photo and her measurements? Thanks v~ My look alike was made by Plastic MoUld co dated 1961 ( back of her head under her wig
If Vonnie Wallace will leave a email address I will send her a picture and measurements. Belinda Thomas
My email is bjthomas51@gmail.com--write me with your email and I will send picture and info on Baby Dear Look-A-Like Doll.
Yes, I still have my doll. I'm going to try to send some pics to you. She measures 18" long. My doll is made by alter(that's what's printed on the back of her head) I 've only seen one like her and she had hair like the baby dear with hair. I tried to send a pic, but couldn't. If you really want one, I'll send one if you'll send your email to me. Sorry I tried.
The first version of Baby Dear had a topknot (few strands) that was glued on. Glue was not satisfactory so they changed to a full head of rooted hair. I saw one of these dolls recently at an antique shop. She was in fair condition and did not have her original outfit. Price tag $125.00!! Have you tried finding one on eBay?
I had a Baby Dear One doll in the early 70s. I've been looking to find one again. She was the reintroduced version (I think) because she had the crier. I remember her rooted hair being kind of auburn. Her eyes were a grayish/hazel color. If anyone has any info on where I can find one, please let me know! My sister and I both had one and called them our "big fat babies"! Thanks!
I loved my Baby Dear that my parents gave me at Christmas 1964 when I was 2. She's 18" and marked 1964 with the sound of a cry when you turned her over. It's no longer working though.
I have her in the pink and white pajamas and am looking for clothes. Will research some more. She has the prettied face yet, as the photos I've seen on-line and above are sort of squished and chubby and look a bit constipated! Some look down right mad.
My baby's face is happy and proportioned nicely. She has blue eyes and all her lashes. Her hair is the only thing not so nice, it's matted and clumped a bit. Can I wash it gently with Woolite? Please advise if you can. I cleaned her up lightly to give to a friend for her daughter, but want some other goodies to go with her.
I have been looking for a 1960's Baby Dear 1 year old doll that had long blonde hair, blue overalls and a blue and white striped shirt. She looked more like a toddler doll , at least 24 inches tall. White high top shoes. I believe she was Vogue made. Anyone knowing of this model please let me know. My family was a military family that moved many times and she of course did get lost in one of those moves. Thanks ,Beth Cowardin in Florida
Hello. I purchased my first Baby Dear about 4 weeks ago. She is 18 inch, rooted hair from early 60's. Really like her so I purchased two more Baby Dears that are TLC dolls from the same seller. these dolls are very much "project dolls TLC" New bodies need to be made, but the heads and limbs are all good. My question is: After 1964 when Vogue changed the face of the Baby Dear, did Vogue also change the clenched fists (hidden pointer finger) , arms and legs along with any difference in the toes? I wanted to keep the doll as original as I could, but I noticed that you can buy a 1965 Baby dear 18 inch for very little. If all parts remained the same, then could I just replace the heads? giving the 1965 Baby Dear a 1963 face? Anybody out there that knows the vinyl limbs on these two different year dolls, I would appreciate your advice. I am still in favor of my replacement of the body only so the leg will be marked Wilkins. Also is the vinyl the same thickness and make-up in the two dolls. Thank you Cathy
Hi Cathy, I was reading in a vogue book written by Mrs. Wilkins daughter today that says the original Baby Dear doll was made until 1968, that was real surprising to me. In addition to the original, they started the new face in 1964. I purchased a 12" brown haired doll on ebay recently and had to return her since she was stained, etc. I wouldn't recommend them at all based on the quality of that doll and I wouldn't want to innerchange parts at all. the older ones are thicker and durable. I think Vogue let their standards slip. They used the original limbs Mrs. Wilkins designed for a while and then stopped, but I'm not sure exactly when. Hope this helps a little and good luck. B. Thomas
Thank you so much for the reply. I just saw your e-mail today Janauary of 2011. I went with my first idea and made two very nice cotton bodies out of 300 count light pink sheets using one of the bodies for a pattern. Taking in to account that they would be stuffed and making sure the crouch would be correct and not split open. I had to purchase a small hand held sewing machine to get inside of the limbs and then used fabric tack for the fold-over. Purchased doll blush to give life to the cheeks again and used a small amount of blush on the limbs. At this point they were my creations so I went with lots of color. Topping them off were two new doll wigs that were wispy newborn style. I then cut the wigs slightly on both sides of forehead to give the point look to the front. Fabric tack was used as my choice for glueing the wigs and all went well. I smile when I look at these two "new" dolls that were headed for the trash and now saved. One was given a new sunsuit (vintage) from a newborn and the other I gave the long gown with lots of lace and bonnet. Happy!!
I have my original Baby Dear, never taken her hat off or her clothes. Musical and still plays the music and head moves. I got her as a little girl in the 1960's - we called her little "Thumbellina" as I had the original Thumbellina and still do. I may consider selling the Baby Dear. If anyone is interested I can send pictures and such. I had never thought about selling her, but I have no one to leave her to that would care about her and after almost 50 years I would like to see her get a good home.
I was lucky enough to find one of the baby dear dolls that was a prototype doll of the creator Eloise Wilkin. There were three of them, it took me two years to find her. It was in Miss wilkins family for years, until it was sold after her death . I bought this doll from a doll estate. I always wanted one when I was little back in the 1960's , but my parents couldn't find one, they were sold out because they were so popular. I now own three, I bought my first two on ebay, and after much searching found the prototype baby dear. I just love them!
I have an 18 inch Baby dear in great condition in her little diaper and carters side snap undershirt. I think I have her rose bud bed jacket. It is not marked fits her perfect and looks like the original. Is there any way to tell. Does anyone have the original in a photo to compare. I got the jacket in an ebay auction of a lot of vintage doll clothes. I saw it in the pile and hoped no one else saw it. I got the lot for $5.
I have a doll that is marked "alter 1961" on the back of her neck. I received her as a Christmas present as a child. At that time there was also a boy doll that I wanted so bad, but Santa couldn't afford both (maybe her twin?)
She looks like the Vogue Baby Dear doll. Can you tell me anything about these dolls?d Thanks for your help.
I have looked everywhere for a 16 or 18" Vogue Baby Dear in really good condition, if she had her original clothes that would be a bonus. It is for my 17 year old daughter who left for college last week and I know she is a bit nervous and lonely for home. I had Baby Dear when I was a little girl and have shown her photos of her and she just loves her. I would love to surprise her. If anyone knows of anyone who has one or a place besides Ebay where I could find one, I would be so very appreciative. I check Ebay every day.
Thanks so very much everyone and good luck in your searches for your little cuties.
I still have my beloved Baby Dear that I received in what must have been 1961, because she had a full head of rooted hair. Unfortunately, too many loving washings of her hair by me as a a child, as well as some years spent in my mother's hot attic, have resulted in almost nothing left of her hair except an inch or so of her topknot! I have heard of being able to get doll hair "re-rooted" at "doll hospitals". Anyone know anything about this? (I'm not a doll collector, so I'm a bit ignorant about these matters!)
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The Vogue Doll Company introduced a vinyl and cloth baby doll in 1960, named Baby Dear. She was designed and signed on her left leg by the famed children's illustrator, Eloise Wilkin. Mrs. Wilkin had been illustrating children's books since 1944, many from the Golden Books Series. The first doll was 18" tall and had a topknot of hair on her head. The dolls were designed to resemble a one month old baby. Her vinyl face, hands and feet were amazingly realistic and her very soft, floppy body was cloth. One of her outfits was actually manufactured by Carter's (very well known producer of quality baby clothes). In 1961 Vogue changed the doll to have a full head of rooted hair. This version of Baby Dear was produced until 1964. In each of the early years they added a few different outfits fastened with the typical Vogue "star" snap. Not all the outfits were tagged, however the dolls themselves, were tagged on the back of the neck with a blue lettered "Vogue Dolls, Inc." cloth tag. The dolls came in 12" and 18" sizes and in 1962 Vogue added a Moving Musical version. The Baby Dear dolls were so popular that many other doll companies manufactured very similar versions. I have noticed that these very sweet dolls are continuing to demand rather high prices on eBay!