8-inch Caring For Baby Doll Review

We’ve put together the ultimate resource guide for the 8-inch American Girl® baby doll. This doll was released as part of the Truly Me line, in an accessory set called Caring for Baby™ Set. Since its release, this mini baby doll has won the hearts of many American Girl® fans and has recently been rebranded Little Bitty Baby. We’ll be giving you an overview of the doll’s features, a comparison to other similar dolls, as well as some project ideas.

 

About the American Girl® Caring for Baby Set 

[Image and description from the American Girl website] Along with the 8-inch baby doll, the Caring for Baby Set comes with a lot of fun accessories. The baby comes dressed in a top, footed pants, and a bow headband. For mealtime, the set includes a high chair, bib, bowl with food, spoon, and a bottle. For changing time, you’ll find two diapers, a wipe case, and a changing mat. There is currently just one version of the set available, which includes a light skinned baby with dark brown hair and brown eyes. The set was released in spring 2021, and as of September 2021 is still available at American Girl®. In 2024, they released a new collection of Little Bitty Baby items and dolls. 

American Girl® 8-inch Baby Doll Features 

  • Vinyl head and body 
  • Rotating arms, legs, and head 
  • Painted face, eyes, and hair 
  • Similar face and limb molds to the 15-inch American Girl® Bitty Baby® Dolls

 

American Girl® 8-inch Baby Doll Compared to Other Dolls 

Perfectly Cute 8" My Lil' Baby Doll (sold at Target) 

My Sweet Love Mini Soft Baby Doll (sold at Walmart) 

Madame Alexander Little Cuties Baby Doll (Sold at Amazon)

There are a few similarly sized baby dolls currently available on the market. The biggest differences between the American Girl® 8-inch baby and these alternatives are the facial features and the body material. The American Girl® 8-inch baby is the only one with a poseable vinyl body. This is also a unique feature compared to other mini baby dolls that American Girl® has previously produced, such as Baby Polly (part of Felicity’s collection) and the Baby and Stroller Set available from 2005-2007, which both had cloth bodies. While the vinyl body makes the doll less cuddly, it allows for lots of adorable posing alongside 18-inch dolls! 

Post update (Thanks Teena!) Target sells an all-vinyl version of the 8" baby in a boxed set with a tub and hooded bath towel for $15, in addition to the cloth-body versions that are $4. Perfectly Cute 8" Baby Doll 

Another doll worth comparing to the American Girl® 8-inch baby is the Disney nuiMOs©. While these plush character dolls are not comparable to the baby dolls themselves, it turns out that the collection of nuiMOs© outfits can fit the American Girl® 8-inch baby fairly well. 

 

The Ultimate Pattern Collection for American Girl® 8-inch Baby Doll 

The Pixie Faire Pattern Collection is always growing, and new patterns for the American Girl® 8-inch Baby Doll are currently in the works!

Since the 8-inch baby is around half the height of the 15-inch Bitty Baby®, we have a trick for converting accessory patterns that are designed for the 15-inch Bitty Baby® into a nice size for the 8-inch baby! When printing the pattern, simply select 50% scaling. For instance, the My Baby Sitter 15" Baby Doll Accessory pattern scaled down to 50% for printing works great for the 8-inch baby! Just remember to rescale the 1/4" seam allowance to the appropriate width after printing the pattern at 50% since it will be scaled down to a narrower width.

 

Another accessory pattern to try for your 8-inch baby is the My Sunshine Dolls Baby Carrier Pattern. The infant carrier in this pattern also fits the 8-inch baby doll, and can be worn by an 18-inch doll! 

For clothing patterns, the 50% scaling trick doesn’t produce the perfect fit, so keep an eye out for more patterns designed for the 8-inch baby coming soon.

We tested the 123 Mulberry St Basic Playsuit scaled at 50%, and compared it to a redesigned version adapted to fit the 8-inch baby more precisely. The Basic Playsuit pattern designed specifically for the 8-inch baby has a much better fit!

We have a growing collection of patterns designed specifically for the 8-inch baby doll. Be sure to take a peek at the full collection of Patterns Designed to fit the 8-inch Baby Doll today!




 

We’d love to hear from you.  Please leave a comment and tell us: What is baby accessory or clothing item should we make a pattern for?

 (This post and giveaway are not endorsed or affiliated with Mattel® or American Girl®, no endorsement implied.) 


100 Comments

Charlotte
Charlotte

September 24, 2021

Vintage inspired baby clothes, swimwear, or Halloween costumes

Judy Beasley
Judy Beasley

September 24, 2021

I have been thinking that the American Girl needed a doll to play with. I have some of the old patterns for 8" doll’s that you used to order out of the newspaper. I would like to see a complete layered for her.

Bonnie Rexroad
Bonnie Rexroad

September 24, 2021

This cute little doll opens up all kinds of possibilities such as onesies, soft toys, play outfits, baby gowns and bedding. Looking forward to all the creative ideas.

Judy Beasley
Judy Beasley

September 24, 2021

I have been thinking that the American Girl needed a doll to play with. I have some of the old patterns for 8" doll’s thatyou

Judy Beasley
Judy Beasley

September 24, 2021

I have been thinking that the American Girl needed a doll to play with. I have some of the old patterns for 8" doll’s thatyou

Marilyn Higgins
Marilyn Higgins

September 24, 2021

I think a pattern for a complete layette, baby carrier, diaper cover, and diaper bag would be nice.

Cindy
Cindy

September 24, 2021

A bunny or bear outfit would be so cute!

Kylie
Kylie

September 24, 2021

I’d like to see a pattern for a play mat and a onesie pattern!

Zandra
Zandra

September 24, 2021

A beach outfit with matching bucket hat would be adorable.

designdreamer
designdreamer

September 24, 2021

A onsie seems like a no-brainer.

Jan S
Jan S

September 24, 2021

I would like to see a swimsuit, a bag,and flip flops for the beach!

Helena
Helena

September 24, 2021

I left a comment that I’d like to see a carrier, I meant not a bag carrier, but a kangaroo type carrier.

Renee B
Renee B

September 24, 2021

Babies need so many things to wear! Footed Onesie Sleeper, undershirts, diapers, Sweet little dresses with matching bonnet and panties, T-shirts with long & short sleeves, long pants. Don’t forget it gets cold so, hooded jacket with zipper and a dress coat with matching leggings and bonnet. Diaper bag with pockets, burp pads, blankets, etc. The list is long. A baby in the house really changes things!

Kelly
Kelly

September 24, 2021

Stuffed animal patterns would be great to see.
I do find it very strange to see the 18in dolls, that are supposed to represent young girls 8-10 years old, strapped to a baby. The baby dolls are great on their own, why the strange mother pics?

Linda
Linda

September 24, 2021

In the words of my 7-year-old grandson, “She’s so cute!”

Helena
Helena

September 24, 2021

Thank you for the giveaway! I’d love to see a pattern of a carrier.

Winter
Winter

September 24, 2021

She’s darling! I’d love to see a pattern for a traditional baby layette; gown, kimono shirt, footed sleeper, bonnet . . .

Brook
Brook

September 24, 2021

What a cute new doll! I only wish she had a cloth body.

Doreen McCall
Doreen McCall

September 24, 2021

A layette set including a gown with drawstring bottom, receiving blanket, burp cloth, bib and t shirt.

Rita
Rita

September 24, 2021

I think a onesie or a footed sleeper would be great.

Sonia Leach
Sonia Leach

September 24, 2021

Since the nuiMOs pants always fit as shorts, I would like to see patterns for bottoms.

Maatje
Maatje

September 24, 2021

I would like a pattern of a baby carrier or car seat suit

Cath
Cath

September 24, 2021

I’m sure you will have plenty of great suggestions for sewn clothing and accessories, so I will go to the knitted items. I LOVE baby sweaters and knit bonnets with cool knitted details in them. And of course, baby needs a pretty baby blanket with some yummy, textured stitch that lends interest to the item. Thanks so much for the freebies and the opportunities to win.

Kathryn
Kathryn

September 24, 2021

So cute!! How about a christening gown for her/his special day.

Sage
Sage

September 24, 2021

A full body footed sleeper would be adorable! With little ruffles on the bum!

Jacque
Jacque

September 24, 2021

Baby fashions from the 1950s.

Maria
Maria

September 24, 2021

An heirloom night dress with a drawstring bottom and a matching bonnet.

Michele
Michele

September 24, 2021

I’d like to see patterns for baby hats, knitted or sewn!

Mary
Mary

September 24, 2021

A little onsie.

Julie Corbin
Julie Corbin

September 24, 2021

Halloween costume! Especially a coordinated one for the 18” dolls!

terry landis
terry landis

September 24, 2021

sunny day dress and matching sun hat, would be oh so cute.

Gail
Gail

September 24, 2021

Sleepwear, either a gown or a sleeper. A playset… shorts, leggings with a loose tshirt and of course a bib set.

Sharie
Sharie

September 24, 2021

I would like to see a knitting pattern.Sweater and booties.

LeanneJ
LeanneJ

September 24, 2021

Footed pajamas would be fun to learn how to make!

Judy Sracic
Judy Sracic

September 24, 2021

I’d like to see knit/crochet patterns – especially a hoodie type sweater

Rosaria
Rosaria

September 24, 2021

18 inch and baby doll matching outfits

Cherie
Cherie

September 24, 2021

Cute doll, would be awesome to have it with my collection of AG dolls. Can’t wait to see the patterns you develop for her.

Gail
Gail

September 24, 2021

Diapers and accessaries would be great.

Lesley from NE
Lesley from NE

September 24, 2021

I think it would be fun to have a diaper bag set, for the big dolls to have with the babies.

Violetta
Violetta

September 24, 2021

A cute little onesie would be nice.

Laurene Jones
Laurene Jones

September 24, 2021

Every baby needs a nightgown. Have you checked the old Ginny doll patterns? Some of those are for the Ginny baby doll.

Karen
Karen

September 24, 2021

Would love a pattern for overalls and one piece rompers.

Katherine
Katherine

September 24, 2021

Definitely diapers and/or diaper covers.

Kim
Kim

September 24, 2021

A bunting or sleepsac would be adorable. My granddaughters would love to have this baby as part of their American Girl Play set.

Kathryn
Kathryn

September 24, 2021

Baby needs cowboy/cowgirl outfit complete with boots

Sheilah Mathias
Sheilah Mathias

September 24, 2021

Heirloom diaper sets and sacks, please

Barbara
Barbara

September 24, 2021

I’d like a dress and ruffle panties or nightgown

JoAnn Moran
JoAnn Moran

September 24, 2021

Would love to see a little sunsuit…..

LindaK
LindaK

September 24, 2021

I would to see a romper with ruffles.

Linda
Linda

September 24, 2021

I would like knit or crochet patterns for 8” baby doll.

Sharon J
Sharon J

September 24, 2021

I would love to see some historical baby clothes.

Lex Watts
Lex Watts

September 24, 2021

The older style two piece ruffled dress and panties diaper set with matching headband would be adorable.

Stephanie
Stephanie

September 24, 2021

I would love to see a baby beach outfit—ruffly panties, sleeveless dress, and sun hat.

Shara
Shara

September 24, 2021

So many great suggestions! I would love to see some patterns for knitted sweaters and caps as well.

Sarah
Sarah

September 24, 2021

A cute little dress would be perfect.

Elaine
Elaine

September 24, 2021

onesies and diapers-every baby needs them

Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann

September 24, 2021

I would like to see some little boy patterns since there always seem to be meant more for girls. How about a little cowboy outfit with a hat and boots.

Karen
Karen

September 24, 2021

I think the doll needs a sleeper pattern.

Meghan R
Meghan R

September 24, 2021

I’d love to see a cute swimsuit and sun hat pattern for these little cuties!

Bobbi McCaughey
Bobbi McCaughey

September 24, 2021

Such a cute doll! Leggings and a ruffled top would be adorable.

LindaC
LindaC

September 24, 2021

A sleep sack pattern would be nice.

Allison C
Allison C

September 24, 2021

Love this! A pattern for a diaper/diaper cover and headband. My daughter is forever getting creative to make these for her own dolls! Thank you!!

Shirley Camidge
Shirley Camidge

September 24, 2021

A swaddle blanket would
Be good as well as a dress with ruffled panties

Maureen
Maureen

September 24, 2021

I’d like to see shortie baby doll pyjamas

shirley
shirley

September 24, 2021

I would like to see a smocked pattern for the 8 inch baby. Smocked clothing on babies of any size is so cute.

Linda Speed
Linda Speed

September 24, 2021

She definitely needs a bonnet to protect her from the sun on their walks together.

Jeannie
Jeannie

September 24, 2021

Thank You for all your beautiful designs!

I love them all!

Rita M
Rita M

September 24, 2021

A bunting and possibly a onesie

Auntzue
Auntzue

September 24, 2021

When sewing for baby dolls, fabric choices are very different from American Girl. Make patterns to take advantage of soft knits, baby corduroy and flannel.

Auntzue
Auntzue

September 24, 2021

Adorable dolls! Just right for little arms to hold. Please make patterns for a onesie and diaper.

Cyndi
Cyndi

September 24, 2021

Summer outfits cross over top and panties.

Marjory
Marjory

September 24, 2021

I think it would be cute to have a baby elf or fairy pattern.

Marjory
Marjory

September 24, 2021

I think it would be cute to have a baby elf or fairy pattern.

Carrie Smith
Carrie Smith

September 24, 2021

So adorable. I would love to have this for my granddaughter.

Regina
Regina

September 24, 2021

Beautiful baby :) Need boys clothes…pants, shorts, t-shirts, shirts, jackets, shoes/booties, hats, onesies, pajamas, hoodies, etc. :)

Michelle Thomas
Michelle Thomas

September 24, 2021

I love the little babies. Adorable faces. I can not wait to get on! I love making little clothes and accessories and the babies will be a new challenge being so small.

Brenda J Ward
Brenda J Ward

September 24, 2021

I would love to see a pattern for onesies, socks or booties and a jacket or snowsuit for the new babies. That would be wonderful.

Kara
Kara

September 24, 2021

Would love to see a cute matching Halloween costume for doll ‘mommy’ and baby.

Ma Wea
Ma Wea

September 23, 2021

I would love baby shoes, sleeper sack with drawstring, diapers, fancy Christmas dress.

Tamara
Tamara

September 23, 2021

I would love to sew a whole Fayette for this baby as well as crochet sweet little blanket and bootie set.

Arlene M Coleman
Arlene M Coleman

September 23, 2021

I’ve often wished there were a baby doll in proportion to the American Girls. This is great!

Anita
Anita

September 23, 2021

All the comments mentioned are adorable for this darling 8 inch doll. A Christmas outfit would be perfect to have if this is to be a Christmas gift.

Dorothy
Dorothy

September 23, 2021

How adorable! I’d love to see patterns for onesies, diapers, booties, and a diaper bag.

Jennifer R
Jennifer R

September 23, 2021

What a sweet idea. Great for teaching responsibility.

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs

September 23, 2021

The possibilities are endless for new patterns. I think we should have boys clothing as well as girls for the baby because it could work as either. Onsies,dresses, pants, skirts, shirts, holiday wear, costumes for Halloween since it’s coming up, different hats and headbands, diaper bags, etc.

Briza
Briza

September 23, 2021

A onesie pajama, or diaper bag. adorable!

rita
rita

September 23, 2021

would love to see a sling carrier for the baby—- love the small dolls—

Jaffa
Jaffa

September 23, 2021

I think it would be fun to see a little cat costume for the baby

Jaffa
Jaffa

September 23, 2021

Awwww! That baby is soooooo cute!

Nanalynn
Nanalynn

September 23, 2021

Would love to see jacket and hat as well as carrier patterns for this size. Haven’t bought yet as not enough patterns out there and didn’t know the 50% reduction for itty bitty patterns. Thanks.

Mara
Mara

September 23, 2021

I’d like patterns for diapers, sleepers, onesies, swaddle blanket. I’d also like to see a bassinet for this cute little 8” doll!

Sue
Sue

September 23, 2021

overalls and a onesie would be an excelent item for the wardrobe

Pat
Pat

September 23, 2021

A pattern for a cute coat and hat would be great!

Deanna
Deanna

September 23, 2021

A sweet little pair of overalls!

Johanna
Johanna

September 23, 2021

A matching coat and bonnet.

Abbie
Abbie

September 23, 2021

I would love to see a reusable diaper or a mini stuffed animal for a baby doll

Misty Olsen
Misty Olsen

September 23, 2021

A diaper bag set with changing pad, diapers, onsies & swaddle! This baby is ADORABLE!

Linda
Linda

September 23, 2021

I would like a baby gown with the drawstring bottom.

candy
candy

September 23, 2021

I love it all.

Jackie
Jackie

September 23, 2021

Sleeper patterns because this is what babies live in. As for accessories, maybe some toys and blankets.

Leave a comment