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

MARLENE
MARLENE

September 22, 2021

would love to see a car seat

Nancy Tibbins
Nancy Tibbins

September 22, 2021

Would luv to see mommy & me outfits.

Tatum
Tatum

September 22, 2021

Little baby hats and bonnets!

Alexis
Alexis

September 22, 2021

Halloween is coming around, a cute black cat hoodie (with ears on the hood) and some pants or a skirt would be so cute for the holiday. :D and maybe an accessory too such as a bib or a mini head band

Fran
Fran

September 22, 2021

Some cute little dresses and a summer romper would be nice.

Amy Kivimaki
Amy Kivimaki

September 22, 2021

Definitely pajamas or matching nightgown. Little girls love to put their babies to bed.

Lis
Lis

September 22, 2021

Baby essentials: sleepers, onesies, diapers, and bibs, please!

Lori Adamson
Lori Adamson

September 22, 2021

Thanks for the giveaway! I would like to see patterns for pajamas and dresses.

Renata
Renata

September 22, 2021

I would like to see a knitting pattern for a matinee jacket

Tara Lunn
Tara Lunn

September 22, 2021

Oh I am so excited!!!!
My daughters and I have been AG fans since the early days of Pleasant Co. My first granddaughter is at the age for her first doll and this would be perfect.
Since we live in South Florida I would like to see rompers, sun hats, sunglasses, and receiving blankets. I also think matching outfits with American Girl dolls would be great!

Rose Ann Elliott
Rose Ann Elliott

September 22, 2021

baby carrier

Debbie Atkinson
Debbie Atkinson

September 22, 2021

I would love a pattern for a very simple christening type gown and bonnet

KAREN CARROLL
KAREN CARROLL

September 22, 2021

How about diapers that fit?

Dorothy
Dorothy

September 22, 2021

I would like to see a pattern for a christening gown.

Gina Reiley
Gina Reiley

September 22, 2021

I would like to see blankets and bedding.

Molly
Molly

September 22, 2021

A special Christmas dress would be nice

Bee
Bee

September 22, 2021

I would love to see matching baby and 18 inch doll clothes! Maybe some play clothes like overalls and such! Im so excited at how adorable they are

Cristy Estep
Cristy Estep

September 22, 2021

A pretty little Christmas dress with tights and a bow!

Cathy
Cathy

September 22, 2021

I would like to see a pattern for a sleep sack.

Debi
Debi

September 22, 2021

I would love to see matching outfits for baby and 18” dolls, like holiday outfits.

CoraVee Caswell
CoraVee Caswell

September 22, 2021

19th century baby gown could work as christening gown or as an historic costume.

Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe

September 22, 2021

With winter soon here, a snowsuit would be cute.

Penny
Penny

September 22, 2021

A nice bed made of foam, with handles.
Also a Christening dress with Heirloom techniques.

Joyce
Joyce

September 22, 2021

baby carrier with a sweater and bonnet

Pat Stoughton
Pat Stoughton

September 22, 2021

A simple yet elegant christening gown.

Laura
Laura

September 22, 2021

Definitely a sleeper and a romper/sunhat set. And anything that’s close fitting (ex. leggings) that wouldn’t work well with the 50% rescaling trick.

tammy
tammy

September 22, 2021

Jumper and a shirt

Meari
Meari

September 22, 2021

A summer romper would be adorable!

Shirley Camidge
Shirley Camidge

September 22, 2021

Mommy and me patterns are a wonderful idea. With holidays coming it would make a great gift.

Kelly
Kelly

September 22, 2021

Since babies where a lot of sleepers and with Christmas coming up…a festival sleeper.

Becca
Becca

September 22, 2021

Pants and shirts are always nice

katy
katy

September 22, 2021

I would love to get a floppy sun bonnet pattern, perfect for the beach!

Amanda P.
Amanda P.

September 22, 2021

I would love to see a pattern for little animal themed sleepers and/or costumes. Babies are adorable in those outfits!

Frances Bott
Frances Bott

September 22, 2021

I would like to see a christening outfit for the baby.

Denise
Denise

September 22, 2021

Sleepers would be cute!! Thanks for the chance to win

brenda
brenda

September 22, 2021

christmas pjs and dress

Sherry
Sherry

September 22, 2021

Oh this is an adorable baby doll!! We are expecting a grandson in the next couple of months and this baby doll would be a favorite I am sure with my granddaughters. I would say that the types of clothing for this baby doll should be what all babies wear when they first arrive…comfortable onsies…little socks and receiving blankets. :)

CAROL
CAROL

September 22, 2021

With Christmas coming, I would like to see a nice bunting or pajamas with a Santa hat. Babies should be dressed as babies, not little adults. Nothing gives me a warmer feeling than sewing flannel sleepwear for babies and children.

Angela
Angela

September 22, 2021

I think sleep sacks would be great for the baby along with a Moses basket so the baby can nap on the go.

Susan
Susan

September 22, 2021

By far I think the baby carrier is the cutest yet! Babies show best in onesies, sleepers and definitely a baby bonnet! Placed in a radle or crib with mobile would be precious

Shaneka Barbee
Shaneka Barbee

September 22, 2021

I would love to see shorts and t shirts , dresses, simple patterns for beginner sewers! Baby bedding would be awesome! Or mini stuffies!

Jeanette butler
Jeanette butler

September 22, 2021

I would love to see a beautiful smocked dress and pants to match

Patricia S.
Patricia S.

September 22, 2021

I would like to see a sunsuit with a ruffles bum and a matching sun hat. I would also like a “boppy” (C shaped pillow) for when baby sits up.

Nanette
Nanette

September 22, 2021

I would be very happy to win and to receive this caring for baby doll of the nightgown. All of them are beautiful and I like them very much. Thank you in advance.

Shirley Cormier
Shirley Cormier

September 22, 2021

I would like to see a beautiful pattern for a fancy red Christmas dress.

Sue
Sue

September 22, 2021

My granddaughter would love a baby to go with her generation doll! I think some character or seasonal costumes – xmas, pumpkin , fairy?

Teresa Langston
Teresa Langston

September 22, 2021

The baby is just adorable, would love to make a cute pair of pj’s

Ann Whisler
Ann Whisler

September 22, 2021

I would love to see a welcome home baby set that includes bonnet/cap, booties, blanket, hooded towel, diapers, and one piece body suit.

Claire
Claire

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see little leggings or jwggings for it. Holiday themed outfits would be lovely too, Christmas, Halloween etc

Eva
Eva

September 21, 2021

HI, so sweet. I woudl like holidays themed dreeses

LEIGH
LEIGH

September 21, 2021

Christmas pajamas

Donna currie
Donna currie

September 21, 2021

I would love to see holiday onesies- Halloween, Christmas etc. Matching American doll and baby ones would be fabulous

Heather
Heather

September 21, 2021

I think rumors would be so cute!

Breanna
Breanna

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see a christening gown pattern for this size of baby. Would also come in handy for historical characters!

Anne-Marie MAINGAULT
Anne-Marie MAINGAULT

September 21, 2021

A “BabyNomade” ! Thank you

Caprice
Caprice

September 21, 2021

Pajamas with animal themes (hood with bunny ears, detachable tails, foot with paw prints or shapes like duck feet, etc)

Darlene Smikahl
Darlene Smikahl

September 21, 2021

How about a baptism/christening dress/gown.

Darlene Smikahl
Darlene Smikahl

September 21, 2021

A pattern for a onesie would be darling.

Maria Soler
Maria Soler

September 21, 2021

A Christening dress/outfit would be adorable

Linda
Linda

September 21, 2021

Would love to see bodysuit patterns and frilly dress patterns for this darling doll. So glad you are offering patterns for this doll.

Quinna
Quinna

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see matching pajama’s for the large and small doll!

Linda
Linda

September 21, 2021

I like anything with smocking and instructions to do it! Thanks for the chance!

Mary Dora Smith
Mary Dora Smith

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see a puffed sleeved dress with a pinofor

Linda Sevanick
Linda Sevanick

September 21, 2021

Tutorials on sewing techniques for those of us who need to adapt to sewing for such teeny tiny dolls would be WONDERFUL!

Mary Dora Smith
Mary Dora Smith

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see a pug sleeved dress with a pinafore.

Linda Sevanick
Linda Sevanick

September 21, 2021

For Christmas an elf costume, especially the male and female versions of the Elf on a Shelf (I understand that copyright infringement might complicate that) and a reindeer sleeper with a hoodie that has antlers.

Linda Sevanick
Linda Sevanick

September 21, 2021

A Halloween costume which looks like a pumpkin and also one that is candy corn

Susan
Susan

September 21, 2021

I would like a pattern for a portable crib

Jessica Lehmann
Jessica Lehmann

September 21, 2021

A costume would be adorable and I loved someone’s idea of a costume that could be a hooded sleeper, too. Also, holiday wear!

Linda Sevanick
Linda Sevanick

September 21, 2021

I would be thrilled to have FITTING patterns which do not require any tweaking!

Janine
Janine

September 21, 2021

I’d love a pretty dress with pintucks and lace.

Nanette S
Nanette S

September 21, 2021

I would love to see a pattern for an old fashioned eyelet bonnet.

Nanette S
Nanette S

September 21, 2021

I would love to see a pattern for an old fashioned eyelet bonnet.

Deb Edwards
Deb Edwards

September 21, 2021

Footed Pajamas & a winter coat

GayLynn
GayLynn

September 21, 2021

Love to see a traditional baby gown

Desiree
Desiree

September 21, 2021

Diapers, bibs, and onesies would be so cute and are are a must-have for any baby!

Sheryl Knowles
Sheryl Knowles

September 21, 2021

So many folks have the same ideas I have: this baby has so many needs! (1) a cloth carry bed for the 8" baby, (2) Sunday coat and bonnet, (3) diapers that fit (I’ve tried several from other seamstresses that are too big) and booties, (4) a baby BOY’s “dressed for best”: short pants, jacket, and billed cap, (5) matching 8" and 18" outfits – or at least outfits for the same timelines (thinking the Historical dolls here), and (6) a christening outfit with inset lace and room for embroidery. (I can see that last as a centerpiece for a Baby Shower!)

Piroska
Piroska

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see a cozy flannel sleeper.

Piroska
Piroska

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see a cozy flannel sleeper.

Piroska
Piroska

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see a cozy flannel sleeper.

Linda
Linda

September 21, 2021

I would like to see a matching dress for the baby and the 18" doll. Thank you.

Zsuzsa
Zsuzsa

September 21, 2021

A winter overall would be nice!

Marie
Marie

September 21, 2021

Saque sleeper (old school) for AG hospital scene

Marie
Marie

September 21, 2021

Sac sleeper with tie bottom (old school) to use in AG hospital tableaux

D’Net Layton
D’Net Layton

September 21, 2021

I would like a few simple, quick to sew outfits, like a swing top.

Sue S
Sue S

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see patterns for bootees and slippers in both knitted and sewn forms.

Sarah
Sarah

September 21, 2021

I would love to see matching boy and girl outfits to make twins!

Betty Harper
Betty Harper

September 21, 2021

If there is a rule about how old you must be to love dolls, a rule I will have to ignore—and it is replaced by "You are never too old to love dolls! ( I am now 88). The comments prove it!

Regina Stewart
Regina Stewart

September 21, 2021

I’d love to see some holiday outfits for the 8” caring for baby doll. She needs to celebrate, too!

Ellen
Ellen

September 21, 2021

The baby doll is adorable! I think just about anything a baby would wear would be very cute for the doll!

Rabbit
Rabbit

September 21, 2021

A sleeper bag and matching blanket.

 Bee
Bee

September 21, 2021

I would love a sweater and other outer wear.

 Bee
Bee

September 21, 2021

I would love a sweater and other outer wear.

Rebecca
Rebecca

September 21, 2021

This doll is so cute! I’d love to have one to sew for.

Gail Beam
Gail Beam

September 21, 2021

Snowsuit, pinafore dress, winter coat with matching bonnet,

Jen H.
Jen H.

September 21, 2021

A baby carrier or a snow/winter jumpsuit

Rebecca
Rebecca

September 21, 2021

This little doll is adorable! I want one! She will look cute in anything.

Carol Mealmaker
Carol Mealmaker

September 21, 2021

I would love to see knitted pattern for a cardigan, bonnet, booties and mittens set. Also a smocked dress, tights and shoes pattern :)

Jessica Springer
Jessica Springer

September 21, 2021

I’m motivated now to try some new patterns and maybe trying rescaling the bitty Baby stuff to fit “Lilly” as my daughter calls her. Diapers would be a cool thing to have as well as maybe little hats and a sundress. I saw a crocheted Moses basket but maybe a sewed one. I finally purchased a new Bitty Baby as I realized that I accidentally gave away the twins my mom handed down to my daughter. I’m still upset about that.

Katherine Powell
Katherine Powell

September 21, 2021

I would love to see period clothing to go with the different historical American girl dolls.

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