Children do what they see

If they see babies being nurtured through contact and connection, they will mimic this in play.

Role play and pretend play aren’t just fun—they’re foundational to how young children make sense of the world. Through imaginative play, children explore relationships, emotions, and everyday experiences in a way that feels safe and empowering. Whether they’re caring for a baby doll, cooking in a toy kitchen, or playing doctor, they’re building language, problem-solving skills, and empathy. Pretend play helps children practise real-life scenarios, express big feelings, and take on different perspectives—all essential for healthy social and emotional development. It’s one of the most powerful ways little ones learn through play.

Playing house and caring for baby dolls gives children a meaningful way to explore family life and caregiving roles. These forms of pretend play help children make sense of their own experiences—whether that’s being cared for, seeing a sibling fed, or helping at home. Through dressing, feeding, rocking, and soothing dolls, children practise empathy, responsibility, and nurturing behaviour. They also develop fine motor skills, build language through everyday routines, and create stories that reflect their understanding of the world around them. For many children, especially those with younger siblings, this kind of play offers a gentle way to process changes and express their feelings. It’s not just sweet—it’s deeply important.

For children growing up in families like ours, where babies are breastfed, carried in baby carriers and sleep within arms-reach of their parents, it is imporant that children have the props needed to replicate their own family life. And this includes having miniature baby carriers just the right size for baby dolls and their pint-sized parents.

Most popular baby carrier brands have added doll carriers to their range. You can source these through our recommended babywearing retailers or look out for pre-loved in our Facebook group.I

f you are handy with a sewing machine (or have a friend or family member who is!) you can even find free patterns online to make simple meh dais or other basic carrier styles. And honestly, children will often find items around the house which they will use to secure their toys to their bodies

However your child makes it work, be assured they are imprinting significant memories. (Who knows? They might even grow up to be as passionate as you are about babywearing and go on to run a babywearing group with you, indoctrinating their own children along the way!!)