The watertight doll designed by Martha Chase in 1910 was used in hospitals to help train student nurses in handling babies, feeding them, giving them enemas, and other treatments. Chase Hospital dolls were made in five life sizes. The ivory dolls kept by Chinese physicians made it possible for female patients to pinpoint the areas of their ailments without having to undress. In cases of child abuse, anatomically correct dolls are used to help victims describe what happened to them. A doll is not just a plaything even for the child who owns one.
Babies find comfort by snuggling with soft stuffed dolls in their cribs.
Often children identify with their favorite dolls and, in imitation of their own parents, scold or praise, spank or cuddle them. Older youngsters, who can dress their dolls themselves to suit their fantasies, may play school or stage battles or give parties. No one is ever too old for dolls. Many parents enjoy helping their children act out life situations with a new generation of dolls. Members of the Doll Collectors of America, founded in 1935, study a different kind of doll, dollmaker, or dollmaking process each month.