It started with an email from a pediatric specialist nurse. She was looking for an educational doll with a venous port that could be used in working with a child with a fear of needles.
The vision was clear: through play, the child would have the opportunity to examine, try out, and approach what felt difficult at their own pace.
After a meeting, we received a sketch from the nurse where she had drawn what the doll should look like and where the medical details should be placed. She also sent the material to be used for the venous port. Based on her requirements, we then developed a customized Watoto Arts doll for play therapy and medical play.
The power of play in hospitals
For a child, an examination, treatment, or having a needle inserted can be difficult to understand. It can also be hard to put words to fear and anxiety.
This is where play can have an important function.
With an educational doll for hospitals and play therapy, the child can shift their perspective. Instead of being the one being examined, the child can first examine the doll, apply bandages, use medical equipment, and try out different procedures.
The child can:
- become familiar with what is going to happen
- examine and try things out themselves
- ask questions through play
- express anxiety and feelings
- prepare for a medical situation
- perform the same steps multiple times at their own pace
Medical play can be used in settings such as play therapy in hospitals, pediatric care, habilitation, health centers, and other services that meet children.
A doll created for the child's needs
Every child's medical situation is different. That is why we at Watoto Arts can adapt our dolls to the needs of the organization or the child.
We have, among other things, worked with dolls featuring a venous port, PEG, stoma, insulin pump, hearing aid, cochlear implant, scars, and other medical details.
Healthcare professionals and parents are also welcome to contact us with a need not yet represented in our range.
Just like the nurse in this project, you can use our doll sketch as a starting point and mark how you want the doll to be designed.
Download/sketch your requirements on our doll template → LINK TO SKETCH TEMPLATE
Then send the sketch to us together with information about how the doll will be used. We will then go through what is possible to manufacture and develop a solution together.
Do you need an educational doll for play therapy?
Do you work in play therapy, pediatric care, or another service for children and need a customized doll? Or are you the parent of a child who would benefit from a doll to prepare for care and treatment?
We can create a doll based on your requirements.
Contact us at hello@watotoarts.com or read more about our dolls for play therapy and medical support.