Midge and Cassandra
Happy Family Midge & Baby Dolls was released in 2002. The product number is 56663 and it is part of the Happy Family line. There are Black versions of the dolls with the product number 56664.
The doll became infamous and controversial due to it having a magnetic detachable tummy that the baby doll fits inside, making Midge appear pregnant. The baby doll is a girl who was later named Nikki.
Description[]
"Barbie® doll's friend, Midge®, is having a baby! With this gift set, girls have everything they need to play out the arrival of a new baby. Baby doll fits inside Mommy doll's tummy. When it's nap time, baby's changing table magically transforms into a rocking crib. Includes Midge® doll, wedding ring, earrings and shoes plus baby plus accessories. Doll cannot stand alone." Link to instructions.
Controversy[]
An article on Barbie.com wrote that the dolls were aimed at girls aged 5 to 8, and could be "a wonderful prop for parents to use with their children to role-play family situations — especially in families anticipating the arrival of a new sibling." The site had an interview with Jo Ann Farver, a psychologist from the University of Southern California, who explained, "The pregnancy-themed Happy Family dolls complement children's strong interests in family relationships, and supports their social and emotional development."
However, Walmart received complaints from customers over the doll. In response, Walmart pulled the entire Happy Family line from their shelves in December 2002. Their spokeswoman Cynthia Illick stated, "It was just that customers had a concern about having a pregnant doll. (...) What we try to do is listen to what our customers want. In this case, we decided to remove the product from the shelves. I think it was a unique situation."
Bill Boehmer, who managed KB Toys in Philadelphia's Roosevelt Mall, said, "I've had people laugh, but I haven't had anyone say this was ridiculous or 'What are we trying to tell these kids?' or anything like that." By contrast, two mothers were quoted in the press criticizing the doll. A woman named Sabrina Fagan told the press, "It promotes teenage pregnancy. What would an 8-year-old or 12-year-old get out of that doll baby?" A woman named Kenya Williams, referring to Midge's husband Alan being sold separately, told the press, "Most girls want to be like Barbie. Maybe if they would have put them all together as a family, it might be a little different, but alone it sends out the wrong message."
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