Betsy Wetsy

Betsy Wetsy was a "drink-and-wet" doll originally issued by the Ideal Toy Company of New York in 1934.[1] It was one of the most popular dolls of its kind in the Post–World War II baby boom era.[2]

Betsy Wetsy
TypeDrink-and-wet doll
CompanyIdeal Toy Company
CountryUnited States
Availability1934–1980s
Features"Wetting"
Sleep eyes
Jointed limbs

Named for the daughter of Abraham Katz, the head of the company,[2] the doll's special feature was simulating urination after a fluid was poured into her open mouth.[1]

Betsy Wetsy was also one of the first major dolls to be produced in African American versions.[1]

Description

Betsy Wetsy was produced with either molded plastic hair, karakul wigs, or brown, blonde, or red plugged hair. It had blue sleep eyes with eyelashes and its arms and legs were jointed. A layette, baby bottles, a plastic bath tub, and other accessories were available.[3]

History

Effanbee had previously manufactured a similar doll, "Dy-dee," and a patent infringement lawsuit resulted.[2] The judge ruled that drinking and urinating are natural movements and cannot be patented.[2]

The doll was made in several sizes in the 1940s. It saw a spike in popularity in the 1950s.[1]

A made-in-China version was issued in the late 1980s by Ideal to boost sales, but the doll never reached the success of the original.[2]

Legacy

In 2003, the Toy Industry Association named Betsy Wetsy to its Century of Toys List, a compilation commemorating the 100 most memorable and most creative toys of the 20th century.[4]

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References
  1. Waggoner, Susan. Under the Tree: the Toys and Treats That Made Christmas Special, 1930-1970. Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2007.
  2. Izen, Judith (2005). Ideal Dolls: Identification and Values. Collector Books. Archived from the original on 2012-08-25. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  3. Eash, Barbara J. (date not indicated), "What's it Worth: 1960s Betsy Wetsy Doll", Country Woman Magazine, Reiman Media Group, archived from the original on 2013-01-20, retrieved 6 April 2012 Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. "Toy Industry Association Announces Its Century of Toys List", Business Wire, 21 January 2003, archived from the original on 19 March 2008, retrieved 31 October 2008
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