THE BOYS' BRIGADE

The Baby Think it Over Doll by manufacturer Realityworks, was designed to resemble and mimic the appearance and actions of a real baby. It was created with the intention of previewing the result of an unplanned, teen-age girls pregnancy. Many young girls, especially teens, are apt to envision only the sweet, no-tears, non-fussing moments that come with a new baby. Young girls often experience the joy surrounding the arrival of a new baby without thinking about or considering the depths of responsibility that go along with a baby. Baby weighs in at approximately 6 -7 pounds and is 21 inches long; the size of the average newborn. The body is similar to that of a standard issue baby doll, with weights placed throughout the body to allow the weight to shift, just like that of a newborn. However, this doll is not intended as a toy. Rather, it is intended to serve as an educational tool. 'Baby is fitted with a computer microchip that is programmed with several different commands and directives that cause the doll to perform different actions, just like those of a human baby. With commands that are set by the instructor, 'Baby will cry uncontrollably; experience colic symptoms, wake up every two hours. The 'parent does not have the option of removing the battery pack, changing the actions or the frequency of anything the baby does. If the battery pack is removed, the computer chip shuts down and registers as being 'neglected. If the baby is thrown or dropped, or does not receive the contact required to 'soothe it, the doll registers 'abuse. The response to the doll has been overwhelmingly supportive by teachers and parents alike.