In the early 1980s JC Toy Group, Inc. began producing a tiny, 5-inch, vinyl baby doll that was a big hit and still is today. When these dolls first came out, they were scented with a powdery baby scent that was just wonderful as you opened the packaging! (the company discontinued using scent in their dolls around 2010)
JC Toys was established in 1993 and is family owned, but was originally under the name Berjusa. Sculpting of their products is headed by Salvador Berenguer, whose father was a doll designer. Salvador began designing dolls in 1967.
Reborning began in the U.S. in the 1990s and by the early 2000s it became popular to reborn these 5-inch Berenguer baby dolls. Soon after, crochet pattern books began springing up for making clothing for them.
These tiny baby dolls went by the name “Lots to Love”, but have also been known as itty bitty baby dolls. In the summer of 2008 the new “Tiny Steps” dolls were launched. These were very much like the original dolls, but with straight legs and feet that allowed them to stand. They came in pink or blue and were bundled in a knitted bootie.
The 5″ Lots to Love dolls are no longer sold at local stores, but must be purchased through dealers. The only drawback to buying from a dealer is that most do not allow you to choose the facial expression you want. However, that is not always the case if you purchase one on eBay. As far as cost, the best price I’ve seen as of this writing was on the homesew.com website.
The 5-inch Berenguer dolls have also been available in recent years with mini nursery and playset furniture. Some of the furniture has included a bed, bathtub, baby carrier, and stroller.
One of my favorite eBay sellers, snugglebunnies!, offers costumes and some of the most adorable crocheted clothes for these dolls. I just purchased a doll from them that has a newly introduced facial expression that is different from the original seven.
Be sure to check out my Berenguer Babies page in the doll collection section of “My Collections” in the top menu for more information and lots of photos.
I am a native of Michigan and have made my home in the Great Plains of Nebraska. In the spring of 2002 I became a consulting editor for Endtime magazine and I would like to invite you to visit their website at www.endtime.com
Ginger's Creations & Collections 
I have knitted 46 of these dolls. I love them. I put them on fireplace each month for holidays so i can enjoy them. I have white lights on them now with st patrick day decor. They look so cute! I would love to find furniture as i am going to do the pajama party gang soon.
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