Thursday, August 6, 2009

For the record: Baby Glutton

For the record, breast feeding is normal, natural and admirable. If a girl imitates breast-feeding with a doll after seeing it, that would be perfectly normal play.

But, at the danger of agreeing with the Daily Mail, designing a doll for the specific purpose of simulating breast feeding, complete with strap-on nipple, is ... odd. And "odd" is putting it mildly.



I don't know, maybe it is fine in the context of Spanish culture, but making this an export product was, IMHO, a mistake. Or maybe I am a throwback because it never bothered me that newborn dolls came with bottles. Not that I would consider, even for a second, giving a young girl a newborn doll unless she asked for it.

Oh well. It won't be the first time I was caught being a hypocrite.

But until people are ready to see actual breast-feeding in public without blinking, complaining or deleting it from facebook, I doubt it will be considered a fine recreation activity for the 5 to twelve set.

16 comments:

Sadie said...

That is a little weird... Didn't some news show recently have this big program about breast feeding and at what age it should stop? Some lady was still breast feeding a 7 year old or something...

Diane Scott said...

Totally agree, that is odd. Actually very odd. On the one hand at least you've got kids playing with toys versus computers for a change, but this is stepping more than a tad outside of "let's play dolls."

spygrrl said...

I absolutely love...love... love it! Anything that breaks the sexualization of breasts and inspires the actual purpose for having breasts is great!

This concept might even one day be a way to promote healthy images of woman's anatomy for our daughters- and challenge the media imposed images which are so darn harmful for our girls. (pun intended)

Oh,, sure this is controversial- but why?.... only because in our culture females have to hide them. What about other cultures?...

I'm so gonna get one of these dolls for my new local public access t.v. show!

BarbaraRae said...

Well, so much for leaving anything to the imagination. Yes, breast feeding is natural, but a toy with a ...ya, it's a little over the top for a five year old to be trying to emulate!

Maureen said...

Hmmm, interesting. I understand what SpyGirl is saying, but based on the current public reaction to public breast feeding....I would have concerns of how the possible ridicule or negative comments may effect the girl playing with the doll. I think it's too out there at this point- unfortunately. I am typically for things "on the edge"

spygrrl said...

@ Maureen-

I will start playing with my dolly on my t.v. show...lol

It will be fun to see if a "plastic nipple" will be censored.

Also, what a fun gag gift for a baby shower. lol

Cady said...

I agree. I think that is really odd. I don't think I'll be getting my little girl one. :)

ALS of Nevada said...

Well, this is very interesting. Not sure that this is for a 5 year old but who am I to say?

Linda said...

Well, it was a matter of time before this would come out. It is edgy so it might be just a little to much for this side of the world.

Karen said...

I saw this mentioned somewhere else and thought it was weird. I am so glad I am not the only one!

corrin said...

I'm okay with the concept, but the strap on nipple is a little over the top.

Maureen said...

Last time I commented on this I forgot to mention the name of the product is odd. I know since it's in spanish it's about milk...but glutton in english is not a great visual....

Tanya said...

ok... i just watched the video for this doll- and the "nipple" is a plastic flower attached to a bib like apron that the child places over her neck. Also... the sound effects from the suckling and burping are way too exaggerated to be taken seriously- this is gag gift for sure-

but i still want one ;)

-spy

Anonymous said...

If I had a daughter I'd buy her one of these. They're cute and anything that would help her realize she shouldn't feel ashamed about what comes natural to Mommies is alright in my book.

Barbara Rae said...

It's a little out there!

Anonymous said...

Why the hell does a child need to learn how to breast feed? Plenty of time for that when she becaomes pregnant and should be learning about that. Its discusting really. I have posted about it on my frequented paretning forum, I bet there will be plenty of people loving this idea, no sarcasiam.