Friday, August 7, 2009

Freaky Friday-Breastfeeding Doll

So, here I am. Jumping on the bandwagon of the "breastfeeding doll". It was just too good not to post for my freaky friday segment.(Thanks Alesha) Here is my take and then I'll show you what the advertisement for the doll looks like.

I don't have a problem with it. The doll makers, which incidentally are in another country, sought out opinions from child psychologists and reviewed the doll with children to see how they interacted. I don't think it sexualizes a child, or makes them favor more or less breastfeeding to bottle feeding. There have been plenty of "bottle fed" dolls for years and some of those young girls grew up to later breast feed their own children.

The only issue I would have with this doll, is an issue that some experts have as well. This limits imagination. Many little girls are born nurturing, my daughter is a great example of that. She loves to bathe, clothe, and feed her baby dolls. She is empathetic, etc. Having a toy that does only one thing can limit a child's imagination since it's telling the child what to do and the child may become bored with a one dimensional toy and stop playing with it after the fascination wears off.

Either way, I'm much more apt to buy my daughter a doll that teaches her what her body can do and is nurturing than buying her a slutty Bratz doll that teaches her how to dress inappropriately and how to become a lover of all things material.

7 comments:

Alesha @ Full Time Mama said...

Ugh, those Bratz dolls are horrible! I'm not sure how I feel about this thing yet. I don't think I'd buy it for Brooke. She can just keep nursing her Care Bear or others dolls. =) My kids are learning that breastfeeding is ok by example... They don't need a doll for that.

Kasey@All Things Mamma said...

I would buy the doll as well minus the top. It is just a little much. Maybe a little button you push to turn her on or something else. It's crazy that so many people are against it!

HollyB said...

hmmm... I wouldn't care if my daughter "nursed" her baby, I just don't think I would buy a doll.

desertmama said...

I know one person in my life who would NOT love this doll. I wouldn't buy one. I think little girls decide what they want to do with their baby dolls on their own. But I agree just about any doll is better than a Bratz doll. I can't stand those!

Kristin said...

I'd never ever buy a Bratz. I actually love the idea behind this breastfeeding doll.

I know that when my oldest daughter becomes a mom she will breastfeed. It's a natural thing in our home.

Stephenie said...

The tank top is a little much.. but the idea is not a bad one!

AnnD said...

I totally agree! Especially with your last paragraph about wanting to purchase it more so your daughter can appreciate her body vs. one of those horrible Bratz dolls!