Babies & Kids Blog

The buzz online lately is all about the new breastfeeding doll. Named “Baby Glutton” (or, as its Spanish maker calls it, “Bebe Gloton”), the toy makes sucking sounds as it “nurses” from its young adopted mother. She (or he!) wears a halter top adorned with two “daises” that substitute for nipples. Electronic sensors in the doll and halter tell the crying doll when it’s full or needs more.

Opinions on this doll, which is currently only available in Spain, vary wildly. While many think the doll is a great way to promote breastfeeding with future mothers, just as many are horrified. Some have even suggested that the doll can lead to precocious sexual behavior.

My personal opinion is that first of all, we’re not giving children enough credit. Most children know what breastfeeding is. Emulating a safe and normal mothering activity that they have previously been exposed to is not going to confuse children and make them want to experiment sexually. Ask any child, and they will tell you what a mother’s breasts are used for. Most children have seen animals in the act of nursing as well. It’s all natural to kids, why do we adults always have to turn it into something weird?

If this breastfeeding doll is so offensive and so sexually suggestive, then how do you explain the popularity of Bratz dolls and other “fashion” dolls?

So, this is offensive?

But, this is not?

Personally, I’d prefer it if my daughter pretended her breasts were for nurturing her doll instead of getting good tips at the dolly “gentlemen’s club”.

This is all much ado over nothing! If anything, all of the online discussion over this doll has been the best advertising this doll’s maker could have ever hoped for!

What do you think?

Images: nydailynews, lawyerahead

For many years, playing with dolls was considered a girl’s pastime.  From the 1940s to the 1960s, when dolls were extremely popular, girls did all of role-playing as the Mommy while boys played with cars and airplanes.  Today, more and more people are starting to embrace the concept of boys playing with dolls.

Most parents and educators agree that activities should not be split by gender.  Boys should have as much of an opportunity as girls to play house, care for dolls, or use toy mops and brooms.  In these modern times, many men share the parenting and household duties equally with women.  Additionally, it’s just as important for boys to learn how to be gentle and loving as it is for girls to be involved in sports and other traditionally “boy” activities.  The best thing you can do is offer an array of toys to all of your children and let them choose what they want to play with.

Here are my top 5 favorite dolls:

Paul Drink-and-Wet $38.37

Meet Paul.  He’s got cute chubby cheeks, an adorable smile, and he’s anatomically correct.  He drinks from his own bottle, and when his tummy is full you squeeze him and he goes potty!  What a great way to introduce potty training to a little boy!  Paul would also be a great addition to a girl’s doll collection and would be a great jumping off point for talking about the differences between boys and girls.

Abby and Lucy Baby Dolls $39.00

Pottery Barn’s Abby and Lucy dolls are 15 inches tall and made of super soft cotton jersey.  Hey have friendly little faces and blushing cheeks and are perfect for hugging and snuggling.  They are simple in design so little boys can play with them and not feel silly.

15” Baby Doll $24.99

The lovable doll has a huggable soft body.  She giggles and hums “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.  She would make a great lovey for any boy or girl to sleep with at night.

Corolle Babipouce Christening Doll $21.39

This was my daughter’s first doll.  At only 12”, this doll is great for babies.  The all white outfit is unisex and made of velour so it‘s super soft to the touch.  The doll’s body is totally soft, only the face and hands are plastic.  A perfect first doll!

Baby Alive Better Now Baby $19.99

Another peeing doll?  Yes!  But, that’s not all!  She also takes “medicine” and other medical supplies such as a nasal aspirator to teach young children how to care for others.  Kids will love making her “all better”.  Baby Alive also comes in several different ethnicities.  A great way to introduce children to different cultures is with dolls, and Baby Alive is a great doll to start with.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more baby dolls.