Breast-feeding doll for toddlers stirs controversy
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Posted: 6:18 PM Jul 25, 2011
Breast-feeding doll for toddlers stirs controversy
Doll designed for ages two and over gets criticism for sending wrong message to young girls, while advocates say it is natural to nurture
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
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In the past there have been dolls that burp, need to be feed, and can cry.

Now for the first time there's a doll that can be breast fed

The Breast Milk Baby will debut at a Las Vegas toy show this week. It sells for 90 dollars. The toy is designed so a girl wears a halter top or bib. The doll sucks on two appliqués. Sensors activate motions and suckling sounds once it attaches. It cries when it needs burping too.

“I love the idea of anything that promotes breast feeding and it’s exciting to see that toy companies are recognizing that not all babies need a bottle,” says Anita Wright, a member of La Leche breast feeding advocacy group.

Critics say the doll pushes kids to grow up too soon and ultimately promotes teen pregnancy. While advocates see it as just another doll with expensive features and special marketing.

“Kids will imitate behavior and whether you have a doll or not boys and girls alike will imitate breast feeding if that is what they are exposed to at home,” explains Clinical Psychologist Dr. John Petersen.

The doll is available online right now but will be sold in stores soon.



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