new doll that mimics the act of breastfeeding has some parents up in arms.
The Breast Milk Baby doll, sold through Berjuan Toys for $89, allows children to imitate the act of breastfeeding by using a special halter top that comes with the toy.
The halter top is made from a colorful material with two flowers positioned where nipples would be. When the mouth of the doll is brought close to a sensor embedded in the flower, the baby makes motions and sounds consistent with suckling.
Critics say the doll is over-sexualizing young girls or forcing girls to grow up too quickly. The company and those in support of the doll say it’s teaching young girls about a natural part of motherhood.
“The Breast Milk Baby lets young girls express their love and affection in the most natural way possible, just like mommy,” Berjuan Toys said in a news release. “The Breast Milk Baby represents a revolution in design by teaching children the nurturing skills they’ll need to raise their own healthy babies.”
In Spain, a breastfeeding doll called the Bebe Gloton, also made by Spain’s Berjuan Toys, has been sold since 2009. It is set to hit shelves in the U.S. in the next few weeks.
