Opposing Views: Is the Breast Feeding Doll an Appropriate Toy for Girls?

Is the Breast Feeding Doll an Appropriate Toy for Girls?

Video by Opposing Views Editorial Staff
(August 06, 2009) in Society / Media

A Spanish company has unveiled a breast feeding doll. But is it appropriate? The FOX News show "Red Eye" took up the question:

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Is the Breast Feeding Doll an Appropriate Toy for Girls?

exceptionally

This is exceptionally strange...

- MrBook August 6, 2009 7:11PM

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- exceptionally strange
  
  why?
  
  - lindammac August 14, 2009 8:26AM
  
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  - disjoint
    
    “why?”
    
    That is an interesting question. A child playing with a doll (holding and such) does not seem strange to me. Perhaps it is the fact that the doll is animated, giving the impression that a baby is actually trying to feed… or the image of a prepubescent girl feeding a baby.
    
    It’s not wrong, just unusual.
    
    - MrBook August 14, 2009 5:35PM
    
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not concerned

All the doll does is make a sound, and breastfeeding is really common in many families. I'm not sure what the big deal is, honestly. I'm a little disturbed that people are equating breastfeeding with sex, though. I didn't choose to breastfeed, but I don't see it as an erotic thing in any way. o_O

- lemonade8 August 6, 2009 11:13PM

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And this is why

My daughters get the same toys as I got as a kid...GI Joes and Ninja Turtles. They may be weird, but they're not breast-feeding-baby weird.

- quantummechanik August 7, 2009 12:17AM

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- sad comment on our society
  
  It's a sad, sad comment on our society that people find a breastfeeding doll strange and are worried about it somehow warping their little girls. In countries all around the world little girls pretend they are breastfeeding, even when they have to make the dolls out of clay and sticks (I've seen photos). This is no different to them than imitating changing a baby's diaper or rocking a baby back to sleep. It is an imitation of natural MOTHERING behaviors, not of anything SEXUAL!! When people are worried about letting their girls learn the natural biological way of mothering, we are becoming endangered as a species, in my opinion.
  
  - dancetoday August 12, 2009 11:28AM
  
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  - I agree.
    
    Social norms frowning on public breastfeeding , dolls like these, etc. are why states have actually had to pass laws legalizing breastfeeding in public and in the workplace.
    
    http://www.ncsl.org/Default.aspx?TabId=14389
    
    As many things, these norms might be perpetuated by the only industry which profits from discouraging breastfeeding: Child Care products. I just glanced at Evenflo's website and saw anecdotal evidence to my claim. Their motto is: "Best for Baby".
    
    I disagree. We all know what is really best for baby.
    
    - SolarSanitizer August 13, 2009 12:46PM
    
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Why is this news?

There is nothing inappropriate or weird, and definitely nothing sexual, about breastfeeding . It's nice to have one doll out there that mimics the *natural, normal* way of feeding babies , to at least somewhat balance out the variety of dolls out there that come with bottles. Breastfeeding needs to be normalized in this country, and that includes making it normal for the next generation of adults. Implying that breastfeeding is weird and/or sexual is ignorant.

- slbutler3 August 12, 2009 11:29AM

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too elaborate. Why waste the money?

My daughter nursed all of her dollies, putting them to her flat little four-year-old chest. She made the crying noises for them; she didn't need a bra, or electronic noises to know how to nourish her babies . She liked the toy baby bottles, but they got used for "feeding" stuffed animal toys.

- homa sapiens August 12, 2009 11:39AM

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If I had a daughter, she would have this doll

What I find strange is that so many dolls come with a bottle. Breastfeeding is the natural way to nourish babies ; there is nothing strange about it!
Perhaps if more little girls are educated that our breasts are made for feeding babies, and not for men's satisfaction; then the breastfeeding rates would rise and babies and women would be healthier.
When I breastfeed my son in public (gasp!) and kids ask what I'm doing, I simply tell them I'm feeding my baby and that's the end of it. If parents protest my telling them this (which has never happened), then maybe those parents should educate their children so they won't have to ask; or at least watch their kids more carefully so they don't go around talking to strangers.

- piggyfairy August 12, 2009 11:42AM

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- Maybe if more men got more breast as a child...
  
  And less bottles, we wouldn't be pining for them as adults?
  
  (This is an accusation against the "baby care product" industry, not against mothers. So, no yellin' at me.)
  
  - SolarSanitizer August 13, 2009 12:49PM
  
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  - extended breastfeeding,
    
    full-term breastfeeding , allowing the child to self wean, these are all things I strongly believe in. My first son nursed until he was 3 years old, and my second is 22 months and still nursing on demand when I'm not at my full time job. My sons will surely grow up knowing that breasts are made for babies , and they will be supportive partners one day for it!
    
    - piggyfairy August 13, 2009 5:21PM
    
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Just a gizmo

Little girls have long been sitting beside their nursing Moms, pretending to nurse their baby doll. The only thing new here, is that the doll makes noises. But some things might be best left to the imagination.

However, if folks are opposed to girls pretending to nurse a doll, they should be opposed to girls pretending to feed a doll with a bottle, as one is no different from the other - they are both pretending to feed a doll.

Girls routinely emulate their Moms and boys emulate their Dads.

- Mister August 12, 2009 11:42AM

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Is it appropriate? let parents and the market sort it out

The very question seems to imply a connection between breastfeeding and sex, which is itself disturbing. However, I can't imagine this being considered "appropriate" by more than a handful of US consumers. The makers will know that, so it's most unlikely ever to appear in shops in the US.

Europeans on the other hand, are a lot more liberal and think differently about issues such as breastfeeding, etc. They tend not to recoil in disgust at scenes of breastfeeding, nudity, etc. so much as most Americans seem to. It won't become mainstream but there is always that percentage of parents who want their kids to know the basics of where they came from even from a young age and that may be where this product will slot in. This doll won't be seen as quite such a big deal in Spain.

I can't imagine it catching on in my particular corner of Europe, but this is just the kind of thing that has a habit of showing up in continental culture.

- Mark D August 12, 2009 11:51AM

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- Despite what little I know of Europe, ...
  
  ...I at least quite sure that the rate of sex crimes & population of sex preds is is not even *close* to as prevalent as in the States. Has anyone read the comments on "When is nudity ok for a Christian?" I put a few comments on there myself. The heart of the uptight Western hangups lies in the whole misconception that "sex = dirty" & " marriage sex talk = innapropriate talk, unless always kept private." Anatomy, including even breasts recently, has been dragged into the taboo. Mainstream North America tries to keep minors in the dark about sex & anatomy. I think it traces back to our puritan heritage. That should further explain Mark D's point.
  
  - Woody August 14, 2009 2:03PM
  
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  - Well, yes...
    
    There are different attitudes in the US not just towards sex, but also some issues which are completely separate to sex yet somehow imagined to be inherently sexual. This would include both nudity and breastfeeding . Nudity being considered inherently sexual is a concept that leaves most Europeans scratching their heads. But seeing sexual connotations in such completely natural and functional a thing as breastfeeding an infant, seems frankly perverse.
    
    - Mark D August 14, 2009 5:05PM
    
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Hmm

I just think this is a waste of money . If breastfeeding is done in the home children are likely at some point to imitate with a doll or stuffed animal and the don't need any of the frills this doll offers to use their imagination for that. I have nothing against the doll, I am a breastfeeder, but I wouldn't buy this for my daughter.

- whittear August 12, 2009 12:14PM

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Breastfeeding doll

I think it it a WONDERFUL IDEA," as girls need to learn that breasts are for nursing babies , not just for men's pleasure! I nursed my babies for 6 years after having my last one at home delivered by my husband and 3 midwives and I am proud ot it. It is time to put sex into its proper perspective.

- Alayna Staggers August 12, 2009 12:57PM

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- but.....
  
  what about for women's pleasure? they like it too.
  
  - userk August 12, 2009 2:11PM
  
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  - breasts and pleasure
    
    nothing wrong with pleasure, I just said breastfeeding is great for mom and baby (the original intention) and not just for sex. Whatever else you want to do with them is up to you. We already promote sex...(which is good for you too) but let's teach girls there is more requirements for their bodies and mind.
    No arguement about sex, ok!
    
    - Alayna Staggers August 12, 2009 3:19PM
    
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Why not?

Of all the things to get in a snit about.... Breastfeeding is normal and natural. It has been an inseparable part of having children throughout almost all of human history. Why try to hide or deny it now? C'mon people. Get a life!

- KentMcManigal August 12, 2009 1:28PM

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yes

whatever sells

- isotope August 12, 2009 2:35PM

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What's wrong with this?!

I really dislike the way the host and the guests make fun of the entire breastfeeding topic. What's wrong to have a 3-yo coming asking to be breastfed? How does it offend him? You can ask to drink cow's milk even if you are an adult, why can't a 3-yo kid asking to drink his mommy's milk?

I would think it is a wonderful gift/toy to give to an elder daughter, when there is a newborn at home. When mommy is busy breastfeeding the baby, the older sister can be occupied by breastfeeding her toy. This is a good opportunity to educate breastfeeding from young.

In fact, I have been asking this question for long - when would they introduce toys or gadgets that encourage breastfeeding since young!

This program really sucks, coz it degrade the entire breastfeeding effort WORLDWIDE. I hate the host and the guests. Sorry to say that.

- Suzette August 12, 2009 8:04PM

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disgusting video

This video is disgusting, presenting mainstream Americans as complete morons. The lady can hardly keep her own breasts in her dress which is open almost down to her bellybutton. She's hanging it out with no reason at all - at least I did not see an infant needing food around, she's showing more breast than many a lady in Amsterdam red light district.

Children will mimic the acts of grown ups (including hanging the boops out for entertainment ) and children all over the world breastfeed their dolls, stuffed animals , whatever is handy. I even seen boys nursing their GI Joe. They don't actually need special dolls and devices to do so, however, an doll-like object will do.

I don't like the sound the babydoll makes indicating it's drinking. As a Lactation Consultant when I hear those noises when a baby is at breast I'll try and get mom and baby use better techniques, because baby is probably hurting mom quite a bit. And of course every child with a breastfed sibling knows very well that the baby is supposed to be held underneath the cloth, not on top.

- Gonneke August 13, 2009 1:03AM

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- Thank you
  
  My concern was not with the doll, or what the doll represents, or anything like that. It was with the incredibly immature behavior of the hosts. Why do they have to act like children ? They were not attempting to make rational argument, they were just sandlot poopooing. Is that the point of the "Redeye" show? I thought it was a news show, but I have never seen it in it's entirety so maybe it's some type of entertainment program. Either way, they sure did seem like silly twits.
  
  - tek August 13, 2009 9:56AM
  
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  - Yeah...
    
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Eye_w/_Greg_Gutfeld
    
    It is not the nightly news. Being hosted by former Maxim editor Greg Gutfeld should tell you a lot.
    
    - SolarSanitizer August 13, 2009 12:54PM
    
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Weird?

Babies were meant to be fed from their mothers' breasts. This should be the norm. Children roleplay. so wouldn't it make sense for little girls to role play feeding their dolls from their chest?? yes! I find it exceptionally strange to feed a baby from a bottle with a fake nipple when a baby could have the real thing. However society accepts this as the norm because they have been led to believe from childhood that this is the norm since their dolls come with bottles. And as for breastfeeding being seen as sexual, that is because the western culture has made it sexual. The breasts (of every mammal) were made for feeding babies , not for fondling (though fondling is nice too.) In some cultures, they walk around topless because breatss are not seen as sexual but as serving the practical purpose of food for the infant

- lisarossnz August 13, 2009 5:57AM

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breastfeeding doll

we need to get over ourselves and stop reacting like children when it comes to breastfeeding . that is the reason we (mammals) have breasts is to feed our young. this is the natural way to teach a young girl about feeding her future baby, (not with a bottle). michael jordan was breastfed for 3 years... it is not that unusual. that is not the point here, this is a baby doll being put to breast as it should be. those who are breastfed are healthier, smarter and less likely to be obese in adulthood than if formula fed.(which as we all know is a worsening probelm in the united states) it is healthier for the postpartum mother and as such we should be encouraging our daughters to be thinking this is how they are going to feed their newborn from the start. grow up everyone, this is the mature way of feeding any newborn, stop with all the sexual inuendoes.

- lindammac August 14, 2009 8:26AM

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Not necessary

As a still- nursing -mother I would not buy this doll for my daughter. Why would I? It would be a waste of my money . If she wants to pretend to breastfeed a doll, then she can go ahead and do it with one of her own dolls. If she wants to give a doll a bottle, same thing. I'm not going to go out and buy a special doll just for that. And why does everybody always attack that the doll implies some sort of sexual thing. I don't think that's the first thing that everybody should think of. Second reason I would not buy this doll is that my girl is just that a lil girl, why would I want to push a grown up thing on her? She doesn't need to be doing these things unless it's of her own accord; part of growing up. I certainly don't need to buy something for her like this.

- Challon August 14, 2009 9:45AM

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What next?

Why in the world would someone come up with this? For more years than can be remembered by most people, breastfeeding was a very private thing. I don't even understand the need for adult women to do it in public. Most of the older adults now were not breastfed in public, and I don't believe it affected them in any way. Can't dolls just be dolls? Where do we go from here....it's scary!

- Glasscat August 14, 2009 1:08PM

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Cute

I think it's cute! Sure, little kids might not need sounds and gadgets but they like them. And if little boys get guns that make noises why shouldn't little girls have dolls that make sounds.

- LifeFrames August 14, 2009 8:33PM

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Ironic

I find it ironic (or maybe just moronic) that the hosts are all for toys that teach children to fight, shoot guns and go to war but are against toys that teach children to love and nourish babies . Which one is natural again? Or is it, which one is more profitable? I'm an American ex-pat, and shows like this just make me cringe. Americans like this make the entire country look like idiots.

(And I love the previous comment about the woman's shirt! Talk about boobs 'luring men into bed' as she said! She definitely put her 3 things in the order of importance according to her.)

- superlori August 19, 2009 1:49AM

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