Why does Harper, four, still use a dummy? Experts warn David and Victoria Beckham's little girl may end up with 'speech or dental issues' if she continues to use one

By Jemma Buckley, Showbusiness Reporter For The Daily Mail

Published: 18:50 EST, 9 August 2015 | Updated: 18:54 EST, 9 August 2015

Merilly trotting along next to her father in a pink sundress, Harper Beckham looks like a confident and content little girl.

But along with her pink flip-flops, the youngster also sported a rather more controversial matching accessory – a pink dummy.

At four years old, Harper Beckham is well beyond the age that most health experts would advise giving a child a dummy.

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Isn't she a bit old? David and Victoria Beckham's four-year-old daughter Harper was seen walking with her father in West Hollywood on Friday, while holding a dummy in her mouth

Isn't she a bit old? David and Victoria Beckham's four-year-old daughter Harper was seen walking with her father in West Hollywood on Friday, while holding a dummy in her mouth

Last night parenting experts said that David, 40, and Victoria Beckham, 41, risked stunting their daughter's speech and were putting her teeth at risk of damage by letting her continue to use one.

Dummies are usually used to soothe and settle restless children and are only recommended for small babies.

Some parents use them to stop a child from crying or simply because the habit has become too hard to break.

Concern: Experts have warned there may be issues with Harper still using a dummy, including with her speech and her teeth

Concern: Experts have warned there may be issues with Harper still using a dummy, including with her speech and her teeth

The NHS Choices website recommends parents 'should avoid using dummies after 12 months of age' to prevent speech development problems.

Harper was pictured walking with her father and oldest brother Brooklyn, 16, after the trio enjoyed lunch in West Hollywood, California.

She was still sucking on her pink dummy as they larked around on the way to their car, with David playfully running after his two children.

Last night parenting expert Clare Byam-Cook, a former midwife, said that the Beckhams were putting Harper's wellbeing at risk.

She said: 'I can't believe she is still using a dummy. If she has a dummy in their mouth at this age, at four, it really can damage her teeth and it is very likely to hinder speech development.

'You are far less likely to speak if you have a dummy in your mouth than if your mouth is free. Many dentists will agree that dummy use at this age really is not good.

'After about three months, most babies should not need a comforter. Children at the age of four really don't need a dummy.

'David and Victoria seem wonderful parents and I'm sure they give Harper lots of attention but, like it or not, they are role models and lots of people will see this and think that having a dummy at this age is normal when it is not.

'It could be last child syndrome – because she is the youngest David and Victoria could be clinging on to her being a baby.'

Previously: Last year, Harper was seen at the age of three, still using a pacifier while out with her mother Victoria

Previously: Last year, Harper was seen at the age of three, still using a pacifier while out with her mother Victoria

Parenting expert Sue Atkins echoed her concerns. She said: 'If a child has a dummy for too long it can be hard to get them off it. If Harper is running around having a great time, she doesn't really need one.

'It is an easy option for parents, because if you give them a dummy they shut up and are quiet. It's the same as giving them an iPad really.

'Some parents use them as an easy way to keep their kids quiet, and their language development is impaired by it because they don't have to talk. It delays their vocabulary if they have them too long.'

Fans on Twitter were also quick to raise concerns.

One said: 'As much as I like Mr Beckham, to see 4 year old Harper still using a dummy is quiet disturbing #notababyanymore'

Another added: 'How old is Harper Beckham? I can't deal with the dummy situation!!?'

While another said: 'Err is Harper not a bit old for a dummy, and why is she running with it in her mouth anyway?'

No need: 'After about three months, most babies should not need a comforter. Children at the age of four really don't need a dummy,' said parenting expert Clare Byam-Cook

No need: 'After about three months, most babies should not need a comforter. Children at the age of four really don't need a dummy,' said parenting expert Clare Byam-Cook

But expert Judy Reith said that Harper may need to use a dummy to calm her down in stressful public situations.

She said: 'It is up to the parents – famous or not – to decide when their child is ready to stop using a dummy. It's a personal decision in every family and they know best.

'Given that she is a child in a well-known family, she may have a little extra comfort from her dummy when they are walking about and cameras are clicking away.

'The most important thing is that she feels loved, safe, secure and able to engage with the world.'

Harper has siblings Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 12, and Cruz, ten. She turned four in July.

She was also spotted with a dummy in October last year, emerging from a shop in Los Angeles with her mother. 

Calming her down: Expert Judy Reith reasoned that the little girl may still feel the need to use a dummy to calm her down in 'stressful public situations'

Calming her down: Expert Judy Reith reasoned that the little girl may still feel the need to use a dummy to calm her down in 'stressful public situations'

 

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