Anger as 'totally bizarre' doll that teaches young girls how to breastfeed launches in U.S. stores

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 05:14 EST, 18 July 2011


A doll that teaches young girls how to breast feed, which is about to hit stores across the U.S., has prompted a wave of complaints from angry parents.

Makers of The Breast Milk Baby claim that the doll, which simulates breastfeeding, allows children to experience the 'magic of motherhood'.

But parents have spoken out in anger over the toy, which they have slammed as 'totally bizarre'.

BreastMilkBab

Controversial: Spanish toy makers have launched The Breast Milk Baby on the U.S. market claiming that it lets young girls experience the 'magic of motherhood'

The doll comes with a bib for the child to wear, with pink flowers indicating the nipple area.

When held to the breast the doll makes suckling noises, and start crying if it is not burped afterwards.

Parents have complained that the doll, which has only been available online in the U.S. until now, is inappropriate for young girls.

'I think that it’s totally bizarre to teach a prepubescent child how to breastfeed,' Nicole from Manhattan told CBS News. 'Quite strange.'

Breast Milk Baby

Questionable: Some parents have labelled the toy as inappropriate for young girls

bebe gloton

Breast is best: Breast Milk Baby latches on to a flower-shaped nipple, emitting a suckling sound

'I think it’s very creepy,' another woman told the network. 'I don’t think little kids should be breastfeeding.'

'I don’t approve of it at all. I think it’s ridiculous for a child. Let her learn it when she’s older,' one woman told CBS News.

Dennis Lewis, U.S. spokesman for Berjuan Toys responded: 'The whole purpose of The Breast Milk Baby is to teach children the nurturing skills they’ll need to raise their own healthy babies in the future.

'We really don’t understand why this has created such controversy.'

And though the overwhelming response has been negative, there are some parents that believe the Breast Milk Baby is harmless.

Breast Milk Baby

Educational: Makers of The Breast Milk Baby claim that the doll teaches 'children the nurturing skills they'll need to raise their own healthy babies in the future.'

Scott from Manhattan told CBS News that he would not buy the doll, but said: 'Make a product, if it sells, it sells.'

The range of six dolls are available in both sexes and a range of different ethnicities, retailing for $89 each.

Released in Spain two years ago under the name Bebe Gloton, meaning greedy baby, the toy was widely criticised by parents that felt it promoted the sexualisation of children.