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Bebe Gloton, the first breast-feeding baby doll
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The first infant formula was used around 1846 and was considered a great alternative to breast milk by the 1930's. By the 1950's, more than 1/2 of the US population was reared on some form of evaporated or liquid formula. The trends changed with the times and by the 1970's women were beginning to explore returning to breast milk as a more healthful option.
In the 1980's and 1990's studies showed and doctor's began recommending; that mothers whenever possible, should breast-feed for at least the first 6 months.
In keeping with the times, Spanish toy manufacturer, Berjuan, has introduced Bebe Gloton. Which they claim is the first ever breast- feeding doll. Baby dolls usually come with bottles and I suppose it could be construed that toy manufacturers are therefore, "pro-bottle."
Bebe Gloton does not come with a bottle, but it is accompanied by a halter top, with daisies strategically placed at nipple height for the doll owner to wear. The child wearer holds the baby close to the daisy " nipple" and the baby makes sucking sounds.
Children have played with dolls and have modeled what they see adults do with a baby since the beginning of time. We have had dolls that burp, dolls that talk, dolls that walk, dolls that cry, and dolls that make sucking or chewing faces, dolls whose hair grows when you push a button and even dolls that wet themselves. I suppose it was just a matter of time before someone made a doll that looks like it is breast-feeding.
The question is always, do you want your daughter to simulate this action on their own ,or provide them with realistic tools? What about boys and baby dolls? Should the halter top be given to only girls? Do you give the boy a bottle and explain that he can't wear the halter top? How realistic and at what age does the parent want to answer these questions and address the behaviors associated with play?
The use of this doll or any toy becomes problematic when there is not a loving and caring adult (hopefully the child's parent) to help guide the child's behavior and answer questions as they arise. I suspect that younger parents might find it more natural and be more comfortable with the doll. Parents of any age in the US have some time to ruminate, as the doll is not yet available here.
For more info about behavior, relationships and parenting visit me @: messylife.typepad.com/my_weblog/
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