Bebe Gloton

You may have caught this tidbit in yesterday’s news–a new toy available in Spain, “Bebe Gloton“, is a breastfeeding babydoll sparking controversy over whether or not toymakers have gone too far in replicating real life. Little girls wear a breastfeeding halter with flowers where nipples would normally be. When the doll’s mouth is brought close to the flowers, sensors initiate a sucking sound and motion for the baby’s lips. Wow.

My initial reaction to seeing the doll yesterday was a feeling of awkwardness–not due to the doll or the breastfeeding, but due to the flowers! Once I got over my initial response, I thought through the beauty of allowing a little girl the chance to breastfeed a babydoll. If I am truly an advocate of breastfeeding, shouldn’t I want to encourage young girls toward caring for their future children in such a way? My answer is a resounding “Yes!” However, I still think old-fashioned pretend play is best. How adorable it is to watch children (even my boys!) imitate the beautiful act of nursing with plain baby dolls. Leave more to the imagination!

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On a related note, yesterday my sweet little one, J, and I ended our year-long nursing relationship. What a dear little nurser he was, never biting, always cuddling. With my other boys, we quickly moved on to the next phase. This time around, I feel like crying! Now I know what other mothers are talking about when they share of weeping during the final nursing session.