Baby Doll That Nurses

Just in time for the holidays.

Berjuan Toys, a 40-year doll maker in Spain, has made a breastfeeding doll whose suckling sounds are prompted by sensors sewn into a halter top at the nipples of little girls (and perhaps little boys?).

The dolls, eight in all with a variety of skin tones and facial features, look like many others, until children don the little top with petal appliques at the nipples. That's where the sensors are located, setting off the suckling noise when the doll's mouth makes contact. It also burps and cries, but those sounds do not require contact at the breast.

Little Savannah and Tony, Cameron and Jessica, Lilyang and Jeremiah cost $89 each. However, the U.S. representative, after unsuccessfully peddling them to retailers large and small, now has them listed at half price on their website in time for the holidays this year.

Here is my take. When my now my eight-year-old daughter, Julia, was born, her sister, Charlotte, was a little more than two years old. I mostly nursed (a term I gained from my mom) Julia. I supplemented both of my girls with a bottle and formula.

When Julia was about two weeks old, Charlotte sat on the couch and put her favorite doll to her chest, saying “I am feeding my baby.” It was very cute. I laughed and said, “just like I do for Julia.” Charlotte did this a couple more times, but since I nursed just for six months, it did not last long.

I think Americans are a little prudish about nursing moms. I admit I never nursed in public. I have nothing against anyone who does, in fact, I think it is great. It just was not for me. When it comes to the doll, I like that it makes a sucking sound and does all the rest. I like that it is encouraging breast feeding at an early age.

What I am a little uncomfortable with is the halter that has breast. Is that really necessary? From a practical standpoint, I wonder who attaches it to a little girl. Can she do it on her own or do parents need to help?

Overall, I have no problem with. I am curious how well they will sell this holiday season.