A Spanish toy sparks debate about normalizing breastfeeding versus age-appropriate play
We’re not entirely sure how we feel about this doll, and we think it might take some time before we figure it out.
The Bebé Glotón (which translates to “gluttonous baby”), making its way to North America from Spain, makes suckling sounds while it “breastfeeds” from flowers on a special halter top worn by the child. The doll also burps after feeding, completing the nurturing experience.
The Concept
The doll comes with a special vest or halter top featuring strategically placed fabric flowers. When the child positions the doll near these flowers, sensors trigger suckling sounds and mouth movements. After “feeding,” the doll produces a burping sound, mimicking the real infant feeding experience.
Berjuan Toys, the Spanish manufacturer, designed the doll to normalize breastfeeding and allow children—particularly those with younger siblings—to mimic what they observe at home. The company argues that if dolls can come with bottles, why shouldn’t they also offer breastfeeding options?
The Debate
This toy has sparked considerable controversy and divided opinions among parents, child development experts, and the general public.
Arguments in Favor
Normalizing breastfeeding: Supporters argue that breastfeeding is a natural, healthy way to feed babies. If we accept dolls that bottle-feed, baby dolls that breastfeed simply reflect another normal aspect of infant care. The doll helps destigmatize breastfeeding in cultures where it’s sometimes treated as something to hide.
Mimicking observed behavior: Young children naturally imitate adult behaviors they witness. Children with nursing siblings often pretend to breastfeed their dolls using their imagination. This toy simply provides a more interactive version of play that already occurs naturally.
Age-appropriate nurturing play: Proponents point out that nurturing play is developmentally appropriate for young children. Playing “parent” helps children process their experiences and develop empathy. A breastfeeding doll is no more sexualizing than dolls that wet their diapers or need burping.
Educational value: The toy offers opportunities to discuss infant feeding, body positivity, and how babies are cared for in age-appropriate ways.
Cultural differences: In many European and other cultures, breastfeeding is more openly accepted and visible. What seems controversial in North America might seem perfectly normal elsewhere.
Arguments Against
Age-appropriateness concerns: Critics question whether young children need such realistic simulation of adult caregiving activities. Some parents feel it rushes children toward adult roles and responsibilities.
Potential for sexualization: While breastfeeding itself isn’t sexual, some parents worry that marketing products focused on breasts—even in innocent contexts—to young children sends confusing messages in cultures where breasts are heavily sexualized.
Unnecessary commercialization: Skeptics argue children’s imaginations work perfectly well without expensive specialty toys. Children have pretended to nurse dolls for generations without needing sensors and sound effects.
Parental discomfort: Some parents simply feel uncomfortable with the concept, regardless of the arguments in favor. Parental comfort matters in toy selection.
Focus on only one feeding method: Ironically, while meant to normalize breastfeeding, the toy might make bottle-feeding families feel judged or excluded, creating new divisions rather than promoting acceptance of all feeding choices.
Expert Perspectives
Child development specialists generally agree that nurturing play is healthy and normal. Young children regularly imitate feeding behaviors they observe—whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding—as part of processing their world and developing caregiving skills.
The question becomes whether the interactive, commercial nature of the toy enhances or detracts from this natural play. Some experts appreciate toys that accurately reflect diverse family experiences, while others prefer open-ended toys that don’t dictate specific play scenarios.
Lactation consultants and breastfeeding advocates tend to support the doll, viewing it as a tool for normalizing breastfeeding in societies where public nursing still faces stigma. They argue that children who grow up seeing breastfeeding as normal are more likely to view it positively in their own parenting years.
Cultural Context Matters
Reception of the breastfeeding doll varies significantly by culture. In Spain and other European countries where public breastfeeding is widely accepted and normalized, the toy generated far less controversy. In North America, where attitudes toward breastfeeding in public remain more conflicted, the doll sparked heated debate.
This cultural variation highlights how toys don’t exist in a vacuum—they reflect and influence societal attitudes about bodies, parenting, gender roles, and childhood.
Questions to Consider
If you’re trying to form your own opinion about this toy, consider:
What is your goal for your child’s play? Are you comfortable with realistic simulation of adult activities, or do you prefer more imaginative, open-ended play?
What messages matter to you? Do you want to explicitly normalize breastfeeding, or do you feel your child will form healthy attitudes without specific toys?
How does your child play? Some children enjoy realistic props and role-play scenarios. Others prefer simple dolls that can become whatever their imagination creates.
What are your family’s feeding experiences? If your family doesn’t include breastfeeding, this toy might feel irrelevant or alienating. If breastfeeding is part of your daily life, it might feel natural and appropriate.
What’s your comfort level? Your own feelings matter. If a toy makes you uncomfortable, that discomfort will likely communicate to your child regardless of the toy’s intended message.
The Broader Conversation
Perhaps the breastfeeding doll’s greatest value lies not in the toy itself but in the conversations it prompts about:
- How we normalize (or stigmatize) natural bodily functions
- What messages we send children about bodies and feeding
- The role of commercial toys versus imagination in child development
- How cultural attitudes shape our reactions to childhood play
- The balance between age-appropriate realism and preserving childhood innocence
Our Verdict?
We genuinely don’t have one. This toy exists in a complex intersection of child development, cultural attitudes, marketing, and parenting philosophy. Reasonable people can disagree about its appropriateness and value.
What we do know: Breastfeeding is normal and healthy. Children naturally imitate caregiving behaviors they observe. Nurturing play is developmentally appropriate. And parents should choose toys that align with their family’s values and comfort levels.
Whether those facts lead you to embrace or reject this particular toy is a decision only you can make for your family.
What Do You Think?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Is this age-appropriate? Is it weird? Does it make perfect sense? Share your perspective in the comments.
WE JUST DON’T KNOW—and that’s okay. Sometimes the questions are more valuable than definitive answers.