There have been dolls that burp, dolls that need to be fed, and dolls that can cry, and now for the first time, there's a doll that can be breast fed.
It's not available in the United States yet, but already controversy is surrounding the new toy.
After a successful run overseas, Spain-based Berjuan Toys is bringing their Breast Milk Baby to the United States. The realistic doll is trying to teach the youth of America that breast-feeding is a healthy, natural way to feed a baby, complete with a realistic suckling mechanism.
Each doll comes with a "fashionable" halter-top to be worn by the child; it's decorated with two flowers carefully positioned where the nipples would be. The doll then makes motions and suckling sounds when a sensor in its mouth comes close to sensors inside the flowers. Available in both genders and three different skin colors.
Although many health care providers promote the benefits of breast-feeding, parents around the world have criticized Berjuan, saying the idea of breast-feeding is too grown-up for young children, and may even promote early pregnancy.
Berjuan Toys U.S. spokesman Dennis Lewis says the doll is useful in teaching nurturing skills, "A little girl who plays with a breast milk baby now will think breastfeeding is the normal way to feed a baby," Lewis said.
Berjuan Toys says the doll has been popular among young girls and is targeted to kids ages two and older.
The doll will sell for around $90 dollars when it hits the stores.
The toy has been very successful in Europe for years, and will debut at a toy show this weekend in Las Vegas.
