What to do when you find your niece breastfeeding her baby doll?

Hi All, I need some help on what to do. I have been taking care of my niece who is 4 years old. I also have a 10mth old that I breastfeed. While I was at work, my fiance found my niece pretending to breastfeed her baby doll. I didn't think that this was a serious issue but my fiance is wondering if I should speak with her. What should I say, I have already spoken with her about breastfeeding and why I do it.

Answer Question
  • SHARE THIS QUESTION:
  •  
HaidensMom830

Asked by HaidensMom830 at 2:01 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 in Preschoolers (3-4)

0 Level 1
Answers (11)
  • You might want to speak to her to make sure she understands that breastfeeding is the source of your baby's nutrition. She may not realize that milk comes out of there or understand why your son is suckling on your breast. Be sure to let her know that it is completely natural and one of the best gifts a mommy can give to a baby.
    Anonymous

    Answer by Anonymous at 2:05 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • nothing.. it's no different if she was pretending to bottle feed the baby doll or spoon feed the baby doll. Chidlren simulate what they see and know........ It's how they learn..... My kids will stuff baby dolls and basketball up their shirts so that they are "pregnant".

    SAHMinIL

    Answer by SAHMinIL at 2:09 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 6 Level 2
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • I agree with the PP, she's just role playing, totally normal and natural
    Lornamay

    Answer by Lornamay at 2:11 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 4589 Level 17
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • Let her do it. It's fine and if you talk to her about it, TEACH her about breastfeeding. It's totally fine.
    jaschem

    Answer by jaschem at 2:17 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 0 Level 1
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • she is just pretending to be a good mommy. : ) I think the only problem that would arise from this is if she was to think it was a bad thing. may confuse her.
    kharmasmom

    Answer by kharmasmom at 2:18 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 10 Level 2
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • laugh shes doing what she sees lol
    Anonymous

    Answer by Anonymous at 4:29 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. Both were nursed--still nursing my son. They will both nurse dolls or stuffed animals. It is completely normal and they are just roll playing. It's cute too!!
    Carajust

    Answer by Carajust at 5:04 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 1950 Level 15
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • I am total new to this cafe mom thing but I totally agree with all the comments I breastfeed my two girls.
    mommawobble

    Answer by mommawobble at 7:15 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 0 Level 1
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • I know I would laugh first...honestly I chuckled when I read this, but it is no different than when a little girl puts a balloon or pillow under her shirt or dress to pretend she is pregnant. A brief straighforward talk should be fine. All children roleplay and it is perfectly normal. AT that age long explanations are lost...she just needs a simple...that is how I feed the baby.
    Iz2urFalt

    Answer by Iz2urFalt at 8:31 PM on Jul. 28, 2008

    Credits: 0 Level 1
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
  • awww...how sweet. she's learning to care for her child by watching how you care for yours. just tell her to keep her clothes on since she is pretending and let it go. its no different that a kid pretending to bottle feed thier baby. boobs aren't all about sex, after all.
    princezzmommie

    Answer by princezzmommie at 2:16 AM on Jul. 29, 2008

    Credits: 214 Level 8
    Found an answer to your question?
    Like us on Facebook!
Need more information? Get answers in less than 5 minutes. Ask your question now!
Or search CafeMom Answers:
 
Advertisement
Advertisement