Questions in:Preschoolers (3-4)

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.

Haide... Asked at 2:01 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
  • Answered at 2:05 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by: Anonymous
    Anonymous
    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.
  • Answered at 2:09 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    SAHMi...

    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".

  • Answered at 2:11 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    Lorna...
    I agree with the PP, she's just role playing, totally normal and natural
  • Answered at 2:17 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    jasch...
    Let her do it. It's fine and if you talk to her about it, TEACH her about breastfeeding. It's totally fine.
  • Answered at 2:18 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    kharm...
    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.
  • Answered at 4:29 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by: Anonymous
    Anonymous
    laugh shes doing what she sees lol
  • Answered at 5:04 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    Caraj...
    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!!
  • Answered at 7:15 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    momma...
    I am total new to this cafe mom thing but I totally agree with all the comments I breastfeed my two girls.
  • Answered at 8:31 PM on Jul. 28, 2008 by:
    Iz2ur...
    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.
  • Answered at 2:16 AM on Jul. 29, 2008 by:
    princ...
    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.

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