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Odd Behavior from 18 month old?

Jodi - posted on 08/11/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

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My daughter is just shy of 18 months old and she has recently started some odd behavior I have never seen a breastfeeding child do. Most breastfeeding children that I know will pretend to nurse their own dolls and stuffed animals and such, but my daughter INSISTS that I nurse her baby dolls, and not just pretend, she'll lift of my shirt and move my bra to make it happen and has a complete meltdown if I don't. (I have to admit, it's a little awkward and uncomfortable for me) She also insists that her favorite doll nurse off my other breast while she breastfeeds.

Is this normal? How do I get her to stop, I've tried showing her hwo to pretend to nurse her baby dolls and how to pretend to give them bottles, but it hasn't worked yet. Has anyone else's child done this?

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Jodi - posted on 08/12/2010

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Rebecca, I was so hoping I would find someone else who's child has done the same thing! I like the idea of telling her I'm not baby's mommy, at least it would be giving her a reason for the "no". Thanks!
Diana, I never thought of it that way, kind of flattering behavior when you put it in that light! Thanks!

Diana - posted on 08/11/2010

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Oh - it actually sounds sweet. She likes nursing so much, and loves her dolly's so much, she wants them to have the same joy :)

I like the idea of telling her that you are not their mamma though - and then maybe appoint one of the other dollys as mamma, or tell her she is the mamma.

A while ago my son brought me dollys to nurse (he was probably 2ish)- at a public play place - but he didn't insist I lift my shirt, and was happy with a quick pretend. I though it was funny because he brought me two identical dolls - except one was white & one black & they looked cute pretend nursing tandem.

Rebecca - posted on 08/11/2010

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Don't feel bad my daughter did this to me at about 18 months (she is now 20 months) and at first I went along with it to prevent a meltdown but it was weird for me as well so I just explained to her that I was not the dolls mommy and I did not want to feed her baby and about 3 meltdowns later she gave up. It was hard to see her upset, but it was even harder when she wanted me to feed her dolly in Walmart.

Kathy - posted on 08/11/2010

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I wouldn't worry about this. I've seen plenty of variation on this theme. If it's making you uncomfortable, just don't let her put her doll on your breast. If she has a meltdown, so be it.There are times when you have to make the hard decisions and put up with the tantrums. It's called discipline.

But it's not unusual.

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