News: The Dummy Debate

As a picture of Harper Beckham goes viral, we follow the “Dummy Debate” controversy over what age little ones should dump the dummies

Harper Beckham may be the daughter of the UK’s best looking dad and one of our favourite celebrity toddlers, but she has become the source of a heated debate.

The dummy debate has swept the nation after Harper was pictured this weekend using a dummy at four years old. Harper, looking as cute as ever, seems full of joy as she trots alongside her father but the image has provoked criticism over the use of her dummy.

[quote_box_right] “Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts?”
David Beckham posted his response to the controversy on Instagram.[/quote_box_right]

After the photo emerged, it seems as if everyone has had their say. Bloggers, health officials and parenting experts alike all offered their opinion on the issue.

Former midwife and parenting expert, Clare Byam-Cook said: “I can’t believe she is still using a dummy. It really can damage her teeth and it is very likely to hinder speech development.”

While the recommended age for children to stop using dummies is after 12 months to avoid any health problems, parenting expert Fi Star-Stone insists happiness is what’s important. She comments on Twitter: “It is VERY easy to hand out opinions on others parenting skills – but my goodness – is she happy? Yes? Leave the child be!”

In the heat of the debate, David posted his response to the controversy on Instagram.

“Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts?

“Everybody who has children knows that when they aren’t feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it’s a pacifier so those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people’s children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent.”

We’ll be discussing the dummy debate further in our next issue, out in August. Why not tell us your thoughts on twitter and facebook?