Breastfeeding dolls: Do they go too far?

PHOENIX - A new parenting firestorm is breaking out over a new doll that lets little girls pretend to breastfeed. It's called the 'breast milk baby' and the company behind it claims the doll teaches nurturing skills.

Several viewers on Facebook had a different opinion.

Jim Kear says, "The passage of childhood goes far too quickly as it is...why rush things??"

Freddie Shuler says, "This has gone too far! Let children be children and mommies be mommies!"

Candice Clark says, "I don't understand why this is being made such a big deal. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a mother can do besides give birth."

Join that heated debate here .

Gender expert and bestselling author of "You're Grounded Forever.. But First Let's Go Shopping," Susan Shapiro Barash says she thinks toys like this go too far.

Barash, whose book focuses on mother-daughter bonding, says she thinks the problem may be mothers have trouble saying no to their daughters when it comes to purchases, even when they feel they aren't appropriate.

She says when 7-year-olds are breastfeeding their baby dolls, there isn't much time left for childhood and they grow up too fast.

But, it's ultimately up to the parents. Barash encourages parents to do what feels right for them and their daughters. And to always be aware of their daughters' individuality.