Suri Cruise turns 4 next week & still drinking from a bottle...

[sewarsh]

I'm not one to judge much, but geez, at 4 YO almost break that girl of the bottle!!

http://www.usmagazine.com/momsbabies/news/suri-cruise-nearly-four-is-still-using-a-bottle-2010104

[codex57]

That reminds me, we need to break DS off from the bottle. Least he's not even 3 yet.

[ilfaith]

If you're old enough to wear high heels, you're old enough to drink from a cup.

[wendibird22]

deleted. duplicate.

[egoldber]

I figure the poor kid's life is stressful enough. If she's really attached to it, I don't see why forcing her to give it up is helpful or productive.

[TwoBees]

I wonder if it is still filled with that barley mixture...

[sunnyside]

Just because there is a pic of her drinking out of a bottle doesn't mean she does it every day. My friends kids like to pretend like they are a baby and drink from a bottle every once in a while.

Who cares really.

[Laurel]

I figure the poor kid's life is stressful enough. If she's really attached to it, I don't see why forcing her to give it up is helpful or productive.

ITA. This kid gets hounded by scary guys with flashing cameras every time she is in public. A bottle seems like no biggie to me.

[AnnieW625]

I figure the poor kid's life is stressful enough. If she's really attached to it, I don't see why forcing her to give it up is helpful or productive.

:yeahthat: My 4 yr. old is still attached to her sippy cups. Honestly I don't think it's any worse than seeing a 4 yr. old with a binky (but binkys attached to older toddlers in public/school settings has always botered me).

[TwinFoxes]

I figure the poor kid's life is stressful enough. If she's really attached to it, I don't see why forcing her to give it up is helpful or productive.

:yeahthat:

Just what the world needs, mommy drive-bys from US magazine!

[Ceepa]

I wonder if it is still filled with that barley mixture...

I was thinking the same. Whatever that mixture is.

[khalloc]

my kids didnt use a bottle past 12 months, so still using it at 4 seems absurd to me. My 4 year old is into sippy cups and alot of times I make her use a normal cup. I cant imagine still dealing with a bottle

[TwinFoxes]

I cant imagine still dealing with a bottle

This I do agree with. I so don't miss the bottle washing x2!

[sewarsh]

my kids didnt use a bottle past 12 months, so still using it at 4 seems absurd to me. My 4 year old is into sippy cups and alot of times I make her use a normal cup. I cant imagine still dealing with a bottle

:yeahthat:
But, from another perspective, it can't be healthy for her teeth either. Granted her life may be "stressful" and she probably doesn't use it all the time, but a bottle at 4!?! come on!

[KrystalS]

My mom allowed my younger twin sisters to drink a bottle until they were almost 5. Their teeth are HORRIBLE!! Granted the dentist says most dental problems are genetic. They have huge overbites. Although I can't say much because I didn't take DDs binky away til she was a little over 3, but her dad was deployed and I just couldn't bring myself to add more stress.

[kerridean]

I think it is disgusting and inappropriate.

[StantonHyde]

My DS did a morning bottle till he was 4 and his sister was transitioning to a sippy cup!! His teeth are gorgeously straight and no cavities.

[g-mama]

But, from another perspective, it can't be healthy for her teeth either. Granted her life may be "stressful" and she probably doesn't use it all the time, but a bottle at 4!?! come on!

:yeahthat:

It's not just a judgment based on how *I* personally feel about it, it's a dental issue. Most kids get off the bottle much earlier for this very reason. It's not simply a "lovey" like a blanket or a stuffed animal, though they seem to be letting her use it as one at the risk of having her mouth all messed up.

[elektra]

I figure the poor kid's life is stressful enough. If she's really attached to it, I don't see why forcing her to give it up is helpful or productive.

True. I still think it's weird though.

[g-mama]

My DS did a morning bottle till he was 4 and his sister was transitioning to a sippy cup!! His teeth are gorgeously straight and no cavities.

He's lucky. Not all risky behaviors will end in a bad result, but is it worth the risk? Not asking you, in particular, since you decided it was and it worked out for you.

I suppose each of us has to make that choice as to whether going against standard advice is worth the risk. I'm very surprised, really, on this board where so many people think there is only ONE right way to do certain things, that there are so many people who think that the less-advisable way is the best way and worth the risk of dental problems.

[egoldber]

But from a dental perspective, I don't think a sippy cup is that different, especially the ones with the large "spouts". That spout is really a bottle nipple in a more culturally acceptable form. If we were all doing the "right" thing, we'd have them on open cups right away.

[Sillygirl]

True. I still think it's weird though.

Poor Suri. If the bottle is the weirdest thing in her life, she's doing way better than I'd expect for her.

[egoldber]

If the bottle is the weirdest thing in her life, she's doing way better than I'd expect for her.

No kidding.

[catpagmo]

I can't imagine being criticized as much as a celebrity is for their parenting choices. Seems like there are much worse things than her still using a bottle. It's not like she'll be using it at 30. And if she is, who cares?

[TwinFoxes]

Poor Suri. If the bottle is the weirdest thing in her life, she's doing way better than I'd expect for her.

Very true. I'm not sure if I'm :hysterical: or :crying: at this SG!

[g-mama]

Poor Suri. If the bottle is the weirdest thing in her life, she's doing way better than I'd expect for her.

Oh, I think we can be sure it's not!

[egoldber]

And it's not like they can't afford the finest orthodontia money can buy. ;)

[arivecchi]

The bottle does not bother me half as much as pictures/video of celebrity kids in car seats where there is car seat misuse. I agree with others that it is strange but meh.

[elektra]

I can't imagine being criticized as much as a celebrity is for their parenting choices. Seems like there are much worse things than her still using a bottle. It's not like she'll be using it at 30. And if she is, who cares?

See I do agree with the fact that in the big picture the bottle at 4 is really no biggie, especially when there are so many other issues that I imagine their family has to deal with. Way weirder stuff as the PP's have also imagined. And I especially agreed with Beth's comment about if she is really that attached to it, maybe it's worth risking the damage to her teeth (I don't really know what the exact risks are actually) if she can't function without it or something.
But I still think it's weird, it's not the same choice I would make as her parent, etc.

And sorry, but if a 30 year old woman was drinking out of a bottle, that would definitely be bizzarro and I would "care"!

It reminds of when my college boyfriend taught at a school where a lot of celebrities' kids went. He had heard from another teacher that when Barbra Streisand's son went there (pretty sure it was her son) he would suck on his thumb and jacket all day. This was in high school. So weird. Obvious issues!

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

If you're old enough to wear high heels, you're old enough to drink from a cup.

:yeahthat:

[codex57]

And it's not like they can't afford the finest orthodontia money can buy. ;)

Orthodontia (or dentures if it gets real bad) is still painful. Why go through that necessarily. I mean, if a celeb is gonna go through an unnecessary procedure, it oughta be something like lipo or boob job or some other cosmetic surgery.

If she's stressed, I'd rather see her hang onto a lovie of some kind (like a blanket or teddy bear) rather than a bottle.

[tarahsolazy]

I figure the poor kid's life is stressful enough. If she's really attached to it, I don't see why forcing her to give it up is helpful or productive.

I'm with you, Beth, but then again, I don't wean my kids from their binkies either. So DS had his until 4, DD, who knows?

[janeybwild]

So wish I didn't click on this thread. Where's the yawn smiley when you need it?

[maestramommy]

Wow, she's a beautiful little girl :heartbeat: But it does feel a little weird to see someone so grown up looking sucking on a bottle. Still, as Beth said her life must be pretty stressful so I don't know that I would judge something like that. We're still working on getting Dora to stop chewing her lambie altogether, so who am I to judge anything? :p

[C99]

high heels and a baby bottle is an odd combination, but whatever. I am not her parent.

[mamicka]

With all the crappy parenting out there, this is not even a blip on my radar.

[egoldber]

Orthodontia (or dentures if it gets real bad) is still painful.

My poor attempt at a joke must have been worse than I thought. ;)

[K-Bear]

It's just another weird parenting choice by her parents. By itself, it is weird but whatever as other posters have said, but there are just lots of weird parenting stuff going on in that family. The bottle, the heels, the makeup, the taking her out at night, not shielding her that much from the papparazzi, etc.

Put together, it makes you go "what?"

[sewarsh]

I'll admit I originally posted this story becuase I feel its wrong, unhealthy and frankly wierd.

But the more I think about it, that little girl probably spends more than half her life with caretakers instead of mommy and/or daddy. Granted, i'm making my own assumptions here, but the point is, if she needs that bottle for security, than who am I judge.

But then again, if that is why she's still taking the occasional bottle, then it goes back to the parenting, or lack thereof.

[SnuggleBuggles]

With all the crappy parenting out there, this is not even a blip on my radar.
:yeahthat: Darned right. I have no problem with it. It's not the worst thing out there, imo, not even close.

Beth

[Dream]

Please don't flame me for this post.

I don't find it inappropriate. In the western world I see there's a set time limit for lot of things. Where I grew up there's no set rules for this kind of things. I used to drink from a bottle till I was 6. My teeth are fine. Never had to wear braces and never had a filling or any other problems, so far, "touchwood". I'm not saying its the right thing but every kid is different and I belive sometimes its best to let them do things at their own pace.

[g-mama]

It's not the worst thing out there, imo, not even close.

Beth


It doesn't even come close to some moms not polishing their son's nails! ;) Just kidding.

[Jo..]

What a gorgeous child.

My DD (almost 2) still wants a bottle when she is falling asleep. Several months ago we implemented an "only water in bottles" policy and she's fine with that. If she wants to drink bottles of water until she's a teen I will let her.

If anyone can afford any kind of dental work she will need, it's her parents.

[SnuggleBuggles]

It doesn't even come close to some moms not polishing their son's nails! ;) Just kidding.
:rotflmao: So true!

Beth

[KrisM]

Just because there is a pic of her drinking out of a bottle doesn't mean she does it every day. My friends kids like to pretend like they are a baby and drink from a bottle every once in a while.

Who cares really.

:yeahthat:

DS2 never had a bootle from 2 or 3 months on, but now drinks water from a play one.

[kijip]

From the article:


But Dr. Harvey Karp -- a pediatrician, child development specialist and creator of the DVD and book, The Happiest Toddler on the Block -- said it isn't a huge deal.

"Sucking is normal for kids when they are tired or bored," he told Us,

I tend to agree.

[citymama]

I really don't think it's problematic for a 4 yr old to drink out of a bottle (assuming she is brushing her teeth), but I am sad to see this same kid in high heels, make-up and looking grown-up before her time! Let her be a little kid, please!

[JamiMac]

With all the crappy parenting out there, this is not even a blip on my radar.

Yes, this.

[MamaMolly]

:yeahthat:

Just what the world needs, mommy drive-bys from US magazine!

:yeahthat: I don't think it is appropriate but it isn't anything I'd comment on to a friend about. If my sister's kid were 4 and still had a bottle I might bring it up casually, but really? Not a huge deal IMO.

[Piglet]

Would we be having this discussion if it was publicized that Suri was still nursing??? We consider ourselves to be so very accepting of choices as long as they match our expectations - many other boards would be in an uproar over extended nursing or co-sleeping. We all make choices for our families that fit out world views.

[Ceepa]

Considering that poor kid's situation the bottle doesn't seem like a big deal, but someone should hand her a Foogo.

[mytwosons]

Would we be having this discussion if it was publicized that Suri was still nursing??? We consider ourselves to be so very accepting of choices as long as they match our expectations - many other boards would be in an uproar over extended nursing or co-sleeping. We all make choices for our families that fit out world views.

:yeahthat:

[crl]

Eh, not a huge deal in my book. I would be worried about the dental issues if she were mine--in fact I took the bottle away from mine for that reason at about 18 months. And my understanding is that the dental issues with bottles aren't really there for nursing so it is different in that way.

But, really, not like it's child abuse or neglect or anything. So, not my kid, not my business.

Catherine

[mamicka]

Considering that poor kid's situation the bottle doesn't seem like a big deal, but someone should hand her a Foogo.

OT, but I hate our Foogos with a passion. Biggest waste of money ever & I got them 50% off.

[AnnieW625]

Eh, not a huge deal in my book. I would be worried about the dental issues if she were mine--in fact I took the bottle away from mine for that reason at about 18 months. And my understanding is that the dental issues with bottles aren't really there for nursing so it is different in that way.

But, really, not like it's child abuse or neglect or anything. So, not my kid, not my business.

Catherine

:yeahthat: I have always kind of thought the same thing in regards to dental health and the bottle and DD was off the traditional nipple by 15 mos. as our ped. had suggested. A pediatrician would be beheaded if he told a mom to stop breast feeding her child by 15 mos. old because it could cause dental issues. A whole lynch mob of breast feeding moms and non long term breast feeding moms (like myself) would be coming after him in a heartbeat!

[JMS]

Kinda, slightly O/T but what bothers me the MOST is that there are so many pictures of the poor child dressed in a sleeveless dress in the middle of the winter WITHOUT a coat!!!

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

I think it is disgusting and inappropriate.


Seriously? Disgusting?

[Elilly]

Kinda, slightly O/T but what bothers me the MOST is that there are so many pictures of the poor child dressed in a sleeveless dress in the middle of the winter WITHOUT a coat!!!

But she is merely being wisked from a storefront or hotel directly into a warm, private limo. Honestly, I'd probably do the same if I could afford it to avoid the whole coat drama!

[Ceepa]

OT, but I hate our Foogos with a passion. Biggest waste of money ever & I got them 50% off.

:ROTFLMAO: I was just saying I think Suri would like a cute little cup with a built-in straw. It could be any design.

[AnnieW625]

Kinda, slightly O/T but what bothers me the MOST is that there are so many pictures of the poor child dressed in a sleeveless dress in the middle of the winter WITHOUT a coat!!!

It's LA I see it all of the time! It does average about 70 here so for most people here it's really no big deal. People wear shorts and flip flops at 50 degrees and raining! And on the flip side Uggs with skirts, and scarves the first time it his 70 at the beginning of summer:shake:.

[kerridean]

Seriously? Disgusting?

Yes, a four year old sucking on a bottle is disgusting.

[mamicka]

:ROTFLMAO: I was just saying I think Suri would like a cute little cup with a built-in straw. It could be any design.

I know, your post just reminded me of my intense hatred for those things. I'm also surprised that she isn't carrying around some fancy-schmancy $$$ straw cup.

[EllasMum]

Would we be having this discussion if it was publicized that Suri was still nursing??? We consider ourselves to be so very accepting of choices as long as they match our expectations - many other boards would be in an uproar over extended nursing or co-sleeping. We all make choices for our families that fit out world views.

:yeahthat:

[kijip]

I am kind of amazed that this is such a big issue. I am thinking that in the grand scheme of things the person with the biggest vote on this is Suri.

[Piglet]

Yes, a four year old sucking on a bottle is disgusting.

Like how disgusting? Comparable to what? Child porn? Being coughed on by a stranger? Vomit? Incest? Cruelty to animals? I just want to know what words describe those things if a 4 year old drinking from a bottle constitutes disgusting.

[maestramommy]

Like how disgusting? Comparable to what? Child porn? Being coughed on by a stranger? Vomit? Incest? Cruelty to animals? I just want to know what words describe those things if a 4 year old drinking from a bottle constitutes disgusting.

:yeahthat: I'm curious too. disgusting is a pretty strong word.

[boolady]

:yeahthat: I'm curious too. disgusting is a pretty strong word.

I'm wondering, too. Is it because it's sucking that it's "disgusting" or some other reason?

[giavila]

I really don't think it's problematic for a 4 yr old to drink out of a bottle (assuming she is brushing her teeth), but I am sad to see this same kid in high heels, make-up and looking grown-up before her time! Let her be a little kid, please!

:yeahthat:

[Fairy]

Have not read thru all the poists, but I think at this point it's fairly obvious that that poster who called it "disgusting" chose an inflamatory word. I, personally, wouldn't let my 4yo continue to use a bottle. But I also wouldn't choose extended nursing or co-sleeping. That's just me. Doesn't make it an international incident. The kid carries her bottle. No biggie for me. I really, really doubt taht she doesn't know how to use a straw or a sippy or a cup, for that matter. I feel bad for these celebrity famlies who can't stink up a bathroom stall without TMZ documenting it. If they are allowing Suri to use a bottle exclusively -- which I just really can't believe is true -- then I file that under very very very wack but very very very doesn't impact me, so whatevah.

FWIW, my cousin had her "bottle-blankie" that was her woobie. She carried this small afghan and one of those platex bottles with a nipple and nothing in it till she was about 7. I still sleep with a stuffed lamb. Could be this bottle is something comforting to her, her woobie ... somethin' ... . Just a thought.

[vludmilla]

I don't get the uproar over this. I agree that it seems unlikely that she doesn't know how to use a cup but more likely that this bottle comforts her and so she uses it sometimes. So what? How does this damage her? I don't see how this is so awful even though, personally, I wouldn't choose it for my DD.

[boolady]

How does this damage her? I don't see how this is so awful even though, personally, I wouldn't choose it for my DD.

I agree. I was (and am) one of the posters wondering what makes this "disgusting," despite the fact that I probably wouldn't choose it for my DD, either. DD voluntarily gave up her pacifier at almost 3...it was used only at night at that point, but I had no intention of taking it from her. I get the arguments about dental health, etc., but can't help but wonder what's so repulsive about it.

[deborah_r]

Would we be having this discussion if it was publicized that Suri was still nursing??? We consider ourselves to be so very accepting of choices as long as they match our expectations - many other boards would be in an uproar over extended nursing or co-sleeping. We all make choices for our families that fit out world views.

I was thinking exactly this. I really can't identify with people getting worked up over this, and it sounds so familiar to hearing how disgusting it is to nurse a toddler/preschooler.

DS1 had his binky until age 4.5. DS2 had no interest in a binky. DS1 would get upset about something, really upset, and he would get his binky and you could watch a transformation come over him. For DS2, I get a similar calming transformation from him when I hold him when he's crying hysterically.

[LexyLou]

If you're old enough to wear high heels, you're old enough to drink from a cup.
:yeahthat: LOL

[Tondi G]

He's lucky. Not all risky behaviors will end in a bad result, but is it worth the risk? Not asking you, in particular, since you decided it was and it worked out for you.

I suppose each of us has to make that choice as to whether going against standard advice is worth the risk. I'm very surprised, really, on this board where so many people think there is only ONE right way to do certain things, that there are so many people who think that the less-advisable way is the best way and worth the risk of dental problems.

At least her parents can afford a good orthodontist!

[JBaxter]

Ummm she is 4 yrs old. If she wants to wear princess dresses ( very expensive) dancing heals drink out of a bottle caring a purse thats the beauty of being a child. Its fun.

Honestly I would sooner see her with a bottle and heals than goth w/ skulls but thats my opinion.

There is nothing discusting about that little girl and Im in agreement with other posters if thats the worst thing she does or has happen to her... then she is set of life

[kellyd]

This is really not a big deal to me... first off we see 1 picture... show me the littany of photos that prove this is the only way she'll drink! Show me that she sleeps w/ it, or walks around w/ it hanging from her teeth all day. Those are the things that would bug me if it were my child.

DS is almost 22 months, still drinks 3 bottles a day. He will not drink milk from anything but a bottle... we've tried them all! I've decided it doesn't bug me. He sits w/ me and is held while he drinks his 3 bottles, 1 when he wakes up, 1 for naptime, and 1 before bed. He'll drink water out of a sippy all day... as well as his occasional cup of juice. He'll even drink out of an open cup w/ lots of supervision.... but if it has milk in it he won't touch it unless there's a bottle nipple on the end. I choose not to stress it. If he needs orthodontist work it'll be genetic not because of his bottle. Same w/ dentures... my dad had a mouth of false teeth at 35. I have a ton of cavities, not for lack of healthy eating and good brushing and flossing habits.