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Doll has critics all shook up
Baby Pick Me Up Does Baby Pick Me Up send wrong message?
December 5, 1997
Web posted at: 11:05 p.m. EST (0405 GMT)SAN DIEGO (CNN) -- One giggling toy on the shelf this Christmas is being viewed as no laughing matter by some of its critics.
Baby Pick Me Up is a delightful little brunette who laughs when you give her a shake. Shake her some more, and she'll laugh some more. Shake her some more, and she says, "Do it again."
But with all the recent attention to shaken baby syndrome, heightened by the intense interest in the murder trial of British au pair Louise Woodward, some people think this toy is completely inappropriate.
"I don't think it is a good idea to reinforce the idea that shaking a baby is fun or good or pleasant for anyone," said pediatrician Dr. David Chadwick.
See how the doll works. 961k/12 sec./320x240
459k/12 sec./160x120
QuickTime movieForcefully shaking a baby can cause severe head and neck injuries that can lead to injury or death.
But the doll's maker, DSI Toys, says the only thing that Baby Pick Me Up teaches kids is how to nurture.
"We've been a responsible toymaker for 25 years, and the safety of our products is our first and primary concern," the company said.
Related stories:
- Reaction to au pair's release exuberant, grim - November 10, 1997
- Shaking a baby can disable -- or even kill - October 31, 1997
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