High heels for babies are causing a shopping stampede around the world but critics say they should be given the boot.
Penny Hartlett, the founder of www.girlygadgets.com.au, the only website that sells Heelarious shoes in Australia, said buyer interest generated by the fashion accessories was "unbelievable", the Daily Telegraph has reported.
"I have people pointing at me in the street. The bolder people come up to me and ask where I got them, so I give out my business cards," the mother-of-four was quoted as saying.
But the footwear designed for babies under six months old has been slammed for "sexualising infants".
Melbourne psychologist Evelyn Field said treating children as adults was sending the wrong message.
"When I look at these children I say to myself, 'Well, you're not an adult, but you're dressed as an adult, and if I was a pedophile looking at you then what would be going through my head?'" she was quoted as saying.
But the booties for babies are not the only children’s accessories to have drawn rebukes from authorities.
The highly popular Bratz dolls — designed for children aged between 6 and 10 — have stirred outrage from parents since they hit the shelves in 2001. The high-selling dolls, clad in leather and micro mini-skirts, are said to portray young girls as promiscuous women.
Last April Australia’s advertising code of conduct was amended to prohibit the sexualisation of children.
The code says advertising to children must not include sexual imagery that breaches community standards, or imply that children are sexual beings.
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