KEY POINTS:
Mothers have blasted a new range of high heels for babies, accusing the international accessory of helping turn tots into sex objects.
The US-made Heelarious range, which includes versions in pink satin, black and leopard print, is available from top boutique The Baby's Room in Wellington.
The manufacturer describes them as bringing "fun, hilarity and glamour" to babies' wardrobes.
But shoppers quizzed by the Herald on Sunday yesterday said there was nothing "fun" about them.
A mother-of-two from Auckland, who asked not to be named, said they were ridiculous. "They need to go into the dressing-up box and come out very occasionally.
"Babies don't need to be dressed up like that."
The Baby's Room said yesterday that it had yet to sell a pair, which is priced at $65.95.
"I don't know if we will be getting any more in at this stage," said one employee, Annie. "Some customers have laughed at them and others have been quite offended by them."
Co-worker Mel said the shoes weren't meant for walking. "They have been getting extreme reactions," she said. "Some people think they are cute and others think they are revolting."
The owner of Auckland baby store Babyshower, who has two children, said that she wouldn't have them on her shelves.
"It wouldn't even cross my mind to buy them. "People are getting access to things at a younger and younger age. and I don't see the point of them. We should just let them be kids."
Great Barrier Island mother Leann said the shoes were horrible.
"Our children are growing up too fast as it is. Putting them in heels at that age is crazy. It's pointless baby bling."
One of her friends Kylie added: "It's sad in this day and age that people can spend $60 on a pair of things like that for a baby when we are facing a recession and there are some children who will be going without at Christmas."
Wairama from Auckland's North Shore said the shoes were "simply not what little kids should wear".
Father-of-two Paul Munn could see why the shoes would sell.
"People dress their babies up like dolls. There is a fuzzy line these days about what is women's fashion and what is kids' fashion.
"I don't agree with it, but everyone to their own."
