Jessica Simpson mom-shamed over baby Birdie's first photo
Jessica Simpson has finally shared a photo of her brand-new baby girl — but she may already regret it.
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The star gave birth to daughter Birdie on March 19. Some four weeks later, the baby made her social media debut in family photos posted by her proud mom.
One photo shows Simpson holding her little bundle of joy while posing with husband Eric Johnson and their two older children, Ace and Maxwell.
But two other photos have stirred up controversy, as they show the infant snoozing in her bassinet.
While many fans have gushed over the photos, some are upset that Birdie is sleeping on her stomach rather than her back. That contradicts guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advises parents to position babies on their backs to lessen the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
While the baby’s nap is clearly being supervised, many commenters worried that Simpson was putting her daughter at risk.
“Beautiful girls, beautiful dresses, but please BABY BACK ONLY,” read a comment. “Save yourself the heartbreak of SIDS.”
“Not to be a jerk but that baby should be back sleeping,” wrote another follower, who added, “She’s someone people look up to. If one person took it that this was the correct way for [a] 1-2-month-old baby to sleep that would be bad, right?”
Several fans accused critics of overreacting, with one writing, “let her be.” Others noted that it was once considered standard for babies to sleep on their bellies, though guidelines have since changed.
“Everyone is an expert,” added a fan. “This isn’t her first child, people, and they are standing right there.”
The comments prompted the star’s mother to chime in and explain.
“We stood over her and placed her in that position for a picture only!” wrote Tina Simpson. “Enjoy the preciousness! Happy Easter.”
Even so, some commenters felt that Simpson should be setting a better example in terms of safety.
“Beautiful baby, but as a pediatrician ... back to sleep only ... even if just for a photo shoot and people are watching,” a commenter wrote. “Lot of people look at your pics, Jessica!”
The former pop star isn’t the only celebrity parent getting shamed over a baby’s sleep set-up. New dad Andy Cohen also caused concern after he shared a photo of son Benjamin’s crib.
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