Baggage Check: Sexy Onesies?!

Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

I AM BAFFLED as to why people dress their baby girls in "Spoiled Brat/Diva/Supermodel" gear. No 2-year-old needs to have the word "Juicy" on her butt; no 2-year-old's butt, in fact, should ever be associated with the word juicy, unless a diaper change is imminent.

Will a Disrespectful/Promiscuous/Narcissistic/Failing Out clothing line soon follow for the tween and teen set? Oh, that's right, it's practically already here. (Exhibit A: the "Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me" T-shirt.)

How is it seen as cute and funny to sexualize and spoiled-brat-icize children? As if kids — as kids — aren't cute and funny enough! Are children no longer valuable in their own right, but only as Mini-Me's for the worst and most noxious qualities of adults?

It makes me sad to see parents dress their children — literally and figuratively — in a shroud of their own tastes and, let's face it, issues. But it's even sadder when those messages shove their daughters into dangerous, limiting corners, telling them that the way to be special is to be self-centered, superficial and defined by a sexuality that not only shouldn't even be there yet, but can actually do harm.

The American Psychological Association's Task Force on the Sexualization of Young Girls has found these effects to be seriously detrimental, with depression, self-esteem problems and eating disorders among the very real possible consequences. And though a flippant onesie might seem like a trifle, it seems to me to be part of a greater ill.

What do you think? And while you're at it, has anyone seen my "Terrified That By The Time I'm In A Nursing Home All Women Will Be Wearing French Maid Outfits That Say 'Sassy'" sweatshirt?

Talk back to Dr. Andrea by leaving a comment below. To ask a question for Baggage Check in the Express print edition, e-mail baggage@readexpress.com or submit an anonymous question here.