The 4 times Scarlett Moffatt has hit back at cruel mum shamers who come at her for everything from ‘trainers’ to hols
SHE became a first time mum seven months ago, and Scarlett Moffatt has delighted fans by sharing family updates on social media ever since.
The former Gogglebox and I’m A Celeb star, 33, welcomed baby son Jude with police officer partner Scott Dobinson, 37, back in June.
And since then the little family have celebrated many milestones, including new parents Scarlett and Scott getting engaged in November.
However while most of her 2.5m Instagram followers have been supportive, Scarlett has also been subjected to cruel ‘mum-shaming’ comments too.
From what outfit she puts Jude in to even going on a family holiday, it seems there’s always someone with something negative to say.
Here, with parenting expert Kirsty Ketley, we take a look at how she responds to the criticism.
Sticking the boot in
In August, presenter Scarlett shared a sweet snap of Jude, then two months old, in an adorable outfit, including little white ‘trainers.’
Her decision didn’t go down well with some followers, with one commenting: “Beautiful picture but please don’t put soft shoes on a two-month-old baby.
“At that age they should only be wearing socks or babygrows.”
Another added: “Why do people feel the need to put shoes on a baby that young… let [their] toes be free.”
But Scarlett didn’t take the criticism laying down.
“They are soft shoes! They’re Nike crib shoes! I’m not gonna put trainers on my baby,” she said, hitting back.
Kirsty says: “These are crib shoes, not actual shoes, and while it’s best children’s feet are barefoot or sock only, they won’t do any damage.
“They are for aesthetics, rather than purpose, and ideally shouldn’t be on babies feet for long periods of time, which most parents will know, won’t happen – babies are very good at losing booties and socks.”
Hats off
In the same month, Scarlett jumped to the defence of another celebrity mum, Kate Lawler, when she found herself at the receiving end of criticism after posting a video of her toddler having a tantrum.
Scarlett wrote: “Jude’s only 8 weeks old and the amount of unsolicited parenting advice I’ve had.
“We were taking him out for a walk and I took a pic before we went and I was bombarded with, ‘you shouldn’t let your baby wear hats indoor’ comments and messages. It’s ridiculous.”
While it’s unclear as to which specific picture she was referring to, Kirsty says: “If your baby is staying indoors, wearing a hat isn’t advisable, unless your house is extremely cold, obviously.
“But in this case Scarlett was off out – we all get ready to go outdoors while still indoors.”
Take a break
Scarlett fell victim to mum-shamers once again in September after whisking 10-week-old Jude abroad for a holiday.
They jetted off for a break in the sun, with Scarlett saying: “So we made the decision to take Jude on holiday at ten weeks old.
“He had his 8 week vaccinations, got the go ahead from the GP & we thought let’s do it.
“This hands down is the best decision I’ve ever made. This has been the greatest week of my life. Holidays are so different when looking after a baby but they’re so magical.
“Anyone debating whether to take their baby on holiday… do it. I promise it’s worth it.”
However, the comments were harsh.
“Better to see the world with a child who is old enough to enjoy it! The baby wouldn’t know if it is in Bermuda or Birmingham!!!” one follower commented.
Another added: “I had to use maternity pay on bills.”
Kirsty says: “Scarlett got the go ahead from their GP, and that’s all I would recommend.
“If you can, why not? As long as he has all he needs, what’s the issue?”
Cushioning the blow
Sadly, Scarlett is so used to the critical comments, she now pre-empts and addresses them before they even happen.
When the star posted a very sweet snap of Jude sleeping on a cushion on a bed, next to their adorable dog, she felt the need to justify the set up, saying: “*Side note these are posed pics I don’t just let Jude chill out on cushions all day long.”
Thankfully in this instance fans were also quick to defend the star and said she shouldn’t have to write messages to appease social media trolls.
One person wrote: “It drives me mad that you have to write the part about posed pics before the k**** of the world start attacking you. You do you with your child and don’t explain to anybody.”
Kirsty says: “Posed photos on a cushion, is not an issue.
“Professional photographers use them all the time for newborn shoots.
“However, as a rule, babies should always be placed on flat surfaces, with no cushions or other items, like blankets, soft toys, which pose a risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
“Never leave a baby unattended if they are placed on a cushion – which Scarlett wasn’t doing.”