I went to a large chain store the other day to get baby supplies. Wipes, bottle liners, etc.
BTW- I was rather ill with a fever of 103. Had to get the stuff, no choice, normally would never be out with a temp like that.
Anyway, it's mid day, the store is fairly empty, two checkers are gabbing. I put my stuff on the belt, the checker who belonged in the next register says "So, do you have a baby?"
me: Yes
Checker: How old?
me: 16 months
checker: And you still giver her a bottle? Why?
[oh, here we go - this is when I should have ended this, I know]
me: Because it works for her and I'm OK with it. Don't worry, I doubt she'll go to college with a bottle or binky in her mouth.
Checker: I got my baby off the bottle at a year and a half. It was easy.
me: good
Checker: But, it was too late, her teeth had already rotted, and now she has to have surgery to fix the damage.
me: oh, sorry to hear that
*Let me just add here that I have already paid by this time and my items bagged. The checker whom is speaking to me HAS my bags and I am holding my hands out for them, and she is not handing them over.
Checker: You need to get her off the bottle now or else.
me: I'm OK with her bottle use. I make sure to brush her teeth several times a day and give her water after her milk. And she doesn't get any juice. It's OK. It works for us.
checker: Brushing doesn't work. It's really easy, it only takes a couple of days and you need to take her bottle away now.
me: Silence. Mostly stunned, but also at this point I am furious because I am sick and don't want to be having this conversation (I KNOW, Should never have engaged) and know if I say anything else it would not be ehell approved.
She gives up my bags and I walk away. With her calling behind me "It's easy, you have to do it!"
So, I will eventually see this person again. SMall town, I go to this store at least once a month.
If she makes a comment again, should I a.) Repeat that we do what works for us and it is not any of her business, b.) Walk away without saying a word, or c.) tell her my baby also STILL sleeps with us AND uses a binky and see how she reacts to that?
No, seriously....a, or b or some other option?