Rihanna has been vocal about how much she’s enjoying motherhood since welcoming two boys back-to-back with ASAP Rocky.
While many fans have been thrilled to see the singer transition to motherhood, it hasn’t been without criticism.
Most recently, the Barbados native experience backlash after footage of the awkward way she was holding her baby went viral, with some fans expressing concerns that what Rihanna was doing was dangerous.
Fans Think Rihanna Endangered Her Son At His Birthday
In the video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rihanna and Rocky could be seen celebrating RZA’s second birthday. Rihanna was seated alongside the rapper and their two sons, including 9-month-old Riot, in front of a lively audience. The venue was adorned with an elaborate balloon display resembling a slice of pizza, setting the scene for the occasion.
Rihanna donned a gray fur coat for the occasions, letting her blonde hair cascade down her back, while Rocky opted for a casual look with a blue linen button-down and a silver chain.
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Rihanna seized a moment of playfulness, grabbing RZA by the legs and swinging him back and forth to the delight of the onlookers. The video ended with Rihanna gently laying her son back on her lap, sharing a smile before the clip concluded.
Why Holding A Baby Upside Down Can Be Dangerous
Though it seemed like a sweet moment between mother and son, some viewers were concerned by Rihanna’s playful gesture, considering it could be dangerous for her toddler. Some took to social media to express their worries.
“Can someone explain why she turned him upside down like that?” one person wrote, while another said, “That’s not the right way to hold a young child ! But she did not hold him upside down for long so it couldn’t hurt him.”
A different comment said, “I don’t think celebrities should have kids,” while another cruelly joked, “It’s fine, she can buy a new one,” a fourth joked.
Nevertheless, there were plenty of comments defending Rihanna, saying she wouldn’t’ do anything to put her child in harm’s way and it was all in good fun. “I know that baby was enjoying and was like ‘Do it again mommy.’ Kids love that typa s**tone person wrote, while a different comment said, “Maaan, everyone has done that to their kids. My pops ultimately did it to me.”
Holding a baby upside down can pose significant risks to their health and safety. Infants have delicate neck muscles and fragile blood vessels in their heads, making them susceptible to injury if they are held in such a position. This can potentially lead to neck strain, spinal cord injuries, or even brain damage in severe cases. Additionally, holding a baby upside down can cause discomfort and distress, as it goes against their natural posture and may interfere with their breathing.