Jessica Simpson criticized over baby bikini shot

Singer/actress JESSICA SIMPSON has sparked outrage among children's campaigners after dressing her four-month-old daughter Maxwell in an "inappropriate" yellow bikini.

The Dukes of Hazzard star proudly showed off a photograph of her bikini-clad baby during an interview with U.S. TV host Katie Couric, attracting criticism from British child welfare charity Kidscape.

Simpson, who became a first-time mother in May (12), was slammed by the charity's director Claude Knights for dressing the child in a "totally inappropriate" outfit.

Knights tells British tabloid the Daily Mail, "It is very disturbing to see a young baby presented to the world wearing a bikini. Celebrity choices carry great influence, as can be seen by the manner in which their accessories and manners are copied widely.

"It is hoped that parents will understand that 'baby bikinis' are totally inappropriate and that they contribute to the sexualisation and commercialisation of childhood.

"We should not be compromising the sanctity of our children's early years."