Business cards and leather boots for tots

Puss in Boots is one thing, but child protection advocates in Australia are alarmed that some stores have begun selling high-heeled boots for toddlers. Photo / Supplied

Child protection advocates have expressed alarm after shops started selling high-heeled leather boots and business cards for toddlers.

The zip-up boots with a 3cm heel have reportedly gone on sale at the Australian chain Betts, and are aimed at girls as young as 2.

"They send a message that even very little girls are really sexy little adults," Women's Forum director Melinda Tankard Reist told the Sunday Herald Sun.

Brisbane's Sunday Mail said parents are ordering personalised business cards for their children.

"Giving children business cards is totally unnecessary," Queensland University professor Matt Sanders told the paper.

"It's just a silly gimmick."