Harper Beckham is widely regarded as one of the world's most adorable four-year-olds.

Meanwhile, her parents David, 40, and Victoria, 41, are regularly praised for the way in which they handle the spotlight AND raise their four children.

However, when images of little Harper emerged over the weekend which showed her with a soother in her mouth – the reaction from certain corners was furious. 

Mail Online appears to be the most high-profile critic, and in article published under Jemma Buckley's byline, it was suggested that the Beckhams "risked stunting their daughter's speech and were putting her teeth at risk of damage" by allowing her to use a soother. 

The website also cited former midwife and "parenting expert" Clare Byam-Cook, who is quoted as saying: "You are far less likely to speak if you have a dummy in your mouth than if your mouth is free.

"Many dentists will agree that dummy use at this age really is not good."

 

Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts ?? Everybody who has children knows that when they aren't feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it's a pacifier so those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people's children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent …

A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Aug 10, 2015 at 9:23am PDT

She furthermore suggested: "It could be last child syndrome – because she is the youngest David and Victoria could be clinging on to her being a baby."

However, the article proved divisive – not least with the child's dad himself, who had brought his daughter out for lunch in West Hollywood with big brother Brooklyn, 16, when the snaps were taken.

In a lengthy Instagram post shared this evening, the former footballer asked: "Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts??

"Everybody who has children knows that when they aren't feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it's a pacifier so those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people's children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent…"

And he received plenty of support from fans too.

Underneath the post, which garnered 300,000 likes in an hour, one commentator offered: "Well said david… ignore the narrow minded people… clearly the people who judge and pass comment dont know how to parent!

"You're a fab daddy that's all that matters."

Another stated: "No need to explain yourself, only you know your child!"

A third fan said: "I had a pacifier till the age of 5!!! My speech and teeth are perfectly fine! Your child… Your decision!"

David and Victoria Beckham, who are collectively worth €275m, are parents to Romeo, 12, and Cruz, ten, as well as eldest Brooklyn and youngest Harper.