Coco Austin and Daughter Chanel Enjoy Bahamas Vacation in Matching Swimwear
Model and reality TV star Coco Austin, aged 46, recently enjoyed a late winter vacation with her nine-year-old daughter Chanel at the luxurious Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. The mother-daughter duo shared a series of snapshots on Instagram, showcasing their time by the swimming pool as they worked on their tans and relaxed in the tropical setting.
Matching Bikinis and Family Traditions
In the new images, Coco and Chanel were seen posing side by side in matching black-and-white polka-dot bikinis with delicate black lace trim. Both wore their hair in braided pigtails and accessorized with black sunglasses, strolling barefoot around the resort. Coco highlighted in her Instagram caption that matching attire has been a cherished ritual for her and Chanel since her daughter was just six months old.
'It's been a ritual for Chanel and I to match sometime during our vacations or trips. We've been doing it ever since she was 6 months old and we plan on not stopping anytime soon!' wrote the blonde model. She also thanked the swimsuit brand Sugar And Dollz, tagging @sugardollllz, for being part of their matching journey, expressing her love for modeling their suits.
Insights on Breastfeeding and Bonding
Beyond their vacation, Coco has openly discussed her unique approach to parenting, particularly her decision to breastfeed Chanel until she was six years old. On Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast last year, she explained that this was not primarily for nutrition but for the 'bonding experience' with her child.
'It wasn’t like I was feeding her because she needed a meal,' Coco shared. 'She was able to eat by a year, full solids... It was more that she wanted to be around me.' She noted that breastfeeding helped put Chanel to sleep and served as a comfort, especially during challenging times like the coronavirus crisis.
Coco referenced practices in Europe, where some women breastfeed until age seven, stating that 'it's just a boob' and not a big deal culturally. However, she acknowledged that nursing for six years was 'an extremely long time' and emphasized that she stopped when Chanel naturally outgrew the need, around age six.
Family Background and Public Reception
Coco is married to rapper and Law & Order: SVU actor Ice-T, with whom she has been wed since 2002. The couple's close-knit family dynamic is evident in their social media posts, where Chanel is often seen spending quality time with her parents.
In previous interviews, Coco has received support from the breastfeeding community, with many mothers appreciating her openness about extended nursing. She has written a baby blog detailing her journey and plans to share more about breastfeeding a four-year-old, responding to numerous requests from fans.
While the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond with complementary foods, Coco's personal experience highlights a focus on emotional connection. She has stated that Chanel eats regular food and that breastfeeding was more about comfort and bonding, a sentiment echoed in her social media updates.
As Coco and Chanel continue their matching traditions and share their lives publicly, their story offers a glimpse into modern celebrity parenting, blending fashion, family rituals, and candid discussions on maternal health.
