The Power of Mom Bloggers

I’m subscribed to the Natural Moms Talk Radio blog emails and received one this morning from Carrie that mentioned a Motrin ad that caused an UPROAR among Momma internet bloggers – and I can definitely see why! For a recap and screenshots of the ad (which has since been taken down) check out Beth Dunn’s Small Dots blog.

For the linkaphobes, here is the text from the ad. “Wearing your baby seems to be in fashion. I mean, in theory it’s a great idea. There’s the front baby carrier, sling, schwing, wrap, pouch. And who knows what else they’ve come up with. Wear your baby on your side, your front, go hands free. Supposedly, it’s a real bonding experience. They say that babies carried close to the bod tend to cry less than others. But what about me? Do moms that wear their babies cry more than those who don’t? I sure do! These things put a ton of strain on your back, your neck, your shoulders. Did I mention your back?! I mean, I’ll put up with the pain because it’s a good kind of pain; it’s for my kid. Plus, it totally makes me look like an official mom. And so if I look tired and crazy, people will understand why.”

For one, I don’t take Motrin and for two, I know I’m arriving late to the party since they’ve already taken the ad down and apologized but…seriously? Who were they trying to appeal to? You’re not an “official Mom” if you don’t baby wear BUT if you do baby wear, apparently you’re “crazy” and imagine this….TIRED! It couldn’t be because you have a newborn in your house! Heavens no! I haven’t met a Mom yet who DIDN’T look tired at some point in time. I think this ad offends baby wearers and non-baby wearers…so kind of a lose/lose situation for them! I didn’t wear my son…well, I take that back. I bought a contraption from Wal-Mart with fifteen thousand snaps, foldy things and straps and promptly gave up trying to use it. Zeke liked being snuggled though and I was happy to hold & cuddle him. (And hint, hint to Motrin: Babies love being held and snuggled – it actually helps them to bond with you and to feel more secure.) This time around, I’d like to look into getting a simple wrap or sling for Baby Number Two. Something that I will actually be able to manage! Any suggestions? What kind of carrier or sling do you feel is the best?

Anyway, check out some of the best responses I found to these ads:

Ladybug Landings – Motrin Makes Moms Mad video and open letter

Mama’s Nest – Thanks Motrin, I’ll Be Wearing My Baby Anyway

Natural Moms Talk Radio Blog – Bad Job, Motrin

Pretty much ALL OF THE MOMS on Twitter, haha.

After I read about this all online, I was flipping through a parenting magazine and what do I see? One of those ads! I think it will take quite awhile to phase it out of their print advertising. It will be interesting to see if Motrin reacts further or if this is where it ends.

Moral of the Story: Don’t tick off Moms!

EDIT: I forgot to mention: it’s International Babywearing Week! Do you think that’s why Motrin released the ad or was it just terribly bad timing?