Comments on: “Offensive” Motrin Babywearing Ad

By: Susan Epperson

Susan Epperson — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:44:53 +0000

Great to see your blog!! I’m with you…in fact…because I don’t have time to breed and write well, I created a silly facebook page for the Mom’s that were not offended. “Moms NOT Offended By The Motrin Ad.”

Feel free to stop on in and not be offended with us.

My best friend and I coincidentally had our 1st kids on the exact same day. We took completely different approaches. She stayed home, used cloth diapers, and breastfed for quite a while. I went back to work, used disposable diapers, and could only provide my kid with a “snack” from my breast. Our timeframe was identical; we made some different choices. But we both ended up with guilt from either side.

D’Arc and I never judged each other. We commiserated, we talked and most of all we laughed at the chaos that we never expected.

I’m glad that there are more of us out there that can take a joke.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:30:20 +0000

Hey Chelle,
What others have said is true, babywearing does not have to be painful. My daughter was also 15 lbs by 4 months so I feel your pain, but I got help and a carrier that worked for us and still wear her (sometimes!) on my back in a mei tai at 3 years and 35 lbs. To me babywearing is a bit like breastfeeding in that most moms need proper support (from other moms) to be successful; it takes some determination; and unfortunately both seem to cause major rifts between those who do it and those who don’t. Unfortunately, to me this ad just seems to be another piece of media that pits moms against each other – BF vs. FF, working moms vs. SAHM, etc, etc. Why can’t we all support each other? When I see another mom wearing her baby in a way that looks painful, I approach her and ask if she would like help making her carrier more comfortable. Most are very grateful for this help. I don’t just stand there and glare at them or something. This type of judgment is just as common in any type of parent, as Care said a few posts above.

By: Chelle

Chelle — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:05:17 +0000

I can’t believe people are upset about this ad. I’m sorry but if you don’t think babywearing is painful then either you make tiny babies that don’t grow quickly or you are a weightlifter. My babies were each fifteen pounds by four months. Babywearing is painful and honestly, I think it stunts babies from exploring and learning when they are tied to mommy all day. GO MOTRIN!

By: Care

Care — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:09:08 +0000

haha I didnt mean you personally. I meant why are people offended by this add. haha! Sorry I should have been clearer! I was perplexed by your response. I need to take a course on writing! SORRY for the misunderstanding!

By: Jennifer Gniadecki

Jennifer Gniadecki — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:05:11 +0000

Looks like misunderstanding happens on both sides of the fence on this particular issue.

While it feels to me like the offended parties that listened to the ad heard derogatory anti-babywearing propaganda that I didn’t think was there….even those who aren’t offended by the ad are reading things wrong.

But it is interesting that at least one person completely misunderstood my position – I think that the post didn’t actually get read before that last comment got posted.

For the record, I have nothing against babywearers and don’t think they are anything remotely like nazis. Sad that I have to say that but you know, better safe and posting it than sorry and not responding to it and have anyone think I’m agreeing with my silence.

By: Care

Care — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:52:22 +0000

This is so silly. I baby wear and so SOME of the attachment parenting stuff (babywearing, vaccine spacing, organic foods, noncircumcising, breastfeeding). I COULD CARE LESS IF SOMEONE DOES THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF ME! I cannot stand the attachment parenting crowd, too self righteous and competitive. I think anyone that takes any philosophy full throttle is a bit confused.

Why are you offended by the add? I am still wearing my 13 month old and did not find the add offensive. I don’t get it. People can disagree. My style of parenting may not work for someone else. Thank God the attachment parenting movement is small because if they ever gained power we’d have more nazi’s on our hands!

By: Roxanne Beckford Hoge

Roxanne Beckford Hoge — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:57:52 +0000

Have to agree with you that the ad was pretty funny, AND with the poster above that it had oodles of misinformation. I happen to have 4 kids as well (hey, the last two were twins — so not my fault!) and my slings were a blessing so that I could eat a freakin’ sandwhich while taking care of a newborn. Even wore the twins at the same time, which is, in a weird way, easier because of the counter-balanced weight. But my point (originally, anyway) is that you shouldn’t let self-righteous people who think their parenting method (breastfeeding, Ferberizing, babywearing, spanking on demand, whatever) entitles them to be snotty dissuade you from trying out said method. Okay, except for the spanking on demand one. I made that up. Based on what my parents did (kidding mom!). I know that a simple adjustment by someone who knew what they were doing (pulled the ring back so it sat just in front of my shoulder bone) changed the experience of using a sling completely!

So, this is a totally long-winded (is there any other way?) offer to help out on your next kid. And don’t laugh — your next one could be two as well!

Hope you’re having a great day!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:57:46 +0000

I thought the ad was spot on. Sure it’s not a great idea to make fun of your audience, unless your audience are breeders that take themselves too seriously.

Also, stop scowling at me for lighting a cigarette outside, 20 feet away from you.

By: Kelley

Kelley — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:20:05 +0000

Jennifer, I just happened upon your blog searing for motrin babywearing talk.
I just wanted to assure you that your friend is right, babywearing doesn’t have to be painful. It isn’t just the size of the piece of cloth you are using, but also the type of fabric and how you are tying it. But there are also 100’s of wonderful carriers out there that if used correctly can be VERY comfy and are pretty easy to use. As a mom of 4 who has been babywearing nearly every day (hours a day) for 8 yrs, believe me, it doesn’t have to be painful (though you may feel muscle strain at first as you build up muscles you are not used to using). And it isn’t always easy for everyone (a wrap like you describe using . . . it took me a couple kids before I figured out by myself how to use it correctly so it was comfy, LOL).
If you do have another baby, I definitely encourage you to try again. There are also babywearing groups around the country where moms volunteer their time (for free) to help out other moms with their carriers, let them try different types of carriers, all in an effort to solve any problems they may have and show them tricks and tips to make babywearing work for them. These moms do it because they believe in babywearing and helping others, because they know how much babywearing has helped them. Finding the right carrier and carry can truly be a blessing!!
As for the Ad, I am not offended (I typically don’t get offended by things) but I do think it contains misinformation about babywearers, carriers, and moms in general and may discourage people from even trying to wear their babies, and that does frustrate me (as someone who has spent the last 6 yrs of my life helping others babywear and trying to show moms that carrying our babies doesn’t have to be painful).

By: mom101

mom101 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:06:20 +0000

It’s generally not a good idea for a brand to mock its target audience’s values. I’m sure you understand that from a marketing perspective. It seems that you like the ad because you also are uncomfortable with babywearers. “The part about being an official mom? Have you seen the attitudes of most babywearing moms? I think it’s pretty spot on. Oh yeah, it’s just so good.”

I’ve also seen some really good productive discussions around the web about this. But I’m scared to list them here because you’ll accuse me of lecturing you.