OMG Like, BabyWearing to Look Cool? Um.. NO Motrin
November 16th, 2008
##Update! As of about 9pm EST on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, Motrin has taken down the Mom-alogues ad from the website (as well as the entire site, actually). Some bloggers, including the Crunchy Domestic Goddess and Katja Presnal, have received email responses from the VP of Marketing for McNeil, Kathy Widmer: Motrin’s email response to the onslaught of complaints over babywearing ad | Motrin Heard the News##
Motrin has definitely struck a pinched nerve with baby-wearing moms all over the web, twitter and the blogosphere.
Sure, parenthood isn’t the easiest job in the world, and we all might need a little relaxation and maybe a little something extra to alleviate aches and pains, but who are you trying to sell your meds to with this garbage?
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.
Thanks to Barb for the transcription of the ad, which at this point is still running HERE. It’s entitled the Motrin Mom-Alogue. Beth over at Small Dots caught some screenshots of the ad here: Motrin Moms React
I’m sorry, but what’s with this official mom business? I don’t think we run out and buy slings to look cool, we buy slings and carriers to stay close to our babies AND to make carrying them easier.
If you get a chance to actually listen to the ad, note the faux-mom’s patronizingly chipper voice as she passive-aggressively bashes baby-wearing positives with her *supposedly* and *in theory* comments. Someone didn’t do their marketing homework. Note: Mommies won’t buy your product if you irritate at least 50% of them with your silly, misguided ads. If that Motrin ad irritated you in any way, please head over to Motrin.com and send an email telling them so!
Check out what other moms are saying out in the blogosphere:
http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/11/15/more-outrage-as-motrinmoms-reaches-2-on-twitter/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j47elDsoBvM
http://merrycricket.blogspot.com/2008/11/would-you-like-some-insult-with-your.html
http://instinctparenting.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/motrin-ad/
http://jeremyscorner-grifter.blogspot.com/2008/11/motrin-hates-babywearing.html
Whether you’re a baby-wearer or not, it’s safe to say that whoever put this ad campaign together used poor judgment. What the hell would be the point of irritating potential consumers of your product, or making many of those in your target demographic feel uncomfortable? Well, if Motrin’s plan was to get enough panties in a twist here in the blogosphere and on the web, they have succeeded. Great job by the way, pissing baby-wearers off during International Baby Wearing Week.
Technorati Tags: Motrin, Mom-alogue, motrin ad angers moms, #motrinmoms, baby wearing, international baby wearing week
No related posts.
Amen! Someone is getting fired on Monday!!!
Be sure to visit my blog at http://instinctparenting.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/motrin-ad/ and leave me a comment there so I can be sure to link you!
Lauren aka @dreamtattoos last blog post..Motrin ad bashes babywearing.
This is just plain offensive. Mothers don’t wear baby slings to be fashionable or trendy. Moms are not “crazy” either as the ad suggests. I watched the ad twice and am still amazed. I can’t believe it made it though production and got online!
[...] Mama Divas [...]
Thanks for acting so quickly to get the word out. I posted about this too and have linked to you:
http://mommosttraveled.com/a-devout-baby-wearer/
I am so tired of being marginalized by the media and PR companies who only see “dumb” moms as someone who can be manipulated as a source of revenue.
[...] Mama Divas [...]
Wow, talk about an advertising FAIL. I’m not sure that an apology is necessary, but Motrin should definitely reexamine how they gather info on what will appeal to their target market.
This reminds me of those terrible Brooke Shields VW ads that seem to mock the very women they’re trying to sell to. So bizarre.
I covered this one as well..Talk about firestorm!
http://www.suburbanoblivion.com/2008/11/16/marketing-to-moms-ur-doing-it-wrong/
Never thought that wearing my baby was what made me “an Official Mom”?
Kinda thought my labors of love was what made me “official” and no Motrin is required for that!
Thanks for the post–got you linked!
Tina
@newoldmom
Tina Williamss last blog post..Motrin, Who’s Feeling The Pain Now?
I couldn’t believe it when I first saw it, either. While I’m glad they’ve done something about it, as in taking the ad down, it upsets me still they didn’t research this in the least before rolling with it. Leaves such a horrendous taste in my mouth.. ugh.
~Lisa
http://www.CrazyAdventuresinParenting.com
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parentings last blog post..Motrin’s New Ad = Wrong Message, Wrong Time, Wrong All Around
[...] blogger named MamaDivas has the full transcript and links to other [...]