Many of you may have already heard about the online and print advertisements by Motrin. The advertisements are quite offensive and have the babywearing community up in arms, and rightfully so!
In these ads Motrin makes fun of the “supposed bonding experience”, describes babywearing as some sort of fad, claims that moms who wear their baby cry more than others. They then go on to state that “these things” put a ton of strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. The mom voice over says that it is ok to put up with the pain, because wearing your baby makes you look like a official mom. According to the ads, that official mom look is “tired and crazy”.
It is hard to know where to start with a response, but mothers everywhere should know that babywearing is not some type of fad, but rather one of the oldest traditions of parenting around the world. Keeping your baby close simply feels right. There are have been studies done that show wearing your baby helps reduce crying, is beneficial to premie babies (kangaroo care), and promotes bonding. It is absolutely incomprehensible that Motrin would degrade the value of bonding between parents and their baby!
Babywearing should not be painful. There are many high quality carriers available to parents today. Unfortunately some of the mainstream carriers are not comfortable after ~15lbs. With proper help a comfortable carrier can be found for all body types and developmental stages of babies.
The statements regarding the crying babywearing moms who look tired and crazy is definitely the most offensive. It is offbase and unfounded. Mothers everywhere make choices based upon what they think is best for their little ones, not based upon what might be fashionable. Wearing your baby is one of those choices.
I know the next time I need a little pain relief, I’ll reach for an Aspirin.
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