Underhand tactics - formula companies

[Vickie]

I've definitely seen the Pampers ads while watching those shows but again not the formula ones hmmmm strange how it's so different from area to area

 

[Rach27]

Again, I would question their interest in funding this kind of training, as opposed helping to fund a course in, say....physiotherapy.

Probably because they are mandated by law to support Breastfeeding before anything else. So exactly, why would they fund a course in physiotherapy when it has nothing to do with supporting breastfeeding.

Are they????? The course is in midwifery not breastfeeding. My point is, of course they wouldn't fund a physiotherapy course because they have no interest in that 'market'.

To me it isn't even a question of who is doing the funding. The important thing that I see out that is money is being given to help get people into good, respectable jobs which will in turn help the economy. But of course, there's always going to be someone out there crying foul to anything that any formula company does.

Good - this is important, especially when they sneak into the realm of underhand advertising tactics in order to skirt around the law.

The NCT recently did a press release about a question on a GCSE paper about marketing formula milk. Here it is if you're interested. This kind of marketing is very subtle, sneaky and potentially hugely influencial so I'm glad there are organisations out there who keep tabs on it.

 

[Eve]

I've definitely seen the Pampers ads while watching those shows but again not the formula ones hmmmm strange how it's so different from area to area

I know... Oh they only use pampers when they are on the show, same as bringing baby home too, always pampers. I'm thinking they offer them a supply of them like a "pay" for doing the show since a lot of pregnant mums end up watching the shows waiting for baby to come! I can't remember the other stuff, but the clorox wipes and dawn dish soap are on there too.

 

[Eve]

I thought this thread was about formula companies undermining breastfeeding and not who choose what to feed their baby ? Am I misunderstanding the thread then?
It is dissing breastfeeding the advice and if it where the other way because it wouldnt be expectable to dis formula. How many people would be annoyed at articles saying formula is this and that and not in a good light? as seen before there again would be war. So is it ok for a formula company who have worked for years to tarnish breastfeeding by in the past saying their product was better and continue to do things even agains the WHO code and break down woman's confidence in their abilities to breastfeed. This includes giving out wrong advice to mums who are trying to breastfeed and end up moving them to formula quicker than they should all because they trust them. This is how so many dont bother to try from listening to what they said which was wrong. They only make you think they have your child's best interest at heart by giving this bad info they will get your money at the end of it as this will influence some. Not everyone is so strong minded to ignore this., They arnt stupid . Their goal is to get you formula feeding your baby where as the breastfeeding mum wants to breastfeed but is sitting in the web of the formula company where she shouldnt be getting pulled in and made to feel she failed at breastfeeding where as she had gone to somewhere like LLL she would have had a better chance of succeeding.
we are not talking about a woman choosing to formula feed knowing all the facts its the influence on mums who want to breastfeed not some bf vs ff battle as usual.

Not singling this out particularly, but this is as far as I've got so far and it's interesting.

What I'd say though as a Mum who chose to BF, believed the misinformation the NHS gave me about how easy it was to BF, and then found myself in a situation where I needed to buy formula and had no idea which to use. Actually, a bit of info from the formula companies would have been a great help at this stage . We all want to give our kids the best we can, I couldn't give my DD breastmilk, so wanted to choose the 'best' formula. It's a mystery to everyone which is the best, if any, as they're just not allowed to talk about these things.

I see the point that by creating this helpline it is making pregnant mums familiar with their brand, in case they should need it. But that's the point, in case they need it. And all it takes is to walk down the baby aisle in the supermarket to see SMA, cow and Gate, Farleys etc, so we do get to see the various brands and become familiar with them before our baby is born in this way too.

I don't have a problem in a company trying to create brand loyalty with its target audience. No one is going to decide they don't want to BF just because they've been on a forum that is run by SMA. Unfortunatly the argument that we poor FFers are obviously a bit too thick to make our own minds up and have been brainwashed by formula companies is used a bit too often by some people who are anti.
It's a shame that aparantly some of the info on the website is wrong, but as I said I've never been given realistic honest info about breastfeeding from anyone apart from friends since they've done it themselves. The NHS told me its easy and might smart a bit, there's no reason anyone can't bfeed etc, same info from the NCT.

The main issue is women need proper help advice and info to prepare us for BFing and to help us while we're doing it, but I for one and grateful that SMA and other formula companies exist otherwise many babies would not be here today.

I know someone who doesn't care at all about the goodness of breastfeeding, she thinks its disgusting and point blank will tell me (which I think is rude). She is also the same woman who went and bought smokes instead of pain medication for her LO after having her tonsils removed! She is too thick and ignorant to made proper decisions with her children. You on the other hand needed to use formula for your child's wellbeing, it's different. The lady I know is a true example of not knowing much and putting herself before her children. She thinks of her boobs are just sexual, nothing else, which is from our society full of sex sex sex! She told me once it was gross and basically perverted to breastfeed past 12 months. I wanted to kick her in the face!

Most moms on here seem to have struggled one way or another when it comes to breastfeeding which is sad... I really do wish it came naturally and easy for everyone... And most moms on here who have chose formula did it with a heavy heart as they wanted to breastfeed which again, I wish it were easy for everyone. Almost all of the moms on here are doing what they believe to be the best for their children, and who are we to really tell them different I will give advice to a mom and try and help, and when given wrong information, I try and correct it (which can come off pushy) and I do believe breast is best and can also be pushy... but I do also believe we do what we believe to be best for our children and sometimes what we believe to be best has been influenced by advertising be it formula, diapers, food etc... I mean all this stuff on tv about the v fusion juice, I was going to buy them for my son to bring to school instead of juice boxes, and when I read how much sugar was in them compared to regular V8 I was shocked. They make it sound so healthy but the sugar is double the amount a child should have! I then bought the regular 1 veggie shot cans of V8. I think the formula companies should lay off the advertising... then again they won't make their money and that is what now seems to make the world go round.

 

[chickchock]

The NCT recently did a press release about a question on a GCSE paper about marketing formula milk. Here it is if you're interested. This kind of marketing is very subtle, sneaky and potentially hugely influencial so I'm glad there are organisations out there who keep tabs on it.

I've just read that and thought I'd paste to the thread because it makes for interesting (shocking?) reading:

'Calcium carbonate occurs naturally as marble and limestone. They are important building materials and are often used for gravestones. Calcium carbonate is also an essential mineral for good health and is present in many baby foods in small amounts.My Baby Food is recommended as being the closest to a mother’s own breast milk. It is given free to mothers in the developing world – without it their babies might die of malnutrition.Responsible Mothers Are Us (RMAU) is a United Kingdom pressure group. They want to ban chemicals in baby foods. The group was founded by Mrs I. M. Right who has made a career in ‘goodness’ and is paid from donations given to RMAU by members of the public. When interviewed, she said: “Calcium carbonate is a chemical and so it is a pollutant. My Baby Food must be banned to prevent the mass medication of babies. I don’t feed my baby the stuff of gravestones.”

The bit I've put in red is in my op totally inapropriate and nothing to do with the question! I do think this is an abuse of power if the formula companies are responsible, however the article only says that the language used suggests that companies are involved, it could equally just be a pissed off exam writer .

 

[hivechild]

Not to say that excess sugar isn't bad or anything but the Fusion drinks are going to have more sugar simply because they have fruit juice in them. I don't believe they have additional sugar added, although correct me if I'm wrong as I haven't looked in awhile. They're obviously not going to be as low in sugar content as a veggie juice, but they're no worse than other pure fruit juices, simply because fruit contains sugar.

Anyway, I see your point, but in this case I think it comes down to consumer smarts on nutrition, which is a whole different discussion. If you had used the V8 Splash drinks as an example though, I'd be right there with you! Those things are loaded with hfcs as a sweetener. Bleargh!

 

[Eve]

Not to say that excess sugar isn't bad or anything but the Fusion drinks are going to have more sugar simply because they have fruit juice in them. I don't believe they have additional sugar added, although correct me if I'm wrong as I haven't looked in awhile. They're obviously not going to be as low in sugar content as a veggie juice, but they're no worse than other pure fruit juices, simply because fruit contains sugar.

Anyway, I see your point, but in this case I think it comes down to consumer smarts on nutrition, which is a whole different discussion. If you had used the V8 Splash drinks as an example though, I'd be right there with you! Those things are loaded with hfcs as a sweetener. Bleargh!

My point simply was you wouldn't think that amount of sugar would be in it from what you see on tv... well I know I didn't... even though I do know the difference between added and natural sugars.

 

[Eve]

I just checked their website and the V8 splash has less sugar than the V fusion... less fruit in it I assume?

 

[smokey]

I thought this thread was about formula companies undermining breastfeeding and not who choose what to feed their baby ? Am I misunderstanding the thread then?
It is dissing breastfeeding the advice and if it where the other way because it wouldnt be expectable to dis formula. How many people would be annoyed at articles saying formula is this and that and not in a good light? as seen before there again would be war. So is it ok for a formula company who have worked for years to tarnish breastfeeding by in the past saying their product was better and continue to do things even agains the WHO code and break down woman's confidence in their abilities to breastfeed. This includes giving out wrong advice to mums who are trying to breastfeed and end up moving them to formula quicker than they should all because they trust them. This is how so many dont bother to try from listening to what they said which was wrong. They only make you think they have your child's best interest at heart by giving this bad info they will get your money at the end of it as this will influence some. Not everyone is so strong minded to ignore this., They arnt stupid . Their goal is to get you formula feeding your baby where as the breastfeeding mum wants to breastfeed but is sitting in the web of the formula company where she shouldnt be getting pulled in and made to feel she failed at breastfeeding where as she had gone to somewhere like LLL she would have had a better chance of succeeding.
we are not talking about a woman choosing to formula feed knowing all the facts its the influence on mums who want to breastfeed not some bf vs ff battle as usual.

Not singling this out particularly, but this is as far as I've got so far and it's interesting.

What I'd say though as a Mum who chose to BF, believed the misinformation the NHS gave me about how easy it was to BF, and then found myself in a situation where I needed to buy formula and had no idea which to use. Actually, a bit of info from the formula companies would have been a great help at this stage . We all want to give our kids the best we can, I couldn't give my DD breastmilk, so wanted to choose the 'best' formula. It's a mystery to everyone which is the best, if any, as they're just not allowed to talk about these things.

I see the point that by creating this helpline it is making pregnant mums familiar with their brand, in case they should need it. But that's the point, in case they need it. And all it takes is to walk down the baby aisle in the supermarket to see SMA, cow and Gate, Farleys etc, so we do get to see the various brands and become familiar with them before our baby is born in this way too.

I don't have a problem in a company trying to create brand loyalty with its target audience. No one is going to decide they don't want to BF just because they've been on a forum that is run by SMA. Unfortunatly the argument that we poor FFers are obviously a bit too thick to make our own minds up and have been brainwashed by formula companies is used a bit too often by some people who are anti.
It's a shame that aparantly some of the info on the website is wrong, but as I said I've never been given realistic honest info about breastfeeding from anyone apart from friends since they've done it themselves. The NHS told me its easy and might smart a bit, there's no reason anyone can't bfeed etc, same info from the NCT.

The main issue is women need proper help advice and info to prepare us for BFing and to help us while we're doing it, but I for one and grateful that SMA and other formula companies exist otherwise many babies would not be here today.

I know someone who doesn't care at all about the goodness of breastfeeding, she thinks its disgusting and point blank will tell me (which I think is rude). She is also the same woman who went and bought smokes instead of pain medication for her LO after having her tonsils removed! She is too thick and ignorant to made proper decisions with her children. You on the other hand needed to use formula for your child's wellbeing, it's different. The lady I know is a true example of not knowing much and putting herself before her children. She thinks of her boobs are just sexual, nothing else, which is from our society full of sex sex sex! She told me once it was gross and basically perverted to breastfeed past 12 months. I wanted to kick her in the face!

FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Most moms on here seem to have struggled one way or another when it comes to breastfeeding which is sad... I really do wish it came naturally and easy for everyone... And most moms on here who have chose formula did it with a heavy heart as they wanted to breastfeed which again, I wish it were easy for everyone. Almost all of the moms on here are doing what they believe to be the best for their children, and who are we to really tell them different I will give advice to a mom and try and help, and when given wrong information, I try and correct it (which can come off pushy) and I do believe breast is best and can also be pushy... but I do also believe we do what we believe to be best for our children and sometimes what we believe to be best has been influenced by advertising be it formula, diapers, food etc... I mean all this stuff on tv about the v fusion juice, I was going to buy them for my son to bring to school instead of juice boxes, and when I read how much sugar was in them compared to regular V8 I was shocked. They make it sound so healthy but the sugar is double the amount a child should have! I then bought the regular 1 veggie shot cans of V8. I think the formula companies should lay off the advertising... then again they won't make their money and that is what now seems to make the world go round. [/FONT]

But isnt that the point alot are trying to make, watch the adverts, ignore them, whatever but use your own common sense and judgment.
Read up and research the various things you are going to be buying or using dont just follow blindly like a sheep.
A good portion of mothers who change to ff know what they are doing, they have researched into what they are doing as much as possible and very likely gone into it all with an understanding and ackknlowlegment of what they are doing.
To assume an advert for ff is going to brainwash people into making an un informed judgment is accentialy calling them too stupid to know any better.

 

[Tiff]

You know, I went to the mail today and in it was a Huggies envelope with all sorts of promos, discounts and free stuff if you buy their products.

Where's the outrage on this? I am by NO means trying to belittle breast feeding. But cloth diapers are better for our land fills, and shouldn't we be concerned with the state of Earth for our grandchildren's grandchildren?

Just saying.

Yes, I believe that BM is beneficial... but there are other things that are beneficial too, yet for some reason they either are glossed over or not cared about. Not trying to add a new fuel to a fire... just genuinely curious. Does that sort of advertising not sit well either with people?

 

[ellie]

You know, I went to the mail today and in it was a Huggies envelope with all sorts of promos, discounts and free stuff if you buy their products.

Where's the outrage on this? I am by NO means trying to belittle breast feeding. But cloth diapers are better for our land fills, and shouldn't we be concerned with the state of Earth for our grandchildren's grandchildren?

Just saying.

Yes, I believe that BM is beneficial... but there are other things that are beneficial too, yet for some reason they either are glossed over or not cared about. Not trying to add a new fuel to a fire... just genuinely curious. Does that sort of advertising not sit well either with people?

I don't like that either. But then I use cloth so I'm bound not to I have days where I get annoyed about it. But I get to a point where I just don't have the energy to get angry about all the millions of things that go on in the world that are destroying our planet and our future. OH is convinced that we are all about to experience massive collapses in society (especially with fossil fuels) and researches it massively. it freaks me out a bit. So I have to pick the things that I feel I can get annoyed about if that makes sense (and even then I dont have the energy to get annoyed some days!)

And I really think that we need to remember that the people on this board are not that representative of the majority of people out there. I might be biased, because of where I live and my line of work the majority of people I meet are ill educated, uninformed and totally disinterested in any of these issues, and really are gullible, easily led and selfish. So when I'm thinking about any of these issues, I'm not thinking of the intelligent and thoughtful people that are on this forum, it's just a given that everyone on here will have more about them, just because of them being here. If that makes sense.

 

[NIfirsttimer]

^^ WSS,
this was what i was trying to say a few pages back.... we all know home cooked is 'better' than jars, and that cloth is 'better' than sposies, and that being a SAHM is 'better' than going out to work all week, yet can somehow accept more easily that people have freedom of choice / other contributing factors in these cases, but cant with the BM / Fm thing!

 

[hivechild]

I just checked their website and the V8 splash has less sugar than the V fusion... less fruit in it I assume?

Less fruit, probably. The main problem is the type of sugars. It's the same thing with fats. None are great in excess, but some are good for you in moderation. The ' corn industry' did a run of sly ads here awhile back making out that high fructose corn syrup is as good as any other natural sweetener which just ain't so, but people will remember the ads and believe it, rather than do a little research and come to their own conclusions.

Tangentially, I had one of those women who give out food samples in stores try to tell me that a chocolate covered crisp thing was as good as an apple because they had the same amount of calories. I just laughed at her and said, "seriously? No," before continuing on my way.

 

[Tiff]

^^ WSS,
this was what i was trying to say a few pages back.... we all know home cooked is 'better' than jars, and that cloth is 'better' than sposies, and that being a SAHM is 'better' than going out to work all week, yet can somehow accept more easily that people have freedom of choice / other contributing factors in these cases, but cant with the BM / Fm thing!

I don't understand it either hun.

Most parents try to make do with what they can. I do wish there was more support about it. But, that being said I think I've lost count over how often I'd mentioned that tone is hard to gauge over text. So many times where something is misconstrued because there wasn't inflection to go along with it.

 

[Eve]

I thought this thread was about formula companies undermining breastfeeding and not who choose what to feed their baby ? Am I misunderstanding the thread then?
It is dissing breastfeeding the advice and if it where the other way because it wouldnt be expectable to dis formula. How many people would be annoyed at articles saying formula is this and that and not in a good light? as seen before there again would be war. So is it ok for a formula company who have worked for years to tarnish breastfeeding by in the past saying their product was better and continue to do things even agains the WHO code and break down woman's confidence in their abilities to breastfeed. This includes giving out wrong advice to mums who are trying to breastfeed and end up moving them to formula quicker than they should all because they trust them. This is how so many dont bother to try from listening to what they said which was wrong. They only make you think they have your child's best interest at heart by giving this bad info they will get your money at the end of it as this will influence some. Not everyone is so strong minded to ignore this., They arnt stupid . Their goal is to get you formula feeding your baby where as the breastfeeding mum wants to breastfeed but is sitting in the web of the formula company where she shouldnt be getting pulled in and made to feel she failed at breastfeeding where as she had gone to somewhere like LLL she would have had a better chance of succeeding.
we are not talking about a woman choosing to formula feed knowing all the facts its the influence on mums who want to breastfeed not some bf vs ff battle as usual.

Not singling this out particularly, but this is as far as I've got so far and it's interesting.

What I'd say though as a Mum who chose to BF, believed the misinformation the NHS gave me about how easy it was to BF, and then found myself in a situation where I needed to buy formula and had no idea which to use. Actually, a bit of info from the formula companies would have been a great help at this stage . We all want to give our kids the best we can, I couldn't give my DD breastmilk, so wanted to choose the 'best' formula. It's a mystery to everyone which is the best, if any, as they're just not allowed to talk about these things.

I see the point that by creating this helpline it is making pregnant mums familiar with their brand, in case they should need it. But that's the point, in case they need it. And all it takes is to walk down the baby aisle in the supermarket to see SMA, cow and Gate, Farleys etc, so we do get to see the various brands and become familiar with them before our baby is born in this way too.

I don't have a problem in a company trying to create brand loyalty with its target audience. No one is going to decide they don't want to BF just because they've been on a forum that is run by SMA. Unfortunatly the argument that we poor FFers are obviously a bit too thick to make our own minds up and have been brainwashed by formula companies is used a bit too often by some people who are anti.
It's a shame that aparantly some of the info on the website is wrong, but as I said I've never been given realistic honest info about breastfeeding from anyone apart from friends since they've done it themselves. The NHS told me its easy and might smart a bit, there's no reason anyone can't bfeed etc, same info from the NCT.

The main issue is women need proper help advice and info to prepare us for BFing and to help us while we're doing it, but I for one and grateful that SMA and other formula companies exist otherwise many babies would not be here today.

I know someone who doesn't care at all about the goodness of breastfeeding, she thinks its disgusting and point blank will tell me (which I think is rude). She is also the same woman who went and bought smokes instead of pain medication for her LO after having her tonsils removed! She is too thick and ignorant to made proper decisions with her children. You on the other hand needed to use formula for your child's wellbeing, it's different. The lady I know is a true example of not knowing much and putting herself before her children. She thinks of her boobs are just sexual, nothing else, which is from our society full of sex sex sex! She told me once it was gross and basically perverted to breastfeed past 12 months. I wanted to kick her in the face!

FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Most moms on here seem to have struggled one way or another when it comes to breastfeeding which is sad... I really do wish it came naturally and easy for everyone... And most moms on here who have chose formula did it with a heavy heart as they wanted to breastfeed which again, I wish it were easy for everyone. Almost all of the moms on here are doing what they believe to be the best for their children, and who are we to really tell them different I will give advice to a mom and try and help, and when given wrong information, I try and correct it (which can come off pushy) and I do believe breast is best and can also be pushy... but I do also believe we do what we believe to be best for our children and sometimes what we believe to be best has been influenced by advertising be it formula, diapers, food etc... I mean all this stuff on tv about the v fusion juice, I was going to buy them for my son to bring to school instead of juice boxes, and when I read how much sugar was in them compared to regular V8 I was shocked. They make it sound so healthy but the sugar is double the amount a child should have! I then bought the regular 1 veggie shot cans of V8. I think the formula companies should lay off the advertising... then again they won't make their money and that is what now seems to make the world go round. [/FONT]

But isnt that the point alot are trying to make, watch the adverts, ignore them, whatever but use your own common sense and judgment.
Read up and research the various things you are going to be buying or using dont just follow blindly like a sheep.
A good portion of mothers who change to ff know what they are doing, they have researched into what they are doing as much as possible and very likely gone into it all with an understanding and ackknlowlegment of what they are doing.
To assume an advert for ff is going to brainwash people into making an un informed judgment is accentialy calling them too stupid to know any better.

I didn't say anyone was too stupid to know better... I just said some people will end up making a choice, no matter if it is on formula, food, clothes etc... on adverts without doing their own research. I by no means said all, most or anything.

 

[Nic1107]

I just checked their website and the V8 splash has less sugar than the V fusion... less fruit in it I assume?

Less fruit, probably. The main problem is the type of sugars. It's the same thing with fats. None are great in excess, but some are good for you in moderation. The ' corn industry' did a run of sly ads here awhile back making out that high fructose corn syrup is as good as any other natural sweetener which just ain't so, but people will remember the ads and believe it, rather than do a little research and come to their own conclusions.

Tangentially, I had one of those women who give out food samples in stores try to tell me that a chocolate covered crisp thing was as good as an apple because they had the same amount of calories. I just laughed at her and said, "seriously? No," before continuing on my way.

Those HFCS ads drove me nuts! Aside from being misinformative, they were so condescending, if we're thinking of the same ones. Where they had the mom who didn't want her kid eating/drinking stuff with HFCS in it, and the other mom asked why, and the first mom was like "Oooh... because... mmm derrrr...." Maybe some people truly just jumped on the bandwagon and didn't know why to avoid it, but how insulting to those of us who made the informed decision!

 

[ellie]

^^ (Mum2J's post) thats kind of what i was trying ot say a few posts back we forget that a LOT of people out there really aren't knowledgeable or bright enough to do any research of their own. OH is quite harsh and often rants about how stupid humans are generally lol. Where we live it's an easy conclusion to reach We're spoiled on here because naturally everyone is going to be intelligent, clued up and think independently.

 

[Eve]

You know, I went to the mail today and in it was a Huggies envelope with all sorts of promos, discounts and free stuff if you buy their products.

Where's the outrage on this? I am by NO means trying to belittle breast feeding. But cloth diapers are better for our land fills, and shouldn't we be concerned with the state of Earth for our grandchildren's grandchildren?

Just saying.

Yes, I believe that BM is beneficial... but there are other things that are beneficial too, yet for some reason they either are glossed over or not cared about. Not trying to add a new fuel to a fire... just genuinely curious. Does that sort of advertising not sit well either with people?

I use disposables, but I totally understand. Breastfeeding/bottle feeding/home-made baby food would mean nothing without our planet... we should put more time into cloth diapers. I tried them and like them, I honestly just don't ever think of them...

I just checked their website and the V8 splash has less sugar than the V fusion... less fruit in it I assume?

Less fruit, probably. The main problem is the type of sugars. It's the same thing with fats. None are great in excess, but some are good for you in moderation. The ' corn industry' did a run of sly ads here awhile back making out that high fructose corn syrup is as good as any other natural sweetener which just ain't so, but people will remember the ads and believe it, rather than do a little research and come to their own conclusions.

Tangentially, I had one of those women who give out food samples in stores try to tell me that a chocolate covered crisp thing was as good as an apple because they had the same amount of calories. I just laughed at her and said, "seriously? No," before continuing on my way.

I remember seeing those commericals! I kept thinking it was crap!

Oh wow... hahaha as good as an apple! hehe

 

[Eve]

^^ (Mum2J's post) thats kind of what i was trying ot say a few posts back we forget that a LOT of people out there really aren't knowledgeable or bright enough to do any research of their own. OH is quite harsh and often rants about how stupid humans are generally lol. Where we live it's an easy conclusion to reach We're spoiled on here because naturally everyone is going to be intelligent, clued up and think independently.

Yes, that is what I mean in a way. Some people will decide based on commercials, magazine ads etc.. instead of doing their own research. Not everyone looks up everything... especially when it comes from family members and even some doctors too! I know someone who is giving their 5 week old baby cereal now, and when I mentioned about waiting until 6 months she flew off at me saying she gave her older son cereal at 2 months and he is fine! Her son is 2! Her friend told her it was fine, so she is going with it. I even gave her a link to kellymom.com and nope... she didn't even bother.. Another girl at not even 3 months for no reason is giving her lo cereal. I mentioned about waiting longer and she snapped back saying her pediatrition said it was good to give it to them early! ugh!

 

[hivechild]

I just checked their website and the V8 splash has less sugar than the V fusion... less fruit in it I assume?

Less fruit, probably. The main problem is the type of sugars. It's the same thing with fats. None are great in excess, but some are good for you in moderation. The ' corn industry' did a run of sly ads here awhile back making out that high fructose corn syrup is as good as any other natural sweetener which just ain't so, but people will remember the ads and believe it, rather than do a little research and come to their own conclusions.

Tangentially, I had one of those women who give out food samples in stores try to tell me that a chocolate covered crisp thing was as good as an apple because they had the same amount of calories. I just laughed at her and said, "seriously? No," before continuing on my way.

Those HFCS ads drove me nuts! Aside from being misinformative, they were so condescending, if we're thinking of the same ones. Where they had the mom who didn't want her kid eating/drinking stuff with HFCS in it, and the other mom asked why, and the first mom was like "Oooh... because... mmm derrrr...." Maybe some people truly just jumped on the bandwagon and didn't know why to avoid it, but how insulting to those of us who made the informed decision!

Yep, it was that whole line of ads. It also played on the fact that even if you had researched it and made an informed decision, a lot of why hfcs isn't great for you is scientific and most people couldn't regurgitate that information on demand when put on the spot. It's like being asked to explain Newton's theories and the theory of relativity to prove gravity exists.