Samples of Toddler Formala placed in DD's Daycare Bag and sent home....

[*Beema*]

On two occasions we have had samples of S26 Toddler placed into DD's Daycare bag and I only discovered them when I got home - the second was today. We don't believe that the toddler formula is necessary and have never used it, so it goes on the shelf until we catch up with a friend who uses it for her little boy.

She is in Baby Room 2 (12-14months to approximately 2 years of age).

Has anyone else had this? I don't really think it is appropriate, perhaps if they left them on the counter and if you chose to take one you can, but placing them in each childs bag under all there stuff seems a little "forced"...

What your your thoughts?

[alioops]

I would be complaining. See if you can find some studies showing that it reduces what the children eat in many cases and the WHO code on TM's.

[Rouge]

Complain definitely.

[Arimeh]

Wow. My kids have been in daycare (different ones too) since they were both 3 months of age.

NEVER have I had anyone shove formula into their bags, and even as a formula feeding mother I would be peeved at the insinuation that toddler formula is necessary!!!! Maybe - MAYBE - if you had been talking to the carers about your child that ate absolutely nothing and was getting sick through lack of vitamins, and mentioned a paed thought it might have been a good idea to start on toddler formula - then, and only then, I might think it appropriate.

[skybie]

gosh thats a bit um....cant pick the right word!
i would not be at all happy!
perhaps go to the reception and tell them that this isnt a product that u use or intend to use and to not put it in DD's back anymore because they'd be better off giving it someone who'll use it

[tk1999]

I am annoyed for you! Definitely complain

[Madissun]

I wouldn't be happy either! Thats really rough! And i was a formula feeding mum too and like Camme-Lot, i'd actually be quite insulted.

[~Kaz~]

Yeah that's not cool at all.

I think it's weird they're putting anything in your DD's nappy bag that doesn't belong to her and that they're doing this without any consultation at all. Perhaps there is a scenario where their hearts are in the right place and they don't mean to cause any trouble or offence but they shouldn't be doing that without consulting you first.

I am also wondering where they are getting the samples from? At DS's LDC (same age range in the room) all the kids on formula bring their own - they only supply cow's milk while the child is there and have a seperate fridge for the formula (or EBM). Makes me wonder if they've got some kind of sponsorship or advertising deal with the formula company. That's how it appears anyway.

[feeb]

I would say something as that's not fair.

[onthefly]

I wonder what sort of kickbacks they're getting.... Is it a big centre with lots of branches?

[*Beema*]

Just realised I couldn't even spell Formula right in the title

So I am not the only one that thinks it is out of line

DD doesn't look like she needs any extra sustinance, she eats well enough, but I don't send any extra milk with ehr to daycare, she has a bottle of cow milk at night before bed, and has yogurt and cheese at other meals so there shouldn't be concerns of the amount of calcium she is getting either

~Kaz~ I am wondering whether they are getting something out of it as well, as it has been the same company both times and I think the first time we also got a brochure.

I will take the samples back next week and ask that we not be given any more in the future as we don't see that it is necessary. I am hoping to have a meeting or discussion with the Director about the use of Cloth Nappies as well (she has my letter, so waiting for her response...) so I itend to bring this up at the same time as well.

Thanks everyone, I wasn't sure if it was common practice or not, they are a pretty big centre, but not a "chain" as such there are two of them in the Metro area that i am aware of.

I will have a look on the WHO site Ali, I hadn't thought of that.

Great suggestions everyone, thanks

[Floweryfields]

We've never done that. I've had a parent want to put samples of something in each child's bag and won't do it, I do put the samples out on the counter for parents to help themselves to but I think that kind of thing is pushy.

PS I don't believe in toddler formulas either.

[luna moth]

It's not the daycare facility, it is once again the formula companies doing this. They send out the samples, unsolicited, to centres, and the centres have a few choices as to what to do.

It's just another way they're putting their name out there Your service elected to send them home, rather than display them, serve them (!) or throw them out.

[Persephone1]

That is so dodgy.

The showbag you get when you book in at hospital is another example of this sort of marketing. I was so grumpy that my "showbag" was just full of pamphlets from companies trying to sell stuff like sposies and formula - the bag didn't have any information about bfing or cloth nappies. I hate this sort of forced marketing, it's like receiving junk mail despite having a "No junk Mail" sign. Blegh.

I would complain. I don't know much about Daycare Centres, but they would have a responsibility to disclose any kickbacks they're receiving from the companies - and if they're not receiving kickbacks, then they shouldn't be giving this stuff out unless it's requested. Where do these companies get off thinking that Daycare Centres will give them a captive audience?

[Lulu]

I used formula for DS and I be giving the sample of toddler crap straight back to the daycare and explaining why.

Then I'd explain why I was annoyed at having to explain because a daycare should know that toddlers that eat don't need that crap.

[Doing my best]

IF it is an advertising thing, I would be peeved too that they are assuming that my DD lacks something like the crap in toddler milk (and I am a FF mother)..

But just on the off chance, is it possible it was put in the wrong bag? Maybe a FF child was using up samples they had been given, and they didn't use them that day and a replacement carer put it in your bag by mistake? I have had weird and wonderful clothes, bottles, shoes, sposies put in my DD's bag that aren't ours..

[Floweryfields]

That is so dodgy.

The showbag you get when you book in at hospital is another example of this sort of marketing. I was so grumpy that my "showbag" was just full of pamphlets from companies trying to sell stuff like sposies and formula - the bag didn't have any information about bfing or cloth nappies. I hate this sort of forced marketing, it's like receiving junk mail despite having a "No junk Mail" sign. Blegh.

I would complain. I don't know much about Daycare Centres, but they would have a responsibility to disclose any kickbacks they're receiving from the companies - and if they're not receiving kickbacks, then they shouldn't be giving this stuff out unless it's requested. Where do these companies get off thinking that Daycare Centres will give them a captive audience?

Don't know about kickbacks, we've never been offerred anything to promote anything for anyone. Don't think childcare is the cash cow that people think it is - if you are small anyway - the bigger mobs, well, that's another story I suppose.
The local avon lady wanted me to put her books in each persons pocket, but I didn't do that - no offers ever made to pay us anything to do it. I'm too busy doing important stuff to do favours like that.

[AndiE]

Beema, I'm with Didispunk. Do what you want to do, but I'm going to go against what the majority have said in this thread and suggest that instead of complaining this time, you talk to your centre - and your DD's carers - explain how you feel and ask that in future they don't put samples in your DD's bag. Then, if it happens again, go and complain with all guns firing.

If they didn't know you are anti-toddler formula, it was really nothing more than an error of judgement. At the risk of stereotyping, I reckon day care people looking after lots of independent little people and endless pooey bums have more to worry about than successful (or sneaky) product placement. That requires at least 3 years uni study in marketing They probably didn't give it a second thought when they put it in DD's bag ... most likely they thought they were doing you a favour if they didn't realise you don't like - or want - toddler formula. I'd doubt your DDs eating habits even crossed their minds. Whatever the case, once you talk to them, they'll know better for next time .