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

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?

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.

Complain definitely.

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.

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

I am annoyed for you! Definitely complain

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.

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.

I would say something as that's not fair.

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

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

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 :)

mail it back to them! :angry: i find it disgusting that they feel they have the right to advertise their products THROUGH children, not on :shakehead:

Beema - my CC centre were cool about cloth. I didn't even have to write a letter, just explained and showed them when we went for the first visit. I doubt the director is even aware as I just spoke to the carer's in DS's room. They have been great - flushing the poop down the toilet etc etc. (I use mainly Greenkids and Ecobubs). It's no harder for them than pulling out a disposable really so I think (depending on the type of nappies you use) they will be hard pressed to argue against them as more work etc.

I totally agree that its disgusting, blatant use of advertising :o I cant believe they did it!

But, is it possible that they have the stuff there, given to them obviously by a rep, maybe its low code so they thought just shove em in the kids bags, that will get rid of it!

someone else had a thread not long ago about asking for a tray of samples to be removed from a childcare counter, perhaps that practice is against the guidelines but putting the stuff in their bags is a way around it?? just a thought....

I think it's one weird they put in 'her' bag and two they do it all!
I have had both my boys in a creche and they never come home with things in their bag other than pictures they stuff in it.
We get some things in our pigeon holes like one of the families lawn mowing business flyers but never a big company like that.
I would complain to the centre director.
I also do not believe in follow on toddler formulas. I just don't think it's necessary. I have a DS who does not eat any vegetables at all, just meat and pasta. He is a good fruit eater. And I still don't think it necessary to supplement with a toddler formula. Either real or breast milk and a reasonable diet is all that is needed.

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.

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 :rolleyes: Your service elected to send them home, rather than display them, serve them (!) or throw them out.

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?

:protest:

It wasn't Nestle products was it ;)

I use formula but would also be offended at the subvert nature of the 'giving'.

And if the centre tells you that the company sent the samples as a promotion - I'd be complaining to the ACCC and the company... :protest:

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.

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..

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Beema - my CC centre were cool about cloth. I didn't even have to write a letter, just explained and showed them when we went for the first visit. I doubt the director is even aware as I just spoke to the carer's in DS's room. They have been great - flushing the poop down the toilet etc etc. (I use mainly Greenkids and Ecobubs). It's no harder for them than pulling out a disposable really so I think (depending on the type of nappies you use) they will be hard pressed to argue against them as more work etc.

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My CC decided about 4 weeks ago that they were banning the use of cloth nappies in our centre due to OHS this is the thread it initially started as a rumour late last year, then a message just appeared at the front of our newsletter at the end of February, the thread follows on when that happens. I spoke with the Manager of the baby Rooms and she said to put it is writing to the Director, which i have done and am awaiting a response.....I use all IB's except for one Haute Pocket, so certainly not rocket science to put on :lol: A draft of the letter I wrote is here I have refined it since and shortened it up and hand delivered it :D

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But, is it possible that they have the stuff there, given to them obviously by a rep, maybe its low code so they thought just shove em in the kids bags, that will get rid of it!

someone else had a thread not long ago about asking for a tray of samples to be removed from a childcare counter, perhaps that practice is against the guidelines but putting the stuff in their bags is a way around it?? just a thought....

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They do often have samples of stuff on the counter at the front you can take if you like, but nothing has appealed to me, and it is all big corporation stuff... Lolli has the thread on the tray of samples of Nestle Formula on the front counter and she awesomely has had it removed, after explaining to them about the company's practices !!!!

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mail it back to them! :angry: i find it disgusting that they feel they have the right to advertise their products THROUGH children, not on :shakehead:

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I think the way they did it was deceiving, it was underneath her nappies (in wetbags and hat) so was put in her bag early in the day.

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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?

:protest:

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I have to agree about the "Bounty" that you get, it is very dissappointing that they aren't promoting a more sustainable and natural way of living, even if they do have samples of disposible nappies, why not eco ones for a change.....

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It wasn't Nestle products was it ;)

I use formula but would also be offended at the subvert nature of the 'giving'.

And if the centre tells you that the company sent the samples as a promotion - I'd be complaining to the ACCC and the company... :protest:

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No it wasn't Nestle.. S26...

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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..

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We've had a few extras in our bags before, and a few things didn't come home even when labelled... I will ask one of the other mums I am good friends with and we often see each other going in and out and see if she has received them as well.

I just pulled out the previous sample that we had been "given" and it was a promotion to win a Video Camera, you needed the sample and to then buy a 900gram tin of the Toddler Gold forumla to go in the draw GRRRRRR! I just didn't think of it at the time and it was Lolli's thread and the fact we received another sample this week that made me wonder if anyone else had received sample of it before..

Oh lordy - you will have to fix a "no junk mail" sign on DD's bag....

I actually gasped when I saw your title!! :spit: I can't believe they did that. Definitely say something to your CC.

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Oh lordy - you will have to fix a "no junk mail" sign on DD's bag....

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I like your thinking Lulu!

I personally wouldn't worry too much, they probably get given a box of samples and the staff wonder how to get rid of it.. so if everyone gets one takes it home and uses it or throws it in the bin.. No loss to them, and you can throw it away as soon as you walk out the door, or return it and they can pass it along to someone else.

At kinder DS gets samples of cups, bars, snacks etc.. some we try and some we throw away if they are not something I would normally feed my child as a snack.

Whichever you decide do what you think is best, its obviously Nestle doing promotion samples and it must work as probably 1 out of 10 of samples... someone might buy a container of it.

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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?

:protest:

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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.

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 :D.

This is absolutely disgusting. It breaches the International code which bans giving out free samples of baby formulas and toddler milks. Sadly it doesn't breach the Australian code, the MAIF, as they don't count toddler milk as a breastmilk substitute, but nevertheless it is worth lodging a complaint with MAIF.

By getting the day care to give out the samples, it is implying that the childcare centre endorses the product, which implies that it is good for toddlers - which of course it isn't. Of course the hidden agenda here is not just to push the unnecessary toddler milk product on parents, but to also give them brand recognition for buying baby formulas. Some parents might still be giving their 12month+ child formula, and many will have a younger baby either now, or later.

Where will these big companies stop in their exploitation of children and parents?

Vic totally not on! I am pretty sure when you signed up for day care you didn't tick a box that said you wanted to receive advertising and that's what this is. Do you think they are getting paid for this? Definitely kick up a big stink - wrong on a whole number of levels.