I wrote a post in September that explains why I emailed Handi-Craft, the company that manufactures Dr. Brown’s products. I was horrified to find out that the sippy cups my daughter was using at the time nearly had the rubber coming off at the top of the spout. As a parent, I feared it was a serious choking hazard.
At Theta Mom, I always write honest posts and product reviews. Even though I wasn’t reviewing this particular product, I used my blog as a platform to share my concerns about a product that I thought (in my opinion and experience) to be defective. After that post was published and my email was responded to from a company representative, I ended up speaking with another representative directly over the phone and I was sent replacement cups. These cups were an improved design from the “original” sippy cups my daughter was using. You can read that full follow-up post here.
However, after reading through all of your comments again on that follow-up post, I was still really upset. I knew that if the rubber was easily coming off of the “original” sippy cups for my daughter, it had to be happening to other babies. There was no way I could have been the only one to experience this. My gut was telling me that this product needed to be taken off the market and I needed to do something more…
Amidst my chaotic thinking of what to do next in pursuit of this issue, the new cups arrived and my daughter actually did beautifully with them. Was it because the spout was indeed stronger in this different design? Maybe. Was it because my daughter was (at the time) now 3 months older so she wasn’t chewing on them quite as hard? Probably. Were these cups safer compared to the original design? I do believe so. You can get a good look at the new design of these training cups here.
But, I still had that unsettling feeling that my serious concern was not totally being heard (since those “original” cups were still available on shelves). As a mother, I needed this issue needed to be escalated…
While I was still testing out these new replacement cups and had numerous telephone conversations with various reps over at Handi-Craft, I soon received an email from the Vice-President of Handi-Craft. Apparently, he wanted to talk with me over the phone.
Can you believe that? The Vice-President of a major corporation actually wanted to take time out of his busy day to converse with me! This would be the perfect opportunity to reiterate my concerns with the company, knowing I would be speaking directly with someone who may be able to make a change.
So there I was, bent over in my kitchen cleaning up spilled applesauce off the floor, then picking up my daughter to change her diaper while Yo Gabba Gabba was playing in the background. Among this routine of “just another day in the life” of a Theta Mom, I was about to speak with the VP of Handi-Craft himself.
I pictured him on the other line dressed in a perfect suit, sitting behind a large uncluttered desk in a spacious office in a major city. And he was talking to Theta Mom, who happened to answer the phone wearing yoga pants and an applesauce splattered t-shirt, holding her daughter in one hand and wipes in the other.
After some introductions, we briefly made some small talk and then we got down to the issue. He was following up with me to see how my daughter was doing with the new replacement cups. We spoke about my concern at length and then he finally shared the news that the “other” sippy cups had been taken off the market.
They were taken off the market.
Can I honestly say that Theta Mom was the reason these cups were removed? No. In my mind, do I think I had a little something to do with it? I would like to believe, maybe.
With all of my emails, phone conversations, and ultimately a chat with the VP himself, I would like to think I had a little something to do with the “original” cups being removed so that they could not potentially harm a baby…and that in itself is pretty amazing stuff.
To think that in this instance, my blog became a platform for my voice to be heard. In the end, with some effective blogging and persistence, it made a difference.
Actually, it made a big difference.
If my daughter could talk right now, I know she would be thanking Handi-Craft for listening to her mommy…
And the best part?
I know she is so damn proud of me.
And so am I.
Wow! That is really awesome, and how very wonderful that the VP took the time to call. I am thrilled to hear this happened since you were so concerned about it. Go ThetaMom!!
.-= Beth P´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – To the rescue! =-.
I’m proud of you too!
.-= kys´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday: Somebody Needs A Nap =-.
OK that’s just awesome. Sometimes we think one little voice won’t make a difference. Well, obviously it does. Way to go!
How awesome! It’s amazing the power that bloggers have I tell you. I think long and hard before I get mad (and ultimately do nothing) now…I just “blog it”. My voice will be heard and not silenced! If “just” blogging doesn’t work I escalate my efforts…and I honestly think blogging has given me the confidence to do that.
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Princess!! =-.
Wow that is amazing! I am sure you had a lot to do with it. I am sure other moms complained . But not all of them have a blog or a blog like yours. You have a huge following that grows more every day. All the VP had to do was take a look at your blog and see that. That is great especially knowing that you could have saved a little babies life who may have choked on that rubber piece. Great job Heather!
That is amazing, and I believe its just the encourgement that some need, so that they know that one voice does matter, and sometimes it can help to bring about the change thats needed. Good job mom!!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Meltdown Monday =-.
Thank you ladies. You have know idea how proud I am that those cups are not available!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging Like a Rockstar =-.
holy cow!! that’s fantastic!! you have alot to be proud of!! go mama! :o)
.-= tina´s last blog ..wordless wednesday =-.
That is just awesome! Great job being persistent and going with your gut instinct about those cups!
.-= The Mommyologist´s last blog ..Excuse Me? You Want me to do WHAT? =-.
Thats so awesome that you sharing your experience on your blog helped land you a phone call from the big guy, VP!
You did make a difference in saving the life of a precious baby!
You go girl.
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Music Monday: Black Eyed Peas- Meet me halfway =-.
Thanks Shannon, I do believe that my blog landed me that phone call. And the VP was really nice!!!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging Like a Rockstar =-.
Thats great! I love that the voice of Mom is FINALLY beginning to be heard.
I definitely think you had something to do with it!
Thanks for speaking up
.-= complicatedmama´s last blog ..Failing the tests of Pre-schooler 101 =-.
Saving lives, one sippy cup at a time! That’s so cool! (And I so dig the image of you in “mom garb” talking on the phone with a suit. What a juxtaposition!)
.-= Kami Lewis Levin´s last blog ..Where is My Mind? =-.
You go, girl! That is awesome. Ye, persistence is so important in these types of issues. I’m proud of you too.
.-= TooManyHats´s last blog ..Banana Stew Anyone? =-.
I’m so damn proud of you too. Congrats, ThetaMom for not only standing up for your daughter’s safety, but for the safety of all children. As a mom of 3 children (including a 16 month old that bites off the spout of his sippy cups regularly) I appreciate all you’ve done to improve the lives of children. Great Job!
Way to go!! That is fantastic, you should be VERY proud. It is amazing the voice that bloggers have – I am so proud to be apart of this wonderful network. Great job!
.-= Tina´s last blog ..Baby Frittatas =-.
Tina, this network is an amazing place to be and blogging proves that WE CAN make a difference! Proud to be a mommy blogger!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging Like a Rockstar =-.
Yay!! I’m so proud of you for listening to your gut, speaking out and sticking with it!
.-= Bay´s last blog ..Guest Post: "Cash for Clunkers Appliances" by Debbie Schaeffer =-.
I’ve been reading how blogs are making an impact on products and advertising. This is a perfect example. Thanks for sharing. I came by way of a Tweet. (just FYI)
.-= corrie´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesdays – Brothers! =-.
Thanks Corrie, I agree. Blogging is making an impact and in this instance, I am so glad it has!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging Like a Rockstar =-.
That’s awesome!! Maybe I really should send me letter about the terrible-ness of Singulair to Merck. You are in inspiration!
.-= Kmama´s last blog ..What I Meant to Say: 1/20/10 =-.
That is amazing. We as moms always have fears and we most voice opinions. Our childs safety is number one. Great job Theta Mom! I as well am very proud of you.
.-= Nichol´s last blog ..Popsicle Better For You Bars Review & Giveaway! =-.
Good for you!
You did something, not just complaining and whining – and the result is more than good, amazing!
I used my blog as a platform when one of my photos was misused by online news company (or actually two). And I won! And the case is closed.
Never give up!
.-= BLOGitse´s last blog ..The Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Cairo, Egypt part 1. =-.
Good for you!! Glad you went with your gut! You should be very proud of yourself!
.-= dawn g´s last blog ..We have a winner!!! =-.
That is so cool that you got to talk with the VP! Definitely goes to show that people are reading and paying attention!
.-= shelly´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Eye See You =-.
Wow. I know Mommy Bloggers get a bad rep but this is a great example of how you can stay home and take care of your family while still exerting your power as a consumer. Way to go Theta Mom!
.-= Heather @ Green Baby Green Mama´s last blog ..Easy Turkey Chili Recipe =-.
How exciting!!! Good for you TM!!! It is because of people like you voicing your concern over a product that means another child is safe!
~WM
Awesome Heather. S
Oops breastfeeding and typing does not always work! So glad to hear these are off the market. You rock!
.-= Brittany at Mommy Words´s last blog ..Introducing Violet Grace! =-.
Wow! That is just amazing. You should be really proud, you know! Good for you for writing about this, good for you for sticking with this and thank goodness they were taken off the shelves. Of course you had A LOT to do with that!
You did a geat job with Handi-Craft products. Kid’s safety always comes first!
.-= yonca´s last blog ..Sunset in Long Island =-.
That is awesome!!! WTG for fighting for what you believe in!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..WW – coloring for the first time! =-.
That is just AWESOME! If we moms don’t stick to our guns how can change happen? I am so glad you were persistent! And how awesome is it that your blog was used to change something so big!
As a fellow mom, I am proud of you too! Thank you for being concerned not just with your own children but all of ours too!
.-= Mandi Miller´s last blog ..The Whole Enchilada… and Salsa =-.
Wow! That is pretty amazing!!! Good for you!
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday =-.
YAY! Good for you!
.-= Maria @BOREDmommy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Shopping IS cheaper than a psychiatrist =-.
What a great ending to your sippy cup saga. Proves the validity of mommy bloggers making a difference! Kudos to Handi-Craft as well!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..The Beginning of an Outdoorsy Kids Bedroom =-.
That’s awesome and definitely something you should be proud of. Maybe other mom’s sent emails or made phone calls, but to also used your blog as a way to express this. Kudos to you! I’m glad to hear you followed you gut to get the right things done.
.-= Evonne´s last blog ..Moochers and Calculators =-.
She should be proud of you!
I remember that post. It’s the very first post I read of yours and started following you immediately. I loved how you took action!
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Ladies, I am so proud to be part of this community and I agree, I am proud of Handi-Craft, too. They took action and listened to their consumers. A win-win for all!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging Like a Rockstar =-.
Damn right she’d be Damn Proud–see you deserved two Damns (wait make that 3) for doing good work.
You done good.
.-= beth aka confusedhomemaker´s last blog ..Glad Monster, Sad Monster =-.
Amazing!!!!
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..Golden Globes 2010! =-.
Yay for the mommy blogger!! It’s amazing the power of the blog!!
.-= Lee the Hot Flash Queen´s last blog ..From This To This =-.
Super cool! Of course, we mommy bloggers are a force to be reckoned with! You should feel very, very proud of yourself!
You go girl! This is really awesome!
That’s its suppose to be done. Thanks for speaking up on behalf of all children.
Fantastic story! Thanks for sharing it, new bloggers need to know that they can really do some good by sticking to their guns and being true to themselves and you’ve done a wonderful job of showing how it’s done
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Weekly Inspiration – Jan 11th =-.
I am proud of you too. That kind of passion is really what needs to be displayed to make companies more socially responsible. Kudos to you and to Handi-Craft.
.-= Kiran (Masala Chica)´s last blog ..DNL #4 – How to Start a Fight at the Knights of Columbus =-.
Heather, you rock a little more all the time!! Love this- what an amazing way to achieve something through your blog. Congratulations mama, I’m proud to be a friend & fan of Theta Mom
Off to tweet this now!
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..If I had an hour.. =-.
I remember that post! Good for you girl:)
.-= ModernMom´s last blog ..Who Says Bribery Doesn’t Work =-.
That is awesome. You should be proud of yourself. Cheers to you!
.-= @WannabeMomErin´s last blog ..Commenting on my blog =-.