I’m a Johnson and Johnson’s Ambassador this year – and here’s why.

When I entered the last trimester of my first pregnancy, I finally felt ready to start gathering the essential items I knew I would need. Nappies, muslins, a Moses basket, sleepsuits vests. A pushchair, a car seat, a baby bath, cotton wool, tiny hats and tiny scratch mitts. Each item was lovingly collected and put away, ready for the big moment. And, also on that list, baby bath, baby oil and baby lotion. When we went shopping to buy those essential toiletries, I picked up the Johnson’s items from the shelf without so much as a second thought. The bottles, the smells – they were already so familiar to me. I remembered them from my own childhood. I remembered my mother using them on my baby sister.

I have used Johnson’s products with both my children right from the very first days of their lives. I have always felt confident and secure in the fact that those products have been perfect for my children’s delicate skin. My own mother, and her mother, felt the same. Right back, through the last century and the one before that, parents have used Johnson & Johnson. For 125 years, they have been synonymous with caring for babies, the scent of baby lotion and the feel of baby oil an integral part of those early days. I do not think many international companies can claim such an achievement or such a responsibility.

As my father said when I told him about this project – We are all Johnson’s babies.

When I first saw some unsettling stories surfacing about Johnson’s, long before this blog was created, I was instantly skeptical. However, I would never take risks with my children’s health and so I did a little research – and found the claims to be unsubstantiated. I continued to use the products. Like millions of other mothers all over the world, I was just a satisfied and loyal customer.

Working with Johnson & Johnson

A few years passed. I changed careers and started this blog. My babies, and Someone’s Mum, grew. I started to work with brands and, eventually, Johnson’s contacted me and asked me to share some of their products on my Instagram channel. As a blogger, there is nothing more pleasing than being able to work with a brand that you have used and admired for a long time. There is also nothing more pleasing than working with a brand who value you, as a working partner and a customer. I loved working with Johnson’s.

 

When I received some comments, both from fellow bloggers and other parents, suggesting that I should not work with the company I defended them vehemently – because I already knew that many of the rumours surrounding them were untrue.

When they asked me to be on their ambassador team, along with so many parenting bloggers and influencers, I jumped at the chance. I blog to feed my family and that, of course, is my primary concern. But this goes further – I feel passionately about supporting Johnson’s because I truly believe in their products and in their ethos.

What I have learned since becoming a Johnson’s Ambassador

Last month I had the wonderful opportunity of spending the whole day with Johnson’s. As well as the PR team I am working with, there was the opportunity to speak with some of their top scientists and product developers. No topic was off-limits. We were allowed to ask any questions, dig deep into the controversial issues. We were given unequivocal answers to the most troubling concerns that some parents may have. We were also given access to research and information ourselves in order to come to our own conclusions.

I learned all about the science that backs their claims and why they continue to refute and challenge any accusations that their talc has been linked to causing ovarian cancer.

I learned that the Johnson’s follow a strict cosmetic naming conventions for regulatory purposes, which can mean that whilst the ingredients sometimes seem to have more ‘chemical’ looking names, they are in fact helping regulatory bodies easily identify exactly what is in the products. I have learned that parabens – not present in Johnson’s Baby products in any case – are present naturally in hundreds of fruits and vegetables, being nature’s preservatives.

I learned that preservative elements in Johnson’s Baby products are safe. In fact, they are essential for keeping the product fresh and uncontaminated from dangerous bacteria.

I learned that Johnson’s have been put in a position where they need to change their products and change their labels in response to consumer opinions – not science. I learned how some of their staff have had to deal with some awful comments from misinformed people.

I learned that I am completely confident in my decision to work with Johnson’s and that I cannot wait to see what else the year has in store.

 

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Please note, this post is a paid collaboration with Johnson & Johnson in my role as a Johnson’s ambassador. However, as outlined in the post, I am working with Johnson’s because I feel passionately about supporting them and all words and opinions are my genuine thoughts.

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