Baby brand's response to influencer after her 'unfathomable loss'

“A BABY brand who promotes support for mums and babies doesn’t have the decency to give her the space to grieve the bassinet she never got to fill.” Please note: sensitive content 

A baby bassinet company has attracted significant backlash after allegedly requesting an influencer return their product when she advised them she was unable to fulfill their agreement.

Brooklyn Larsen tragically lost her newborn son, Rocky, to stillbirth in November last year.

Before the heartbreak, Brooklyn had entered into an arrangement with Happiest Baby to feature their $2,200 SNOO bassinet on her social media accounts.  

Following the devastating loss, Brooklyn’s sister, Kenna Bangerter, took to Instagram to call out what she described as the brand’s insensitive response. 

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"They demanded she send the bassinet back"

Kenna said she was “super disappointed” in the company’s handling of the situation during an “unimaginable time” for their family.  

“Namely @happiest_baby - who sent my sister a baby bassinet after my sister said she would tag them in content with her newborn baby. After sending an email regarding the content she wasn't able to send - because her baby passed away - they demanded she send the bassinet back. The empty bassinet, still sitting next to her bed,” she wrote.  

Kenna didn’t hold back, putting the brand on blast:

“I’m absolutely disgusted by a BABY brand who promotes support for mums and babies – that doesn’t have the decency to give her the space to grieve the bassinet she never got to fill.”

Image: KennaBang/Instagram and Happiest Baby

"Content was never a consideration" 

In response to the growing online criticism, Happiest Baby issued a public statement via Instagram:

“We were devastated to learn of Rocky’s passing. In December we sent flowers to Brooklyn’s home, and shared our condolences in a note to her manager (with whom we communicated). Content was never a consideration, and at no time did we mention anything about content or obligations since her loss.”

They went on to clarify their offer to collect the product:

“We offered her team (not her directly, to respect her privacy) to set up a courier pickup to help alleviate a potentially painful trigger. In our experience, some grieving families prefer to have certain items removed from their homes.

"Our entire mission is to support families, and it pains us to know that Brooklyn’s experience with us did not reflect that. We have apologised directly to Brooklyn for any additional hurt we may have caused. The wellbeing of families is and always will be our utmost priority."

Despite the statement, public fallout has continued. Many have taken to social media to voice their outrage and call for a boycott of the brand. 

TikToker @marysydneyyy shared her response in a now viral video:

"She is going through the most unimaginable, unfathomable loss that any mother can ever experience in their whole entire life – and this is what they expect from her?” 

Another TikTok user, @chelsea.nurse, echoed the sentiment:  

“Hey Snoo. Quick question for you – what is actually wrong with your company?” 

Image: brooklynlarz/Instagram

"Removed you from my registry"

Happiest Baby’s social media posts have since been flooded with comments from upset followers demanding accountability.

Comments on their recent posts include:

“Disgusted by the lack of human compassion and empathy.” 

“Honestly just let me pay for the bassinet and let her keep it.” 

“This whole situation is something that should have NEVER been added to their plate during an already unimaginably difficult time.” 

“Removed you from my registry. Shame on you and this company!” 

Kidspot reached out to Happiest Baby for comment.

Originally published as Baby brand's response to influencer after her 'unfathomable loss'