Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on March 25, 2025, 4:16 PM

Imagine losing a child. It's the worst pain imaginable. Now, imagine a company asking for a product back right after it happened. That's what happened to Brooklyn Larsen with Happiest Baby. This created a big uproar online.

Happiest Baby is known for its popular (and pricey) Snoo bassinet. It's a high-tech baby bed designed to soothe infants. But a recent incident has tarnished the brand's reputation. The company asked an influencer to return a Snoo after her baby died. Was this a huge mistake? Absolutely.

Brooklyn Larsen shared her life online. She talked about motherhood and family. Sadly, she experienced the worst tragedy. She lost her baby boy.

Larsen shared the devastating news on social media. She talked about the sudden loss of her son. Her post was filled with grief. People sent their condolences and support. It was a heartbreaking moment for everyone following her journey.

Influencer Brooklyn Larsen and her husband Tanner Larsen tragically lost their son Rocky right before his birth, the Happiest Baby brand sparked backlash after allegedly asking her to return a $1,700 bassinet they had sent her in exchange for tagging them in related content. In response, the brand has issued a formal apology.

"We cannot express more emphatically our deepest sympathy for what she and her family have been through following the loss of her son," a spokesperson for Happiest Baby shared in a March 24 statement. "What was intended to be an effort to provide assistance clearly was a mistake that added to Brooklyn’s grief, for which we are truly sorry.”

“We have taken internal steps to make sure it never happens again,” the statement continued. “What Brooklyn faced was a tragedy beyond comprehension, and we are heartbroken for her loss.”

Larsen had partnered with Happiest Baby before her son's death. She was gifted a Snoo bassinet. This is common practice for influencers. They promote products in exchange for free stuff or money. It seemed like a normal brand deal. But things took a dark turn after the tragedy.

According to the So You Think You Can Dance alum’s sister Kenna Bangerter, Happiest Baby requested the bassinet’s return after Brooklyn informed them, she was unable to provide the content they had agreed upon in their promotional agreement. Outraged on Brooklyn’s behalf, Kenna went on to share her story on social media.

“Super disappointed in a certain brand during this unimaginable time for my sister,” Kenna wrote on a since-expired Instagram Story. "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 baby bassinet, still sitting next to her bed. Because she didn’t ‘deliver the content."

“I want you to think about why she couldn’t deliver the content,” she continued. “I’m absolutely disgusted by a BABY brand who promotes support for moms & babies—that doesn’t even have the decency to give her the space to grieve the bassinet she never got to fill.”

The company requested the Snoo's return. People were shocked by the request. The internet exploded with anger and disappointment.

The exact wording of the email isn't public. But the request was seen as insensitive. Asking for a baby product back after a death? It seemed heartless. Even if it was standard procedure, it lacked empathy.

People went crazy online. They criticized Happiest Baby. Some called for a boycott. Many felt the company valued profits over human decency. The backlash was swift and severe. It showed the power of social media.

Happiest Baby quickly realized their mistake. And they issued an apology. But was it enough to fix the damage?

Happiest Baby has apologized publicly. They acknowledged their error in judgment. The statement expressed sympathy for Larsen. They said it was a mistake. The company hoped to regain public trust.

This incident highlights the ethics of influencer marketing. Brands and influencers need to be careful. Especially when dealing with sensitive topics.

The power dynamic is tricky. Brands hold a lot of power. Influencers rely on them for income. This can create awkward situations. Especially when grief is involved. Brands need to treat influencers with respect.

Here's how brands can do better:

• Have clear policies for gifted products.
• Be flexible and understanding in difficult situations.
• Prioritize empathy over profits.
• Train your staff to handle sensitive issues.
• Always consider the human impact.

Social media can be tough during grief. Influencers face extra pressure. They have to balance their personal lives with their online persona.

Influencers feel pressured to post. They want to stay connected with their audience. But grief is a private matter. Balancing the two is difficult. Many struggle to maintain their online presence.

Here's how to support influencers:

• Offer words of encouragement.
• Respect their privacy.
• Avoid insensitive comments.
• Understand their need for space.
• Remember they are human.

This situation offers some important lessons. Empathy is key. It's crucial for businesses and individuals alike.

After all, Brooklyn who is mom to son Rome, 4, from a past relationship was mourning the incredibly tragic loss of her baby boy after experiencing a stillbirth, having also previously suffered a miscarriage in December 2023.  

“Our hearts are completely shattered,” Brooklyn, 29, and Tanner, 30, wrote in a joint November Instagram post. “Our perfect little boy didn’t make it. Late Sunday evening, at 40 weeks and 2 days, Brooklyn went into labor on her own. We arrived at the hospital, full of excitement, only to be told the devastating news that they couldn’t find his heartbeat.” 

“We were blessed to spend the next 12 precious hours with him, surrounded by our family, pouring all of our love into him,” the couple continued. “We can’t fully express the depth of the pain we feel losing our son and Rome losing his little brother.”

Empathy matters in business. It builds trust and loyalty. Customers appreciate companies that care. Profit shouldn't come before people.

We can all help create a better online world. Be kind. Be understanding. Support each other. A little compassion goes a long way.

The Happiest Baby controversy was a wake-up call. It showed the impact of insensitive actions. Ethical considerations are vital in influencer marketing. Let's strive for a more empathetic and compassionate online community. We should learn from these incidents. Let's remember that behind every screen, there's a human being.