A few weeks ago I was in one of the Johnson’s Baby offices and was paging through their old journals when I found some amazing old print ads of their products. I also came across an old tin of Johnson’s Baby Powder with a smell that reminded me exactly of when I was a baby and my mom used to put powder on me.

Going through these ads and product pics was like a journey of remembering my youth, and imagining how things were back in my gran and mom’s day (Johnson’s Baby was formed in 1886, and came to South Africa in 1930). Many of the messages don’t change – gentle care and nurturing remain their key themes (just what one would expect from a baby product ad!)

Have a look, and let me know if you or any of your family remember any of these from way back?

I love this headline – wonderful mother indeed!

I had to include this one, even though it’s from Australia – I love how they used famous quads who were born in 1950

There was still the “no more tears” message back in the day

Not many baby ads are targeted at dads – this one is a goodie

Absolutely powerful

This ad makes me want to have a bath. And slather my skin in Baby Oil

This is one of the first ads I remember from when I was much younger, from one of my mom’s magazines

This is from 2006, but it looks much newer

A recent ad from this year

PS: Next month I’ll chat about the brand’s recent changes, and how Johnson’s Baby has changed, but still remained in essence very much the same. I’ll also be asking for your most nostalgic Johnson’s Baby experience or memory, plus we’ll be giving away some gorgeous products.