(WTVR) – You’ve probably seen the late night infomercials: babies, some even too young to walk, seemingly reading words from flashcards. But after six years in business Your Baby Can Read–the company behind the ads–is going out of business, citing mounting bills from legal battles with advocacy groups and unsatisfied customers.
In a post published on yourbabycanread.com today, the company states they are shutting down, writing:
“Regretfully, the cost of fighting recent legal issues has left us with no option but to cease business operations. While we vehemently deny any wrongdoing, and strongly believe in our products, the fight has drained our resources to the point where we can no longer continue operating”
You can read the full text of the post below the article.
The Your Baby Can Read program retailed for $200, offering a series of DVDs that claimed they could teach infants to read a series of flashcards. However, over the years criticism began to mount, as customers and advocacy groups began to complain the product didn’t actually improve a child’s ability to read, and that the seemingly amazing feats displayed in the ads were actually the result of memorization.
According to CBS News, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Your Baby Can Read! for "false and deceptive marketing" in April 2011. The CCFC claimed babies can't be taught to read " just memorize." The company denied the allegations.
In a statement posted on the CCFC website today, the company declares victory, stating:
"Great news! Your Baby Can, the producers of the video series Your Baby Can Read!, will no longer be deceiving families. The company, which falsely claimed its product taught babies to read, has shut down."
The post also claims that the FTC is still continuing to investigate the company for false advertising.
People who have made a purchase, but have yet to receive their product are directed to e-mail ybcservice@yourbabycan.com. The company also states that people interested may still be able to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
