Top 10 Helmet Comments

When we first did research for Lydia's surgery, we discovered that she would need to wear a molding helmet for a year to 18 months. I have to say, I wasn't looking forward to this, but I've found it hasn't been so bad. I actually think she looks adorable in it and I've found that I am able to spread awareness about craniosynostosis.

It is amazing how often we are approached with questions about the helmet. It really is a great conversation starter! Over the last 9 months, we've collected quite an interesting set of comments and questions. Here are our favorites. I've added some of the comments I would like to say sometimes in parenthesis.

10.

What's with the helmet?

(Sky diving accident -- said with a straight face)

9.

Does she wear that because she falls a lot?

(Yes, I am the worst parent in the world. Or just the most overprotective)

8.

She looks like a football player. or She looks like an astronaut.

(The competition is really tough these days -- you got to get an edge somewhere. or What? It's not Halloween today?)

7.

Where can I get one of those?

(Just go to your local orthotist -- they're on sale for a bargain price of $3,700!)

6.

Is that a motorcycle helmet?

(Who needs car seats? Now all you need is a helmet and your baby can ride a motorcycle!)

5.

Does she have to wear that?

(No, we're trying to start a fashion statement)

4.

Is that the new child safety requirements for riding on airplanes?

(Can you believe the child safety laws these days?!)

3.

My kid had a flat head too.

(As my one friend likes to kindly mention, well, this was a little more than a flat head, she had brain surgery!)

2.

Does she sleep with it?

(This is one of my favorites as it always comes after I say that she wears it 23 hours a day, as though sleeping would not be included in the 23 hours a day.)

and finally...

#1.

Oh, she's so cute. She looks like... like... an alien.

(This was said by the flight attendant on Delta. Now, I think she meant to say astronaut, but alien came out instead. I think English wasn't her first language).

It's been interesting having a baby who wears a helmet, but 99% of the time we forget she even has it on. It's so much a part of her that once in a while I'm surprised that people ask about it. Although we've been on the receiving end of some interesting comments, I feel that the helmet is such a gift that enables my baby to have a beautiful looking head.

However, as I'm asked about the helmet for the 100th time this week, some of these times I'll give my favorite quick answer -- she dropped from heaven but the landing wasn't very soft!

~Kelli