"Will listening devices scare people away? What if nobody wants to be friends with my baby?"

We totally understand where the concern is coming from.

But, we're happy to report that in our experience, it's just the opposite.

Our baby—in her bonnet and colorful hearing aids—does stand out. Even with muted device colors or a different retention method, there's just no real hiding it for a baby.

But, standing out is a wonderful thing!

Here're 5 things we've learned about introducing our baby to new people.

1 ~ A Deaf Baby is Adorable

Whether deaf or typically-hearing, a baby is adorable!

Nothing takes away from the cuteness of our little ones. In fact, the devices and retention methods add charm! 

We've grown so accustomed to our baby in her bonnet that we think she looks more like "her" wearing it, than not. And there's nothing cuter than the hearing aids blinking in the dark.

If she catches even more people's eye, all the better! She's so cute!

2 ~ A Deaf Baby is Remarkable

Strangers passing by often comment “I like her hat!” and compliment her vintage style.

They aren't aware she's deaf. They just see a baby in a cute, remarkable bonnet! (We also like to pop a bow on over the bonnets when we're going on excursions. It adds a little extra flair.) 

Occasionally, if the situation's right, we mention that it helps keep her hearing aids in. Then we have a nice conversation about how wonderful technology is these days, and how she's learning to speak.

We do live in New York City—which is a very open-minded and accepting place. But, we wouldn't be surprised if the reactions are similar elsewhere, or if small towns have their own beneficial dynamics.

3 ~ A Deaf Baby is Memorable

While the local playground is packed with kids, very few have hearing devices or bonnets on.  Even in a busy neighborhood like ours, people remember our baby.

While the local playground is packed with kids, very few have hearing devices or bonnets on.  Even in a busy neighborhood like ours, people remember our baby.

We've noticed that if someone meets us once, they tend to remember us!

4 ~ Children are Accepting

Kids can be curious, but once they understand that listening devices help the baby to hear, they accept it and move on. Some even say it makes her extra cute!

Kids can be curious, but once they understand that listening devices help the baby to hear, they accept it and move on. Some even say it makes her extra cute!

She's still a baby, so things might change as she gets older and has more peer-to-peer interactions. But, we hear encouraging things from parents of older deaf children.

5 ~ People Root for Us

The overwhelming majority of our interactions have been positive.

While people might not always know what to say, or understand deafness, they pick up on our enthusiasm and quickly realize that things are okay.

People love to see her responding to sound. They're excited to get to know her.  They genuinely want updates when we run into them again.

Far from isolating us, our baby's listening devices have widened our circle.

Far from isolating us, our baby's listening devices have widened our circle.

Plus, we have a common bond with other families in the deaf community.

We feel more connected to our community now than we probably would with a typically-hearing baby. And, we have her to thank for that.