Parenting is a journey filled with surprising revelations, and one dad’s recent TikTok video has highlighted a particularly amusing fact: babies are born without kneecaps. This revelation, shared by Dylan Reese on his TikTok account @shelbanddyl, has captivated viewers and sparked a wave of curiosity and laughter across the internet.
A Surprising Discovery
In his viral video, Dylan captures a candid moment of astonishment as he learns that newborns don’t have the kneecaps we’re familiar with. The video shows Dylan holding his baby and reacting with genuine surprise, asking, “Wait, do you mean to tell me… this baby doesn’t have kneecaps?” His bewildered expression, paired with his baby’s cuteness, creates a combination that’s both endearing and hilarious.
Dylan’s partner, Shelby, joins in to explain that while babies are indeed born without fully developed kneecaps, they do have a form of a knee cap made of cartilage. Dylan’s continued incredulous reactions are both entertaining and educational as he exclaims, “What kind of design flaw is this?! So you’re telling me this little nugget is kneecap-less until they’re like 2-6 years old? That’s wild!”
Understanding Baby Kneecaps
While babies aren’t born with bony kneecaps, they do have a cartilage patella, which gradually turns into bone over time. According to Dr. Eric W. Edmonds, a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, this process begins around 6 months of age and completes between ages 2 and 6. This gradual ossification allows for the development of the kneecap we recognize in adults.
The video has struck a chord with viewers, amassing over 11 million views, 1.5 million likes, and countless comments. Many people have expressed their surprise and newfound knowledge, with one commenter saying, “I literally had to Google it because I thought you were joking,” and another noting, “I’m 30 years old and just learned this today thanks to you!”
The Joy of Learning New Parenting Facts
Parenting is full of unknowns, but moments like these remind us that there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re a parent or not, Dylan’s video offers a delightful glimpse into the unexpected joys of learning about babies and their development.
So next time you think you know it all about baby growth, remember that there’s always a fun fact around the corner!
