Emily VandeRydt’s world turned upside down when her daughter, Willa, was born 10 weeks early on September 7 due to complications from preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to premature births.
Like many mothers of premature babies, VandeRydt faced the overwhelming challenges of life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Ohio State’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Amid the stress and uncertainty of having a baby in the NICU, this dedicated Swiftie mom received a heartwarming surprise from the NICU nurses: a Taylor Swift-inspired Halloween costume for her premature daughter, bringing a much-needed moment of joy.
A “Fearless” mantra leads to the sweetest surprise
Throughout Willa’s NICU stay at Ohio State’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital, VandeRydt found strength in a single word: “fearless.” A dedicated Swiftie, she drew inspiration from Taylor Swift’s music, particularly the Fearless album, wearing a bracelet from the Fearless Little Words Project as a personal mantra. Willa’s primary nurse, Nickie, noticed the bracelet and quickly recognized how important Swift’s music was to VandeRydt.
Wanting to do something special for the new mom, Nickie shared VandeRydt’s story with another NICU nurse, Sam, who created a DIY Halloween costume for Willa inspired by Taylor Swift’s iconic Lover bodysuit. But that wasn’t all—the nurses also created a name sign for Willa’s room designed like a friendship bracelet and gifted the family a Taylor Swift Little Golden Book, adding thoughtful touches to an otherwise challenging time.
A viral moment: Taylor Swift-inspired premature baby Halloween costume
Moved by the nurses’ creativity, VandeRydt shared a TikTok video of Willa wearing her tiny Taylor Swift-inspired costume. The video quickly went viral, racking up over 400,000 views and touching the hearts of Swiftie moms and NICU families across the globe.
NICU journeys can often feel isolating, and the challenges faced by families with premature babies are both emotional and physical. Willa’s Taylor Swift costume became more than just a fun Halloween outfit—it became a symbol of hope, joy, and the ability to find light in even the toughest of circumstances.
Finding community through the NICU journey
For VandeRydt, sharing Willa’s story wasn’t just about the adorable costume—it was about finding a sense of community in a time of isolation.
“Starting the NICU journey without many friends or family members who have gone through having a premature baby made me seek out community. I wanted to share a bright spot during our NICU stay. I’ve been watching a lot of NICU mom videos, so I thought this would be a fun moment to share, not only with friends and family but also for other NICU mamas who are Swifties,” she told People.
The outpouring of support from fellow NICU families and Swiftie moms helped VandeRydt feel less alone, creating a bond that extended beyond the walls of the hospital.
Bringing baby Willa home after six weeks in the NICU
On October 19, after six weeks of dedicated care in the NICU, VandeRydt and her husband Grant celebrated an incredible milestone: bringing baby Willa home. The experience of having a baby in the NICU left a lasting impression on VandeRydt, particularly in her gratitude for the nurses who cared for her daughter.
Reflecting on the experience, VandeRydt expressed immense gratitude for the nurses who cared for her daughter. “I truly believe NICU nurses are angels for what they do, taking care of the tiniest babies with so much strength and compassion,” she told People.
