So imagine being told your nine-month-old son could have a better future...but it's going to cost more money than you can muster.
That's the dilemma facing Winchburgh
parents John Crook and Mandy Newlands. Their nine and a half month old son Ryan was recently diagnosed with plagiocephaly.
The condition, which is becoming increasingly common, is a flattening of the head — in Ryan's case, on his right side.
If left untreated, it could result in Ryan's face and ears being out of alignment and,
ultimately, him being bullied at school.
A simple helmet can help rectify the
condition but it's not commonly prescribed on the NHS in Britain.
However, parents in the same position, put John and Mandy in touch with HeadSTART.
It has clinics in London and Leeds and, on March 20, John, Mandy and Ryan travelled down to London for a free consultation.
Ryan's plagiocephaly was deemed "severe" so his parents decided to forge ahead with treatment and, on April 3, he will be fitted with the helmet.
However, as John works part-time with a haulage firm and Mandy is a full-time mum, the £1700 bill for the helmet and follow-up appointments is more than they can afford.
So in a desperate bid to find the money, the couple have written to children's charities and local businesses appealing for help. They also decided this week to appeal for readers help.
Mandy, of Tippetknowes Road, said: "Every parent wants the best for their kids which is why we decided to go for it.
''We can't get the helmet on the NHS so we're trying to raise the money any way we can but, so far, we've had no responses.
"There's a petition going to Parliament on May 12 from parents whose children have been diagnosed with plagiocephaly.
"Hopefully, that will result in the NHS rules changing. But it won't help Ryan — we need help now."
Mandy and John have also tried to source money from other avenues.
John explained: "We tried to get credit but were refused.We're doing our best but we can't just drum up £1700. This means the world to us. If anyone can help we'd love to hear from them."
The treatment must be paid two weeks after Ryan's helmet fitting on April 3. If you can help please contact John or Mandy on 07821 887510.