Today, I find out that my 4-month-old son needs a helmet.

Because of tight neck muscles, he favors looking to one side. Over time, that preference has caused the back right side of his head to flatten. The flattening is now beginning to push his right ear slightly forward and affect the shape of his forehead as well.

At his evaluation, they explain that head symmetry is measured on a scale where 0 is perfectly proportional. The scale ranges from 1-10, with 10 being severe, and then continues into an additional severe category from 10-20. My son scores a 16.

Hearing that number is hard.

The reassuring news is that we are starting treatment at exactly the right time. His specialists tell us that because he's still so young, we have a great opportunity to correct it before it causes further changes to his facial features.

Still, I can't help but feel guilty.

As a second-time mom with a very active 2.5-year-old, life looks very different than it did when I had my first baby. There are countless moments when I need to put him down in a bouncer, on a play mat, or in a safe place so I can chase after a toddler, make lunch, clean up a mess, or simply survive the day. I know logically that this isn't my fault, but part of me wonders if I could have done more.

I know I need to give myself grace. I know helmet therapy is common. I know so many babies go through this and have amazing outcomes.

But today, I just feel sad.

For at least the next three months, he'll be wearing his helmet 22 hours a day. And as we head into summer, I can't stop thinking about him being hot and uncomfortable.

At the end of the day, I know this is temporary. A few months of discomfort now can make a lifetime of difference later. So we'll do what parents do—we'll adjust, we'll adapt, and we'll get through it.

But if you're a helmet mama, I'd love to hear from you. Any tips? Any advice? Any words of encouragement?

Because today, this feels a little heavy.