Caring For An Infant With Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders that occur in live births. The care of an infant with Down syndrome can be difficult due to the various health issues that arise from the birth defects the syndrome causes. These health defects can be both short and long term and will affect not only the infant but the family as well.

There are obvious physical signs of Down syndrome that are present at birth. These include folds at the inner corners of the eyes, a flat nose bridge, ears that are small or appear to be lower on the head than normal, curved little or "pinky" fingers on the hands and a gap between the big toes and the second toes on the feet. These physical characteristics do not cause any health risks to the infant with Down syndrome.

The medical problems that arise in infant with Down syndrome can be both short and long term in nature and many are life threatening. Without proper treatment many infants with Down syndrome can die. It is important to note however, that the majority of infants, who are born with Down syndrome and require proper care, will live long and productive lives. The medical problem that the infant is first checked for is congenital heart defects. This is the most common serious defect in infants with Down syndrome and can be fatal if not properly cared for. Many infants with Down syndrome are also born with gastrointestinal problems that include problems in both feeding and digestion. These also have the potential to be life threatening if not properly cared for. Down syndrome infants are also born with ear, nose, and throat problems that can include chronic ear infections, allergies, and even hearing loss and they can also suffer from orthopedic problems that include back, hip and foot deformities and instabilities. Other less common physical defects that can occur in infants with Down syndrome include eye problems such as cataracts, dental problems, a propensity towards seizures, and a higher risk of developing leukemia.

Feeding can be tricky in the infant with Down syndrome. These infants can breast feed even with oral motor defects and sucking problems that they can be born with. Breast-feeding can help correct the week oral muscles and tongue muscles as well as the other oral motor defects. However, many Down syndrome infants are not able to successfully breast feed. In the early weeks of life, infants with Down syndrome tend to sleep more than the average newborn baby and for this reason they cannot be fed on demand. The infants need to be awakened every two or three hours in order to feed. As the infant grows, the parent can add new foods along the same schedule as non-syndrome infants but should keep in mind that the delay in the eruption of teeth can dictate the procrastination of adding solid foods. It is also important to note that it takes a lot of time and patience when teaching a child with Down syndrome to eat with a spoon and drink from a cup.

It is important for parents of infants with Down syndrome to keep in close contact with their pediatricians and make certain that their infants receive all of their suggested immunizations, treatments, and therapies. Parents can also benefit from support groups that are designed for parents and families of infants and children with Down syndrome.

Recommended Reading

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2. Causes Risk Factors Treatments And Prevention Of Down Syndrome - The cause of Down syndrome is one of three types of abnormal cell division concerning the 21st chromosome. These abnormalities...
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