Children with Down's Syndrome

Down syndrome is called chromosomal disorder, consisting in the appearance of an extra chromosome( 21 in all) in every cell of the child's body. At present, it is not clear what exactly leads to the appearance of an extra chromosome in the sperm or egg. A child with Down syndrome can be born in any family, parents of any age, any religion, any nationality and social stratum. With this syndrome, approximately one baby is born for 800, therefore, this pathology is the most common abnormality of the fetus on the planet.

The first year of life

In the first year, children with Down's syndrome are very little different from their healthy peers. They are slightly less moving, which is associated with a lowered muscle tone. Because of hypotonia, it is more difficult for a child to learn how to hold the head on its own, sit down and sit, roll over, crawl, and then walk. But in the end all this children learn, can only a little behind the generally accepted "schedule."

It is for children with Down syndrome, as for any other, sucking reflex is important. It is very desirable to feed them as long as possible. Since they are characterized by a lowered tone( hypotonic), sucking is also a good exercise. It helps to strengthen the muscles of the mouth, tongue and face. Most mothers of babies with Down syndrome do not face special problems of breastfeeding, but sometimes there are difficulties. Feeding a child with Down's syndrome may require the mother to have more patience and perseverance. Such babies are often difficult to suck and at the same time coordinate breathing and swallowing. Also because of hypotonia, these babies can quickly get tired and fall asleep at the very beginning of feeding.

Children with Down syndrome should be fed more often, not adhering to certain hours and schedule. Sometimes a child has to be specially awakened for feeding( especially at night), since he, even if he is hungry, can not wake up to eat himself. Weakened children who do not know how to suck or do not eat enough milk are fed through a probe. Infants with serious heart defects( not uncommon among such children) can not suckle their breasts, since this requires a lot of stress. Mom can use a breast pump, and express the milk to give the baby through the probe. After some time, the baby will get strong enough and can suck mother's breast independently.

Child development

For children with Down's syndrome, tactile contact is extremely important, and at any age. From infancy, you need to take them as often as possible, smile, talk to them, try to attract their eyes, make funny faces, put out your tongue. .. Change the height of the voice, call the child by name, touching different parts of his body, call them( "That's what little fingers", "And now, kiss your nose"). .. Try to repeat the sounds that emit a crumb, and answer him with the same "word".Over time, he will start to answer you.

It is best to purchase a sling or a "kangaroo" and carry the baby around with him at home. Children with Down's syndrome do not tolerate loneliness, they constantly require contact and attention. They are very socially dependent, but they communicate more readily and with undisguised joy. Such babies also require increased stimulation of all sensory organs. You can stimulate tactile sensations by touching the palms of the child with different materials( wood, silk, wool, metal, fur) and inserting objects of different shapes into the handles. Beat the child, massaging his hands and feet.

Vision and hearing

Visual perception in children with Down's syndrome is stimulated by contrasting( multi-colored and black-and-white) subjects, colorful lanterns placed over the crib, and mirrors. Recent studies have shown that the most active such children react to striped objects. So the plush zebra, most likely, will become such a kid's favorite toy.

Down's syndrome often suffers hearing. The development of hearing perception in the baby will be assisted by rattles and toys, sounding at different heights, loudness and intensity. Be sure to ensure that the baby has followed the eyes of the sounding toy. Move the source of the sound, encourage the baby to make sounds. Children with Down's syndrome often have a delay in speech development. The most common cause is hearing problems. Do not forget to regularly check the acuity of the child's hearing.