
Watch this video about the importance of building relationships with health professionals for people with Down syndrome and their families. However, they may need more support to help achieve the kind of life that most people take for granted. Many people with Down syndrome are happy, healthy and lead independent lives. Regular checks may be required for health problems including teeth development. They have a higher risk than other people of: They may need speech and language therapy to help them to speak clearly.Ī healthy diet and physical activity are important for everyone including people with Down syndrome. They may also have gut or heart defects, hypothyroidism, or problems with their bones.Įveryone with Down syndrome has some degree of learning difficulty. People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of problems seeing or hearing. They may also have lower immunity which means you may get sick more often especially in early childhood. People with Down syndrome may have a higher chance of some health problems than other people. Health problems for people with Down syndrome If you’re pregnant and concerned about having a child with Down syndrome, visit Pregnancy, Birth and Baby for more information on Down syndrome screening and diagnosis. Having this extra chromosome happens by chance - not because of anything parents have done. People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21 in their body cells. The body cells of most people have 46 chromosomes. What causes Down syndrome?ĭoctors know how Down syndrome occurs but not why. But some health problems are common to many people with Down syndrome. It may be helpful to enlist the help of grandparents, aunts or uncles, or another person who spends lots of time with your baby.Like everyone, people with Down syndrome vary in appearance, ability and personality. Ideally, both parents should be committed to giving the pick up, put down method a fair chance. This method works best if you can do it with help. You’ll be able to tell if they’re getting worked up or becoming frightened or angry. People with Down syndrome have an extra number 21 chromosome in each cell, compared to other people. Usually, we get 23 chromosomes from our mother and 23 from our father. If they’re simply fussy, give them some time and space to settle down. Down syndrome is something that happens in babies before they are born, and they will always have Down syndrome all their life. You’ll need energy and patience to stick with this approach. It can be time-consuming, and it may take over two hours in the beginning to get your baby down to sleep. But try to catch up on your rest before starting the pick up, put down method. Parents of babies rarely get enough sleep. This will help your baby learn that the bedtime routine means it’s almost time for sleep. Your baby’s bedtime routine could involve nursing or a bottle, then snuggle time with singing or a bedtime story.Ĭhoose a relaxing routine, and stay consistent. If you haven’t developed a soothing bedtime routine for your baby yet, start with that.

It can be a frustrating cycle for parents, and it’s very important that you are calm and quiet when you pick up your baby to comfort them.įollow these steps for success with the pick up, put down method. This process continues until your baby eventually goes to sleep, and that may take a long time, which means that this sleep training method requires lots of patience. This is the “put down” part of this sleep training method. Once your baby has settled down, but is still awake, lay them down again. This is the “pick up” part of the pick up, put down method. Hold your baby and cuddle them to calm them down.

If your baby isn’t settling down on their own, pick them up. Instead, stop for a few seconds and listen to your baby to determine if they’re simply fussing, or if they’re really worked up enough that they need you to comfort them. If your baby begins crying, follow the stop, wait, and listen approach. Others who recommend this method say it’s OK to leave the room when your baby is calm.

The method promoted by Tracy Hogg includes remaining in the room with your baby as long as they’re awake. The disorder was first identified in 1866 by John Langdon Down, a British physician, and later. Trisomy 21 is the most common of the three, occurring in 1 out of every 691 births. Other examples of trisomies occur at position 13 and 18. If your baby doesn’t fuss or cry, leave the room. Babies with Down syndrome however, end up with three chromosomes at position 21, instead of the usual pair. Ideally, they should be drowsy and relaxed from their soothing bedtime routine, but still awake. After you’ve completed the different stages of your baby’s routine and it’s time to put them to sleep, lay them down in their crib or bassinet. The process begins with your baby’s bedtime routine, whatever that may be. There are a few steps to the pick up, put down method.
