Down syndrome can vary greatly from child to child depending on their physical and intellectual capabilities and limitations. Some children do not experience any disabilities, while others require consistent medical attention. Though this condition is not curable or preventable, there are home health care services and resources that can help you and your family better care for your child.

Questions About Babies With Down Syndrome Answered

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can be identified during pregnancy with specialized testing, or at birth. The condition causes some moderate physical and mental disabilities by duplicating the 21st chromosome, resulting in 47 rather than 46. Though the children are born different, they still exhibit the same moods and emotions as other children, including irritability and curiosity.  

What causes it?

While research is still unclear as to the nature of the disorder, it’s known that women over the age of 35 have a significantly higher chance of birthing a child with the condition. At that age, the risk increases to about 1 in 400 (from 1 in 1,000 for women under 35). By age 40, the risk increases to 1 in 100.

What type of care will my baby require?

Not all babies have the same health problems, but those with Down syndrome can experience feeding issues, heart defects, hearing issues, and vision problems. This may require frequent visits to their doctor.

Your child will likely hit developmental milestones later than other babies their age, including sitting up, crawling, and walking. Extra attention and encouragement are helpful for these children to reach their goals. 

Should I hire someone to help me care for my baby?

Just like any other infant, they will need to be cared for. Pay attention to their physical and intellectual development to determine if they will need extra assistance. Children with Down syndrome may start crawling at around 18 months, while children who don’t have the condition start crawling around 8 months.

Children with Down syndrome may start talking at 16 months, about 6 months later than children without the condition. A home health care professional can alleviate stress from the parents by helping them eat, play, and perform medically related duties, such as administering medication.

If you’re considering home health care for your baby with special needs, contact the compassionate team at Deer Valley Home Health Services. Their locations in Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, offer valuable services that are tailored to fit the needs of your child. Learn more about their offerings by visiting the company’s website. Call (314) 355-3679 for their Berkeley location, dial (636) 493-6488 for their St. Charles location, and reach the St. Louis location at (314) 773-4433.