Babes in Arms – blogging about select baby carriers and slings from around the world

Down Syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic abnormality found in humans. It does not discriminate between race or gender and is found in all societies on Earth. There is no known cause, although it does not have anything to do with what the mother or father did or didn’t do before or during the pregnancy. Although there is an increased risk amongst mothers 35 years and above, these days most babies with Down Syndrome are born to mothers under this age.

Down Syndrome occurs when a partial or full copy of chromosome 21 occurs during the formation of an embryo.  The extent to which Down Syndrome will affect a child varies  health wise and intellectually.  Typically, children with Down Syndrome will reach the milestones of their peers, but at a slower pace.

 Medical research has determined that up to 15% of children with Down Syndrome experience a misalignment of the cervical vertebrae C-1 and in the neck.  They often experience hypotonia (low muscle tone) as well. Activities that hyperextend or radically flex the neck or upper spine, or place their legs in excessive abduction (legs spread too far apart) may increase the risk of injury.

If you are intending to use a baby sling or carrier for your baby with Down Syndrome, it is  essential that you use a product that supports your baby’s neck well and offers a physiologically appropriate position for baby’s developing legs. The ERGObaby carrier with the new ‘Heart 2 Heart’ infant insert can provide this type of necessary support. I welcome you to read our post “Using Your Heart to Heart Infant Insert” prior to use to increase your knowledge of appropriate leg spread and placement.

The new ‘Heart 2 Heat’ recently also received a rave review by U.S pre-natal Chiropractor, Lalanya Bridges. Read here for more details – http://blog.babesinarms.com.au/category/ergobaby-carriers/professional-endorsements/

In his ‘Baby Book’, Dr.Sears recommends wearing bubs with special needs particularly for attachment and to enhance breastfeeding success. Coupled with recommendations from an Occupational Therapist or paediatrician, discussions with other mums who have actually experienced your situation will help you develop a babywearing style that suits you and your baby.  It was interesting to note that one of the Sears kids has Down Syndrome.

Recently we received the following testimonial from Holly, a mum to 3 boys, the third of which has Down Syndrome.

“I have three boys and have been wearing my babies for over 11 yrs. Keeping my babies close to me for easy access to nurse and comfort was very important to me as a parent. I must say, I never felt like I had children who cried all the time or where just unhappy. I totally met their needs by wearing them. My 3rd son Sam was born with Down syndrome. I treat Sam no different than my other children with the exception I had to make a few modifications with my babywearing because of his low muscle tone. One of my favorite ways to carry Sam is on my back in my Ergo. I reviewed all of my carriers with Sam’s Physical Therapist and the Ergo Baby Carrier gives Sam the most support through his bodice, allows hip flex and he can move his arms freely to use his “Sign Language” while on my back. It’s funny, I can feel him signing sometimes on my neck. Sam is now 3 1/2 yrs old and weighs 29lbs and is 33″ long. Although Sam can walk, he tires very easily, so an Ergo is always in my reach. This soft structure carrier is a win win for me, Sam and his therapy team. I can’t imagine any other way of parenting.”   Holly Pennell-Salegna, CLC,HBCE

You can visit Holly’s blog called ‘My Monkey Doodles’ here

Every family’s experience of Down Syndrome is unique. Each parent should therefore consult a health professional before choosing the most appropriate sling or carrier to carry a child with Down Syndrome. Occupational Therapists seem most qualified to make a recommendation, but a paediatrician may be able to as well.  Your local Down Syndrome Association will be able to provide further support and link you with other parents who have a child with Down Syndrome.