what to feed a one year old with down syndrome

Be sure to include these important basics in your child’s diet: lean meats or meat substitutes such as tofu or peanut butter, fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, whole grain breads, cereals and pastas and milk or milk products such as yogurt and cheese.

Full Answer

How can I Help my Child with Down syndrome choose a diet?

Children with Down syndrome, like all children, will choose the appropriate amounts and types of food throughout the day if they are given good selections. To offset any lack in vitamins and minerals, most health experts suggest a daily multivitamin. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation, advises Conway.

How can I introduce solids to my Baby with Down syndrome?

Introducing Solids. But because babies with Down syndrome have thicker tongues with low muscle tone, it may take them longer to learn how to coordinate the tongue and jaw movements necessary to consume solid foods. This means feeding times may go on for a while. If your baby starts to tire in the middle of a feeding,...

What can I give my 1 year old to eat?

Bananas, peaches, and other soft fruits Around this time your 1-year-old starts to develop their pincer grasp, which involves pinching and maneuvering food with their fingertips, as they endeavor to self-feed. This is a great time to introduce finger-friendly foods.

How do you treat reflux in babies with Down syndrome?

If your baby starts to tire in the middle of a feeding, you may need to shorten the sessions and feed her more frequently (six to eight times a day) until more food is taken in than spit out. Managing Reflux. Between 1 to 5 percent of people with Down syndrome also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).

What do Down syndrome kids eat?

Include a range of fibre-rich foods in the diet such as fruit, vegetables, pulses, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread. Encourage regular activity where possible to stimulate the bowel and strengthen the stomach muscles. Constipation often improves when younger children start walking.

How do you feed a child with Down syndrome?

Topic OverviewSet aside time for the family to sit down together for meals. ... Use a step-by-step approach for eating solid foods and using utensils. ... Teach drinking from a cup (without a lid) by using thick liquids. ... Encourage your child and be enthusiastic about his or her progress in learning to eat.

When do Down syndrome babies eat solids?

Toddlers. Your pediatrician may tell you to avoid certain foods, which may cause choking, until your child is one or two years of age. Because there may be a delay in mastering certain oral-motor skills, children with Down syndrome often need to be cautious with these foods until age five or beyond.

Do Down syndrome babies have a hard time eating?

Children with Down Syndrome can encounter problems with feeding or swallowing due to physical, medical, or behavioral issues associated with their condition. Low muscle tone , sensory problems, food refusal, low endurance, or issues with oral motor skill development can all lead to problems that make eating difficult.

What foods prevent Down syndrome?

Preventing Birth DefectsTake a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. ... Foods with folic acid include : okra, pinto beans, navy beans, mustard green s, kale, spinach, chicken liver, beef liver, orange juice, asparagus, broccoli, avocado, green peas, cauliflower, tomato juice, peanuts, and cantaloupe.More items...

What gender is most affected by Down syndrome?

Overall, the two sexes are affected roughly equally. The male-to-female ratio is slightly higher (approximately 1.15:1) in newborns with Down syndrome, but this effect is restricted to neonates with free trisomy 21.

How do Down syndrome babies act?

At birth, babies with Down syndrome are often smaller than other newborns, and they tend to grow at a slower rate and remain shorter than their peers. Toddlers and older kids may have delays in speech and self-care skills like feeding, dressing, and using the toilet.

Do Down syndrome babies gain weight slower?

Babies with Down's syndrome can sometimes gain weight slower than other babies. There are specific weight charts available for children with Down's syndrome so that this can be monitored carefully, especially if your baby also has other medical issues that mean they might gain weight slower than usual.

Do Down syndrome babies sleep more?

Babies with Down syndrome may find it harder to develop sleep patterns, get to sleep and stay asleep because their physical features (narrow upper airways, larger tongues and low muscle tone) can make them wake more frequently and make deeper sleep harder to come by.

Why does Down syndrome cause weight gain?

There is some data that show that individuals with Down syndrome have increased leptin levels which correlates with higher rates of obesity. This is consistent with reports of family members and caregivers who have shared that their loved ones with Down syndrome never seem to get full.

What is life expectancy for Down syndrome?

Jul 21, 2021. Over 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. As recently as 1983, a person with Down syndrome lived to be only 25 years old on average. Today, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome is nearly 60 years and continuing to climb.

Does Down syndrome affect nutrition?

People with Down syndrome of all ages may have difficulty feeding, eating, drinking, or swallowing.

Do Down syndrome babies need special care?

Every baby born with Down syndrome is different. As your new baby grows, you'll need to pay special attention to his or her physical and intellectual development. Your baby also may have some health problems that require extra care. Not all babies born with Down syndrome have health problems.

What is the life expectancy of a person with Downs syndrome?

Jul 21, 2021. Over 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. As recently as 1983, a person with Down syndrome lived to be only 25 years old on average. Today, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome is nearly 60 years and continuing to climb.

Why do Down syndrome gain weight?

People with Down syndrome are also more likely to be obese than other members of the population. This is because they burn fewer calories than individuals without the condition. They are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism, which causes weight gain.

Why do children with Down syndrome gain weight?

Children with Down syndrome are shorter in stature than their peers without Down syndrome, and because of this they need less food intake. Consumption of even a small amount of excess calories can result in weight gain.

Helpful tips

Let your son/daughter explore new foods and textures. Let him/her touch, smell and taste a new food before trying it.

Who can I call with questions or concerns?

Your son/daughter’s doctor. He/she can answer questions about feeding behaviors or help if you notice symptoms like coughing often while drinking.

Appointments and Referrals

Request an appointment or second opinion, refer a patient, find a doctor or view test results with MGHfC's secure online services.

How to feed a baby with Down syndrome?

When your baby is ready to try solid foods such as rice cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables, an adaptive feeding chair can help to support her head, neck, and body upright while you feed her. All babies are messy eaters when they first try solid foods; it's normal for them to spit out the food as they get familiar with the texture and taste and figure out the chewing and swallowing process. But because babies with Down syndrome have thicker tongues with low muscle tone, it may take them longer to learn how to coordinate the tongue and jaw movements necessary to consume solid foods. This means feeding times may go on for a while. If your baby starts to tire in the middle of a feeding, you may need to shorten the sessions and feed her more frequently (six to eight times a day) until more food is taken in than spit out.

What is the best treatment for Down syndrome?

A speech-language or occupational therapist can provide feeding therapy to help strengthen your baby's oral muscles and eating abilities. These services are provided free to babies with Down syndrome through the federally mandated Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

What percentage of Down syndrome suffers from GERD?

Between 1 to 5 percent of people with Down syndrome also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Reflux occurs when stomach contents travel backward into the esophagus. If your baby has reflux, he may arch his back and cry during feedings, and vomit forcefully. Your pediatrician may suggest slowing the flow of formula or breast milk from a bottle by adding a thickening agent like rice cereal. Try to burp your baby frequently during feedings and keep him upright for 30 minutes after he eats. In some instances, reflux medications may be prescribed.

Why does Down syndrome take so long to learn?

But because babies with Down syndrome have thicker tongues with low muscle tone, it may take them longer to learn how to coordinate the tongue and jaw movements necessary to consume solid foods. This means feeding times may go on for a while. If your baby starts to tire in the middle of a feeding, you may need to shorten ...

What percentage of people with Down syndrome have celiac disease?

Checking for Celiac Disease. Up to 16 percent of people with Down syndrome also have celiac disease, a condition that prevents the body from properly absorbing nutrients from barley, rye, and wheat products. Undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth.

When should a child be tested for celiac disease?

You can't always tell when a child has celiac disease, so the National Down Syndrome Society recommends that all children with Down syndrome get tested for it between the ages of 2 and 3. You should always talk to your pediatrician any time you are concerned about your baby's nutritional needs and growth.

Do babies with Down syndrome need lactation?

"But moms of babies with Down syndrome may need to work more closely with lactation consultants," ...

What is the best food for an underactive thyroid?

For an under-active thyroid, an excellent choice is iodine rich seaweed. Seaweed snack packs are great for lunch boxes and kids love the salty taste. It can be used in salads, sprinkled on other food or used as a wrapper for healthy snacks. Foods rich in vitamin C may help keep periodontal disease at bay.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is categorized as a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. According to the CDC the extra copy of chromosome, number 21, changes the brains normal development, ...

What foods can I eat to help with GERD?

Citrus fruits (for those not suffering from GERD), strawberries, green peppers and brocco li are great choices and make easy finger foods. Anti-microbial foods such as garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, tarragon and cinnamon are great to use on a regular basis to help kill bacteria that lead to tartar and plaque buildup.

Why do people with Down syndrome have health problems?

This is thought to happen as a result of body structures not developing normally. Children with Down syndrome are likely to be overweight and have a higher risk of obesity.

What is the best way to treat thyroid issues?

For an under-active thyroid, an excellent choice is iodine rich seaweed.

Is Down syndrome a high risk for children?

In today’s three part series on diets for special needs, we will be taking a look at Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk than the general population for certain health concerns.

Is Down syndrome a risk factor for obesity?

Children with Down syndrome are likely to be over weight and have a higher risk of obesity. They burn calories at a slower rate and are frequently diagnosed with an under-active thyroid which can contribute to weight gain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common among children with Down syndrome. Symptoms include heartburn, sore throat, ...

When do kids with Down syndrome get their pincher grasp?

The average age of a child with Down syndrome having a pincher grasp is 20 months.

How many exposures to food before a child will eat?

It can take something like 7 exposures to a food before a child will accept it as something they will eat. I find parents often just give the child what they know they will eat rather than branching out and trying new things. . It’s very easy to get into a routine.

Should children with Down syndrome be able to sit on their own?

It is best to try self-feeding when a child is able to support themselves while sitting. Since this is sometimes delayed in children with Down syndrome I don’t think they need to be sitting on their own so much as being able to sit well when supported in a feeding chair or high chair.

How to teach children with Down syndrome to eat?

Be sure to include these important basics in your child’s diet: lean meats or meat substitutes such as tofu or peanut butter, fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, whole grain breads, cereals and pastas and milk or milk products such as yogurt and cheese. Children with Down syndrome, like all children, will choose the appropriate amounts and types of food throughout the day if they are given good selections. To offset any lack in vitamins and minerals, most health experts suggest a daily multivitamin.

How to help older children with Down syndrome?

Exercise continues to be an important part of healthy weight maintenance for older children with Down syndrome. They can now become more involved in team sports or join a gym. In addition, they can help with chores that involve physical activity, such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves or working in the garden.

Why do Down syndrome babies have difficulty swallowing?

Ironically, many children with Down syndrome have difficulty putting on weight as infants. Problems with sucking and swallowing related to hypotonia or weakness due to heart problems often reduce food intake. Later, tongue thrust problems and delay in tooth eruption may slow the progression of diet from milk to solid foods.

What do children learn from their own meals?

Children who help with their own meals and snacks not only learn about healthy foods but also have an opportunity to practice fine motor skills, color recognition and counting. Even very young children can help stir the muffin batter or pick up vegetables to top a salad.

How can a child with Down syndrome maintain a healthy weight?

Rather than limiting food intake, which may cause a nutritional deficiency in children under age 18, children with Down syndrome can maintain a healthy weight by increasing their physical activity , says Medlen.

What to do when you love potato chips?

Even if you love potato chips and soda, keep these things out of the house. Limit high calorie, less nutritious foods such as cakes, pies and candy to special occasions. If you want to serve dessert, serve something nutritious, yet appealing to children. “Make pretty fruit cups,” suggests Conway.

Why do people with Down syndrome get overweight?

While the exact reason for this is unknown, there are a variety of contributing factors, including: Lower basal metabolic rate. Studies have shown that people with Down syndrome burn fewer calories while resting ...

What to feed a toddler that is not eating?

Slice bananas, clementines, strawberries, peaches, or mango, and slowly introduce them to your child. Avoid large pieces of fruit, as they may pose a choking hazard. Cut grapes into halves or quarters and never feed these to your child whole. If your child doesn’t immediately take to the new fruit, don’t stress.

What should a 1 year old eat?

Here are 12 healthy and practical foods for 1-year-olds. 1. Bananas, peaches, and other soft fruits. Around this time your 1-year-old starts to develop their pincer grasp, which involves pinching and maneuvering food with their fingertips, as they endeavor to self-feed.

What is the best food for a 1-year-old?

Milk and yogurt are great sources of protein and bone-building calcium, which also benefits their developing teeth. One glass (244 ml) of whole milk offers 39% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium that your 1-year-old needs each day, as well as 8 grams of protein ( 5. ).

What to do with a baby's avocado?

Summary. Avocados pack healthy fats and fiber while providing an ideal transitional texture for your toddler.

What to eat to help kids with iron?

This is especially important for your child’s health and helps keep their blood cells healthy. Eat beans with vitamin-C-rich foods to help boost iron absorption. 12. Hummus. Hummus blends chickpeas and sesame butter, which pair to provide a bounty of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals ( 33.

How to make oats for kids?

If you’re strapped for time, consider making overnight oats by simply soaking them in the fridge overnight. Mixing your oats with milk instead of water will also pack a bit more nutrients into your child’s bowl. Serve these topped with diced strawberries, bananas, or your child’s favorite raw fruit. Summary.

How long does it take for a baby to eat cut up fruit?

Be sure they eat any cut-up fruit that’s been out of the fridge within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if you’re in hot temperatures. 2. Yogurt and milk. As your child may be slowly weaning off breast milk or formula, it’s a good time to introduce cow’s milk.