Feeding Breast-feeding a baby with Down syndrome is usually successful and improves the infant's ability to fight infection. Children with Down syndrome tend to have a small mouth and smooth, flat tongue. This may cause spilling of liquids out of the side of the mouth. This problem usually goes away during infancy as tongue control improves. Make sure your baby is fully awake before feeding.
Place pillows underneath the baby during the feeding.
Using a hand to support your child's chin and throat can sometimes help during feeding. Talk to your doctor if you have additional questions. Because many children with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, your child should be checked by a pediatric cardiologist soon after birth. A test called an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart, is recommended. Thyroid screening Babies in nearly all states are tested in the hospital shortly after birth for low thyroid hormone levels.