What potential problem should be discussed with the parents of a newborn who has Down syndrome?

What potential problem should be discussed with the parents of a newborn who has Down syndrome?

• A. Possible difficulty with feedings
• B. An increase in infections due to a decreased immune system
• C. Inability to respond to affection
• D. A gradual deterioration in developmental milestones

Answer: (A)

Newborns with Down syndrome often have low muscle tone, which can make sucking and swallowing difficult. This can lead to inadequate intake, dehydration, and poor weight gain early on, so parents should be prepared to recognize feeding problems and seek help promptly. Discuss practical feeding strategies and supports—paced feeding, smaller, more frequent feeds, careful positioning, and, if needed, specialized bottles or assistance from a lactation consultant or pediatrician. While some Down syndrome infants may have immune differences later, infections are not the immediate newborn issue to focus on, and developmental timelines are typically delayed rather than deteriorating; ongoing developmental support plans are important, but the first priority is ensuring effective feeding.

Newborns with Down syndrome often have low muscle tone, which can make sucking and swallowing difficult. This can lead to inadequate intake, dehydration, and poor weight gain early on, so parents should be prepared to recognize feeding problems and seek help promptly. Discuss practical feeding strategies and supports—paced feeding, smaller, more frequent feeds, careful positioning, and, if needed, specialized bottles or assistance from a lactation consultant or pediatrician. While some Down syndrome infants may have immune differences later, infections are not the immediate newborn issue to focus on, and developmental timelines are typically delayed rather than deteriorating; ongoing developmental support plans are important, but the first priority is ensuring effective feeding.