Infants with Down syndrome often need physical therapy in order to further develop their muscles, to increase strength and learning. Babies with Down syndrome may see a licensed physical therapist in order to perform strengthening exercises. However, parents can perform exercises with their children at home as well in order to facilitate their child's needs.
Pressure Stimulation
The Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association asserts that applying deep pressure to the hands and feet of your baby creates positive stimulation. Specifically, pressure on the pad of the big toe and the fingertips can be beneficial. When applying pressure ensure that you brush from heel to toe and from the base of the hand to the fingertips.
Hands and Feet Stimulation
Provide exercise for your child through manipulating his hands and feet during changing or normal play time. In one exercise, you can move his feet to his mouth, circling his mouth with his big toe, changing feet each time. This same exercise can be done with the fingers and the mouth. Also, you can rub his hands and feet together in varying patterns. Rub left foot to left hand, the same with the right and then rub both hands together and both feet together. Patty-cake with hands and feet is a fun game that is also beneficial as you bring your child's hands and feet to the center of his body.
Grabbing Exercises
At 3 to 4 months, your baby could begin to reach for objects to grasp. You can help her by holding out an object she wants and putting her hand around it. Once she learns to grasp on her own, do not give an object to her, but rather just place it within her reach.
Rolling Exercises
Around 4 or 5 months, your baby may begin to make an effort to roll over. You can assist your child by putting him on a blanket or towel, rolling him back and forth, familiarizing him with the rolling over motion. Roll your child by gently lifting one end of the blanket at a time, causing him to roll toward the other side. You can gradually build up the number of rolls as your child becomes more comfortable with the motion.
Back Strengthening
Bouncing your child on her bottom while on your knees will help strengthen her back muscles as she will be forced to use them to help balance herself. Ensure that you have hold of her torso; do not hold her under her arms. This exercise can be continued until she is walking. While your child is on your lap, you can also shift her weight from one buttock to the other, which will cause her to right himself with each shift. This exercise can also be performed on a large ball.
