Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts for a Baby with Down Syndrome
It has been said before and it is worth repeating, babies with Down Syndrome are just babies. There is a higher incidence of health problems related to having an extra copy of the 21st Chromosome (read more about what Down Syndrome is here) but overall, these babies will need many of the same things as other newborns and they deserve to be celebrated.
You know mom is expecting a chromosomally enhanced little one, so what should you get for her? Here are some tips with our Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts for a Baby with Down Syndrome.
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(NOTE: These items are in no particular order but all of them would likely be appreciated by any mom, especially one expecting a genetically enhanced babe)
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A Baby tub like the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub, Pink
or the Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub The thing about babies with Down Syndrome is that they will often use products longer than typical babies. It may take longer for baby to sit up independently so using a baby tub is often something that can go well close to the first birthday, a bigger baby tub or one that can aid in baby’s upright sitting position is a HUGE help to a new mama.
or the 
2. Tummy Time Toys such as 
a travel playmat like the Tummy Time Musical Baby Activity Mat
a travel playmat like the or this cute giraffe activity pillow. Babies with Down Syndrome will often spend lots of recommended time on their tummies in an effort to build up their neck muscles for proper head control. As this is very important, so is keeping these little ones engaged and entertained with fun tummy toys!
3. Assisted sitting is something that often goes on for a bit longer so baby shower gifts for a baby with Down Syndrome should not be without some of these great items that a future physical therapist may love to use with the baby as well. The Fisher-Price Sit-Me-up Floor Seat
or the caterpillar which was one of our absolute favorite toys to use for prop sitting!
or the caterpillar which was one of our absolute favorite toys to use for prop sitting!Items like these help baby get an expanded view of the world even if learning to independently sit may take a bit longer.
4. Highchairs can be tricky because many of them allow for too much slouch for a baby with hypotonia (low muscle tone) which is very common for babies with Down Syndrome. In order to learn proper posture a seat that can be adjusted as close to a 90 degree angle as possible is best, we love the OXO Tot Sprout High Chair Which can also grow with baby and accommodate an older child easily.
5. No new mama wants to be without a way to keep a close eye on her babe, and this is even more important if there are any health issues accompanying the Down Syndrome Diagnosis. Babies with Down Syndrome can sometimes be a bit sleepier too so keeping a close eye offers mom some peace of mind. The thing that is great about the Infant Optics 
monitor is that it is unable to be hacked as it is a closed circuit monitor so no worries about computer hackers intercepting your baby monitor.
(this is the one we use)
monitor is that it is unable to be hacked as it is a closed circuit monitor so no worries about computer hackers intercepting your baby monitor.
(this is the one we use)
6. Babies with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk of respiratory issues so to keep things moving along nicely these two products are a must at our house (especially if baby is to be born just before or during cold and flu season). TheOCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspirator is a great choice as well as the Nasal Frida. Oh, and don’t forget the VicTsing Cool Mist Humidifier.
These items are great for mom and dad to have on hand so they don’t have to run to the store at the first sign of a snotty cold.
7. We all want smart little ones and what better way to help our little ones learn than by reading to them. These books all have something very special in that they are geared towards children with Down Syndrome (and their siblings). These books can also be comforting and encouraging to a new parent expecting a child with Down Syndrome.
8. When it comes time for teething no mom and dad should be without a good aresenal of chewie toys. However, often children with Down Syndrome may take a little longer to be able to hold onto a toy that will allow them the relief of chewing. This is where the yummy mitt comes in (check out our review here). This mitt is awesome because it allows baby to avoid the frustration of dropping the chew toy while trying to ease the fussies.
9. Beloved by speech therapists and pediatricians, the Nuk brush doubles as a way to teach baby to brush when the teeth start coming in but also as a way to get baby to wake up those oral motor skills that can sometimes be delayed.
10. The baby bullet should actually rank at #1 for this list, but as I mentioned before, these are in no particular order. Why is this so important? Because children with Down Syndrome can need special care in the feeding department sometimes as it relates to textures and sometimes the amount of fiber in thier diets. For this reason, making your own babyfood is a huge benefit, just read this post to find out why.
Above all of the suggestions mentioned here, the first and foremost important thing for a parent who is expecting a child with Down Syndrome is to know that they have your support, love and congratulations. Now go wow the expectant parents with some awesome gifts!
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