Helping a child with Down syndrome learn to walk and other motor skills

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Helping a child with Down syndrome learn to walk and other motor skills

Children with Down syndrome have decreased muscle tone, which delays development of their motor skills. These children will roll over, sit up, pull up, stand, and walk later than other children their age.

Encourage motor skill development through active play.

• Place toys just out of your child's reach and encourage him or her to get them. However, do not frustrate your child by moving the toy when he or she almost reaches it.
• Play pat-a-cake with your baby.
• Place your baby's legs so that they are touching when you are carrying or holding him or her. This will encourage the normal leg positioning that is needed for sitting and walking.
• Encourage physical playing and gentle wrestling with other members of the family.
• Let your child bang pots and slap his or her hands on the table at times.

Guide your baby in playful exercises, which helps him or her learn to walk.

• Move your baby's arms and legs in swimming motions.
• Bounce your baby on your lap while holding him or her in a standing position.
• Help your baby roll over so that he or she can become stronger and more mobile.
• Support your baby in a sitting position, but let him or her lean forward for balance.

Credits

Last updated:	August 09, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, David Smith, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC