Pocketing of food is very common in kids with DS.  Sometimes they get
overwhelmed with the amount.  Sometimes it's the texture.  Have mom try
smaller amounts (the size of an English pea), placed on the middle of the
tongue with a little downward pressure by the tip of the spoon at the same
time.  This helps to stimulate swallowing.  If solids are too runny (like
"first" baby foods), may need to thicken with cereal to get a fairly stiff
consistency.  Sometimes babies with DS have trouble "feeling" the food in
their mouth unless it's thick/stiff.  A speech pathologist may also be
able to help evaluate oral motor function in conjunction with the OT and
offer additional suggestions.

Becky Saenz, MD
Assistant Professor
University of MS Medical Center
Department of Family Medicine
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On Tue, 23 Jun 1998, Robin M. Hollen wrote:

> Some perspective please from those who have worked with babies with Down
> Syndrome and Breastfed.  Baby is 13 months old.  16 pounds.  Good gain in the
> first six months, than really slowed down.  Solids introduced and he just
> wasn't interested.  He prefers to nurse"all the time" many feedingss at night.
> Mom frustrated, concerned about weight.  RD and OT are watching his weight,
> would like to see solids increased for weight, developmental and for mom.
> Refuses solids, when shoveled into his mouth he stores it in his cheeks, is a
> little hypotonic.
> This is her third exclusively breastfed child, solids were not intoduced until
> 10 months with others because that's when they showed an interest.  This
> little guy is developmentally delayed.  He sits independently, and fine moor
> is delayed.  He could just not be interested yet as his sbilings.
> Why is he putting food in his cheeks?  Is this a texture problem? He nurses
> beautifully, couldn't see any hypotonicity with BF.  He has been offered
> EVERYTHING according to the very reliable mom.  She does not want to  restrict
> his intake to a few foods , but wonders if this can be with in a normal range
> with this syndrome.  No one is suggesting curbing breastfeeding, the child is
> surviving and taking it away will take away his survival, but any ideas on
> solids?
> Thanks,
> Robin Hollen RN IBCLC
> Reno
>