Final answer:
Infants with Down syndrome may have poor feeding due to low muscle tone, congenital heart disease, and cognitive deficits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infants with Down syndrome may have poor feeding due to several factors.
- One reason is low muscle tone, which can affect the muscles used for sucking and swallowing. This can make it difficult for infants to latch onto the breast or bottle and coordinate their feeding.
- Another reason is the presence of congenital heart disease, which is common in individuals with Down syndrome. Heart defects can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, making it challenging for infants to feed effectively.
- Cognitive deficits associated with Down syndrome can also contribute to poor feeding. Infants may have difficulty understanding and following feeding cues, leading to frustration and inadequate intake.
It is important for caregivers to work closely with healthcare providers to address these feeding challenges and ensure that infants with Down syndrome receive adequate nutrition.