What are the physical characteristics of Down syndrome?
The following characteristics are most commonly associated with Down syndrome, but can also be found in the general population. There is some variety of physical features among babies with Down syndrome; not every baby possesses all of the characteristics. Moreover, there is no correlation between the number of characteristic features a baby has and the child’s cognitive ability. Babies with Down syndrome usually have low muscle tone called hypotonia. This means that their muscles appear relaxed and feel “floppy.” The baby’s face may be broader and his/her nasal bridge may be flatter than usual. Often children with Down syndrome have a small nose. The child’s eyelids may appear to slant upward and may also have small folds at the inner corners (epicanthal folds). The baby’s mouth may be small and the roof of the mouth may be narrow. The baby’s ears are often small and the upper part of the ear may fold over. Babies with Down syndrome usually have small heads. The difference in size, ho
