Babies with Down syndrome often have hypotonia, or poor muscle tone. Because they have a reduced muscle tone and a protruding tongue, feeding babies with Down syndrome usually takes longer. Mothers breast-feeding infants with Down syndrome should seek advice from an expert on breast feeding to make sure the baby is getting sufficient nutrition. Hypotonia may also affect the muscles of the digestive system, in which case constipation may be a problem.

Because about 40 to 60 percent of babies born with Down syndrome have a heart defect, all newborns with Down syndrome have their heart checked with an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram. If a heart defect is detected, the infant is referred to a pediatric cardiologist for medical management or to a pediatric cardiac surgeon for early surgical repair.

Some infants with Down syndrome have difficulties with swallowing or they may have blockages in their bowels. Surgery can be performed to correct these problems. Once corrected, they usually cause no further health issues.