Which of the following is identified as a priority for infants with Down syndrome?

• A. Weight bearing through hands and feet
• B. Fine motor skills development
• C. Speech development
• D. Temperature regulation

Answer: (A)

Infants with Down syndrome often have generalized hypotonia and joint laxity, which hinders early postural control. Focusing on weight bearing through the hands and feet helps build proximal stability and proper alignment, creating a foundation for gross motor skills like rolling, pushing up to sit, and eventually standing and weight shifting. When the trunk and limbs can bear weight effectively, the child gains better control of movement, improves proprioceptive feedback, and can progress more smoothly to more advanced milestones. Fine motor skills, though important, typically follow after this foundational postural control is established, while speech development and temperature regulation are not the immediate rehab priorities in infancy.