Mummy and Me Magazine August 2014 September 2014 | Page 13

Birth & Beyond If your child is diagnosed as having a sight problem, there are plenty of things that can be done to aid their development in other areas. Sensory play and experiences are great and definitely worth investigating. Even basic services such as sensory rooms which are available in most children’s centres. Another thing to consider, is to get in touch with groups that support those with sight problems. The Royal National Institute for Blind People operates a helpline open from Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.30pm on 0303 123 9999. Their website also offers lots of support and provides hope that children with sight problems can still live a normal life - “most blind and partially sighted children are educated in mainstream schools, or in special schools that do not specialise in vision impairment” www.rnib.org.uk/information-everydayliving/education-and-learning There are also really useful free downloads at www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk Your baby’s eyesight - WHAT TO EXPECT By the time your baby reaches the 1 month milestone, they might be starting to turn to see things at the side of them. They will initially do this by turning their whole head, this will later Something develop to simply to consider... moving their In the early weeks of your eyes. baby’s life, they will only be able to focus up to 8 inches away You should from their eyes. Spend this time aim to have getting up close and personal. your child’s Keep stimulating their vision by vision checked pulling funny faces, showing them at least every patterns and contrasting tones two years as and placing items in problems can front of them. occur at any age. If you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight, speak to your Health Visitor, Midwife or GP. Your child will have a health review including; measuring their weight and height and testing their vision and hearing once they reach school age. For more information on children’s eyes visit www.nhs.uk and search ‘children’s eyes’ in the search box at the top right corner of the page. Down Syndrome Liverpool is a registered Charity based in the City of Liverpool, run by Parent and Carer Trustees of people with Down’s Syndrome. DSL aims to support parents, carers and families who are affected by Down’s syndrome and seek to enhance the lives of people with Down’s syndrome who live in the City of Liverpool and surrounding area. Our activities include providing advice and support to new parents via our new parent contact and through our new parent packs and organise social events that bring our membership together. For more information contact us using the details below. Down Syndrome Liverpool PO Box 1 Mossley Hill District Office Liverpool L18 4SD [email protected] www.downsyndromeliverpool.org Registered Charity No 1097276 WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 13