New Parent Resource Guide
Our Favorite New Parent Resources
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
The mission of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is to connect, support, and provide accurate information to parents – and the medical professionals who serve them – from the time of diagnosis through age 3 while fostering the opportunity for lifelong connections.
Jack’s Basket
Jack’s Basket serves babies with Down syndrome from birth through age 1. You can request a basket by visiting their website.
Julia’s Way
Julia’s Way was established in 2016 to inspire parents, medical professionals, and the general public about the realities and benefits of breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome through education, advocacy, and awareness, will now be integrated into the MDSC National Parents First Call Center.
Zoe’s Toolbox
Zoe’s Toolbox provides families with boxes that are filled with PT, OT, feeding and speech tools, as well as sensory toys that are geared towards children 6 months – 2 years of age, and are most commonly used for children with Down Syndrome.
Rising Kites
Rising Kites bags consist of educational resources and items of encouragement to assist families as they navigate life altering news. Bags are intended to be given to families within the first 2 years of receiving a diagnosis and are gifted to families and medical facilities at no cost.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
Our Book Recommendations
- Babies with Down Syndrome a New Parent’s Guide by Susan J Skallerup
- The Parent’s Guide to Down Syndrome by Jen Jacob and Madra Sikora
- Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome by Nancy McCrea Iannone and Stephanie Hall Meredith
- Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: A New Parent’s Guide to the First Month by Nancy McCrea Iannone and Stephanie Hall Meredith
- Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
- Raising Henry: A Memoir of Motherhood, Disability, and Discovery by Rachel Adams
- Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected by Kelle Hampton