Adorable Pair Of Toddlers With Down Syndrome Became Best Buddies

May 28, 2020 by apost team

Joyful play is the plan for every day that Grand Forks babies Clara Cutler get together. This duo is ready for fun! Both of these sweet babies have Down's Syndrome and were brought together for playdates by their Mom. Amy Sanders, mom to little boy Cutler, is a school teacher. Lana Beaton is sweet Clara's stay-at-home mom. Both Clara and Cutler enjoy their time in play at the dance barre and with the many toys at their disposal, but their greatest fun is in one another's company!

The friendship between Cutler and Clara has forged bonds between their moms as well. While Lana and Amy knew one another growing up in Grand Forks, North Dakota they were not close as their children are, as the moms are four years apart in age.

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Luckily, the friendly fun shared by Clara and Cutler makes a connection between the two families easy and joyous. During their playtime, the babies work to overcome some of the challenges faced by children with Down's syndrome, including low muscle tone. Cutler and Clara spend time engaging with their families in reaching, stretching, standing, and dancing.

Kids with Down Syndrome are often delayed in standing, reaching out and grasping. They also often wind up feeding themselves a little later, as their jaw muscles aren't as strong. Playtime for Clara and Cutler includes practice in stretching for one another and for toys, touching soft surfaces and manipulating toys, grasping pillows and reaching for the standing barre, crawling toward their next great adventure, bouncing in place while holding the crib rail, and standing with help. As they get stronger and learn to explore their world, they have a partner in play.

Learning to overcome the challenges of Down Syndrome can be done with love and joy. Playtime can also be strength-building time. Best of all, these joyous babies have forged a strong friendship between two families that will benefit everyone involved for years to come.

Community and connection are critical for children of all abilities and their parents, too. What do you think of their story? Let us know your thoughts and be sure to share the story of Clara and Cutler and watch them as they grow!