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What is Down Syndrome ?

Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows. Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs naturally – there is no known cause. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

Down Syndrome International shares a campaign each year to help raise awareness. On World Down Syndrome Day 2023, they are calling for people and organisations around the world to be ' With Us Not For Us'. Here at Spotty Otter we stand with you everyday not just today. We are very proud to have some wonderful Spotty Otter friends who have that extra chromosome and we think they are great. 

Read more about this year's campaign here. 

Meet Our Friends 

Say Hello to Jakey! Jakey came to join us last September on our Patrol collection photoshoot. Jakey loves getting outside with his Mum and Dad exploring Northumberland.

 He especially likes the beach and splashing in the sea! Jakey put our Patrol dungarees to the test when he decided to sit in the sea, we are pleased to report he was warm and dry after his fun in the sea. Our Patrol collection really is designed with the best features, making it ideal for kids who love to explore the world around them.  

The Patrol collection is breathable and waterproof to >10,000 mm with a DWR finish, the water droplets literally  run off the fabric. The soft-touch Ottertex® 10000 4 way comfort-stretch fabric is available in choice of 4 vibrant colours, its also windproof and has a  super-soft fleece lining for extra warmth. With water-resistant front zip plus secure zipped pockets, there no way your kids will get wet! They can get as dirty as they like because its also machine washable or easy to  wipe-down.

Say Hello to Eleanor! You might recognise Eleanor, she is quite the little model these days! We've seen her pop up all over the place and we're not  surprised at all, she's beautiful and always makes us smile. 

Eleanor helped us raise awareness of Down Syndrome last year. The Lots Of Socks campaign is run every year, the idea is to start a conversation, so when people ask you about your socks you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome”. 

You can find out more about this campaign here. 

Eleanor is wearing splashsuit from our most popular collection, Forest Leader. It really is the ultimate stay dry cosy puddle suit! With snug fleece lined body and hood, plus smooth polyester quilted leg lining; whatever the weather or time of year, muddy puddles, seashores and streams will be their oyster in this soft, durable and wipe clean waterproof all in one suit. With zipped side pockets, detachable peaked hood, elasticated fittings and reflective detailing, this colourful, bravery boosting splashsuit will brighten the dullest day. However stylish it looks from the outside, trust us: it feels even better from the inside!

Eleanor's Mum @the_mantons shared this with us. 

"Our daughter, Eleanor was born in April 2018 and soon after her birth we received a diagnosis of DS, although shocked at first, I quickly started researching and found the most comfort in social media platforms and other families that were raising children with DS. Before Eleanor was born, I’d almost given up on social media but I soon found myself becoming part of the most amazing community that totally understood my thoughts and feelings. Very quickly we started raising awareness ourselves. We love to share the positives of our lives and just how we’re like any other family, but we have an added extra (chromosome!)."