This minimalist mom has high standards for everything that comes into her family’s home, from cleaning supplies and beauty products to toys and furniture.

Did you know that October was Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

Each year, about 6,000 babies in the U.S. are born with this common chromosomal condition. Welcoming a baby with Down syndrome into the family can feel overwhelming, but in reality, parents of children with Down syndrome face many of the same challenges all new parents encounter — including how to make a home that’s comfortable and safe for their children without sacrificing style!

For Michelle Coleman’s family of four (plus one rambunctious dog), Ruggish provides a defined play area in the living room where the family spends much of their time together.

“It’s where both my kids did tummy time, where they learned to roll, and where my older one now roughhouses with his dad (and dog),” said Michelle. “I host playdates at the house where the kids have a picnic lunch on the Ruggish — I would NOT allow that on a regular rug.”

Since the birth of Michelle’s second son earlier this year, Ruggish has also provided a safe and comfortable space for his weekly physical and occupational therapy sessions.

“Our son Patrick has one extra chromosome (or are we all missing one?), so he was diagnosed with Down syndrome three days after he was born,” said Michelle, who shares snaps from Patrick’s life on Instagram. “Since Patrick was a month old, we’ve been using it on a weekly basis as an inviting space to have the physical therapist sit comfortably and work with Pat.” 

Like Michelle, Krista Robbins has two sons, and her almost-three-year-old, Easton, has Down syndrome. She tells her family’s story on her blog and on Instagram, where she and Michelle connected.

“I share so much of our life because I want people to get used to differences so they can see they aren’t scary,” Krista says. 

Being a mom of two small boys doesn’t mean Krista has lost her sense of style. When she’s shopping for the family home, she leans toward neutral colors and tones, so Ruggish is a great fit.

“I love how beautiful and simple the design is,” Krista says. “It would fit basically in every room in my home.”

Developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills can be fun and easy when you get creative with a few toys on your Ruggish play rug.

Here’s a simple but stimulating game inspired by an activity shared on BusyToddler.com. (If you haven’t already bookmarked this site, be sure to check it out — it’s a treasure trove of fun things to do with your littles!)

All you need to help your little one put on their own toy parade is a bin of small toys. Cars (we love these!) or animals work really well. Then it’s as simple as encouraging your child to line up their very own parade along the “parade route.” The lines and zigzags on our map are ready-made to follow for a toy parade, but you can do this activity on any Ruggish rug — just make your own lines and shapes with washi or masking tape, then easily peel them up when playtime is over!