How can I play “Turning onto the side to get the toy” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 3–5 months
About this activity
Activity: Turning onto the side to get the toy. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 3–5 months. Follow your child’s cues and enjoy the activity at their pace.
These steps are invitations to play, not therapy or a milestone test. Choose a comfortable, stable position, supervise closely, and pause whenever your child needs a break.
What can this activity invite?
This activity may offer opportunities to notice:
• Focus on an object, watch it, follow its movement.
• Turn onto your side.
• Play with a toy while lying on your side.
• Get new touch experiences.
What do I need for this activity?
A comfortable, stable place to play and the familiar items named in the steps. Choose materials made for your child’s age and ability; keep small parts, loose strings, plastic bags, and balloons away from babies and young children.
How do I play this activity?
1. Place your baby on their back on a firm surface; lean over them and talk
Hold a toy near your face so they can see you and the toy at the same time
2. Try this together
Name the toy and show your baby how it works—squeak it if it’s a squeaker, twist it around, mimic its ‘voice,’ etc. For example: “Look who I’ve got! It’s a kitten—meow-meow!
3. Let your baby feel a toy
If they can’t reach on their own, support their arm by the shoulder or forearm. Keep talking about the toy to hold their interest.
4. Try this together
Gently take the toy from your baby: “Look, the kitten ran away!” Move it slowly to the side and place it at your baby’s shoulder level, an arm’s length away. Make sure they keep following it and turn their head.
5. Try this together
To help your child roll onto their side, bend their leg at the knee and, holding the thigh and knee, move it diagonally over the other leg.
6. Try this together
When your child rolls onto their side, help them feel the toy with their hands, and praise: “Good job! You caught the kitten!” Give them time to stay on their side and play.
7. Try this together
Take the toy and slowly move it back, helping your child return to a “lying on the back” position. Let them play with the toy again: “We caught the kitty again!
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to finish every step?
No. Follow your child’s interest and stop whenever they need a break. There is no correct pace or required outcome.
What if my child is not interested today?
That is okay. Pause, try another activity, or return another day. Looking away or turning away is a cue to give your child space.
How long should we play?
There is no set duration. A short, comfortable moment is enough; stop if your child seems tired, distressed, or uncomfortable.
Is this therapy or a developmental assessment?
No. This is a play invitation, not therapy, a milestone target, or an assessment. It does not replace advice from your child’s clinicians.
Can I adapt this activity for my child?
Yes. Keep it comfortable and child-led. For questions about feeding, oral-motor skills, bath safety, positioning, or movement, use guidance from your child’s own care team.