How can I play “Getting dressed” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 2–5 months
About this activity
Activity: Getting dressed. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 2–5 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:
• Strengthen shoulder and tummy muscles.
• Give baby a sense of twisting (rotation) when one part of the body turns. This skill will help with rolling over.
• Baby links clothes with changing for sleep (pajamas) or going out (warm clothes), etc.
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. Put a button-up shirt on your baby (we’ll need it)
When taking it off, lay baby down, lean in, and say: “We’re taking off your shirt!” Unbutton it gently.
2. Try this together
Gently roll your baby to one side, supporting their upper body with one hand and tummy with the other so their shoulders turn relative to their hips. Carefully slip one arm out of the sleeve, shifting that side of the shirt aside.
3. Try this together
Gently roll your baby onto their other side, slip off the other sleeve, and fully remove the shirt.
4. Try this together
Before putting on a shirt, show it to your baby and say what you’re doing: “We’re going to get dressed!
5. Lay out the little shirt on a flat surface
Gently place your child on their back on top of it.
6. Try this together
Dress your child using the method described earlier: gently turn their upper body while supporting their tummy. Put their arms through the sleeves one at a time.
7. Button their sweater while they’re lying on their back
Praise both them and yourself: “Look how nicely we got dressed!
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.