How can I share “Washing up and a gentle face massage” as a gentle, child-led activity?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 0–5 months
About this activity
Activity: Washing up and a gentle face massage. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 0–5 months. Follow your child’s cues and enjoy the activity at their pace.
The illustrations come from the source activity. The written steps have been adapted for safer, child-led play; do not copy equipment or handling positions shown unless they are specifically recommended for your child.
What can this activity invite?
Share sounds, faces, or familiar textures without asking your child to make a particular movement.
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. Keep this activity hands-off
Do not massage or press your baby’s mouth, lips, tongue, or face, and do not use this activity to practise sucking or swallowing.
2. Try a no-touch sound game
When your baby is awake and comfortable, make a gentle sound or expression where they can see you.
3. Pause and wait
Give your baby time to look, vocalize, smile, or look away. Any response—or no response—is okay.
4. Follow your baby’s cues
Continue only if your baby seems comfortable. Stop if they turn away, fuss, or need a break.
5. Ask the right professional
For feeding, sucking, swallowing, or oral-motor concerns, follow guidance from your child’s feeding or speech-language professional.
6. Keep it playful
There is no exercise or outcome to achieve. A short, shared moment is enough.
7. Do not force touch
Let your child move freely. Do not guide their head, jaw, hands, or limbs.
8. End gently
Finish with a familiar song or cuddle if your child enjoys it.
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.