How can I make “Undress Before Bed” a calm, safe routine?

By Down Syndrome Digital ·

Suggested age: 17–22 months

About this activity

Activity: Undress Before Bed — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 17–22 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?

Invite shared attention, communication, and child-led exploration at your child’s pace.

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 the play separate from sleep

Illustration for “Undress Before Bed”, step 1: Tell your child they’re going to undress for bed: “We’re taking off our clothes.” Sit them on a chair and slip off one shoe: “Take off your shoe.” Then remove the other shoe: “Take off your oth

Use a calm, awake-time interaction with an adult nearby. This activity is not sleep advice.

2. Offer comfort in a familiar way

Illustration for “Undress Before Bed”, step 2: Place both shoes nearby and praise them: “Great job, you took off your shoes!” Help the child stand up by taking their hands: “Stand on your feet!” Pull their pants down just above the knees.

Talk or sing softly while your baby is held or positioned in the way you already know is comfortable and safe.

3. Follow safe-sleep guidance

Illustration for “Undress Before Bed”, step 3: Help them sit: “Take off your pants.” Point to one leg: “Take them off this leg.” Then point to the other: “Now take them off this leg.”

When it is time to sleep, follow current safe-sleep guidance and your baby’s care plan, including a firm, flat, clear sleep surface.

4. Keep loose items out of the sleep space

Illustration for “Undress Before Bed”, step 4: Pick up the pants, fold them, and place them next to the shoes: “Great job, you took off your pants.” Lift the T-shirt from their neck and one sleeve: “Take off your shirt.”

Do not add loose blankets, pillows, comforters, or soft toys to a baby’s sleep space.

5. Pause when your baby signals

Illustration for “Undress Before Bed”, step 5: Fold it neatly next to the pants.

Respond to your baby’s cues and stop the play if they seem tired, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed.

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.