How can I play “Pretty hat” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 17–22 months
About this activity
Activity: Pretty hat — 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.
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:
• Take off and put on a loose hat.
• Move rhythmically to singing or music.
• Practice transitioning from one pose to another, such as standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, and more.
• Suggest play using words, gestures, and actions.
• Initiate communication and interaction with other children.
• Develop an interest in the actions of others.
• Pay attention to others' reactions and use objects to entertain or comfort someone.
• Listen again and again to the same song, story, or tale.
• Master putting on a hat as part of the broader skill of participating in dressing.
• Learn to wait for your turn.
• Remember the rules.
• Take the initiative by using the word "I" and a gesture.
• Remember the names of friends and family.
• Take initiative by naming and showing objects.
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. For this activity you will need a carnival hat
It should fit loosely but must not slip off the child’s head. Invite other children and adults to join in the game with you. Sit on the floor in a circle, show the hat, and say: "Let’s play! I have a hat, and I will sing a hat song! Who wants to wear it first?" Wait for one of the children to take the initiative. If there are many children who want to participate, use any counting-out rhyme — the child who is chosen wears the hat first.
2. Put the hat on the child who turns out first
Offer: "I will sing, and you clap your hands on your knees." Clap on your knees and sing: "Who is wearing the pretty hat? Look at that, the pretty hat! Who is wearing the pretty hat? Come and look right now! (Child’s name) is wearing the pretty hat! Look at that, the pretty hat! (Child’s name) is wearing the pretty hat! Come and look right now!
3. After the song, invite the child to pass the hat to the person next to them
It's your child’s (or the name of the adult). Then sing the song again together and clap on your knees. Pass the hat around the circle so that every participant can sing the song.
4. Try this together
Then ask: "Would you like to play again?" If the children are ready, offer singing while performing another movement. For example, standing and stamping feet, with hands on hips. Let the little ones practice changing pose—standing up from a seated position, sitting down, kneeling, etc. Clap for each other and finish the game.
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.