How can I play “Learning to Put on a Hat” with my child?

By Down Syndrome Digital ·

Suggested age: 21–25 months

About this activity

Activity: Learning to Put on a Hat — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 21–25 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:

• Learn to put on a hat.

• Grow more independent.

• Practice copying grown-ups.

• Build motor skills.

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. Sit next to a mirror

Illustration for “Learning to Put on a Hat”, step 1: Sit next to a mirror.

Take the child's sun hat with a stiff brim. Sit down at the child's level. Hold the hat out to the child with the inside facing up. "Look, what a hat. Let's try it on!".

2. Try this together

Illustration for “Learning to Put on a Hat”, step 2: Let the child take the hat by the edges with both hands so that the distance between them is about three of the child's fists.

Let the child take the hat by the edges with both hands so that the distance between them is about three of the child's fists.

3. Try this together

Illustration for “Learning to Put on a Hat”, step 3: Ask the child, "Put it on!" If needed, guide the child's hands under the forearms upward to the sides of the child's head.

Ask the child, "Put it on!" If needed, guide the child's hands under the forearms upward to the sides of the child's head. Make sure the child is safe — it is better if they rest the lower part of their back against a stable piece of furniture.

4. Try this together

Illustration for “Learning to Put on a Hat”, step 4: When the child puts the hat on, turn with them toward the mirror and praise them, "You did so well!".

When the child puts the hat on, turn with them toward the mirror and praise them, "You did so well!". Ask the child: "Where is the hat?" Wait for the child's response (word or gesture), and praise again: "That's right.". Ask, "Who put on the hat?" Wait for the child's gesture "Me" and praise again: "Yes, how lovely you look!".

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.