How can I play “Brush Your Hair” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 24–31 months
About this activity
Activity: Brush Your Hair — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 24–31 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:
• Brush, brush! Learn to use a comb.
• Build independence: “I can do it myself!
• Imitate grown-ups. Copy what they do.
• Boost movement coordination.
• Develop a lead hand (left or right).
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. Try this together
Place your child’s comb near the mirror where your comb is, and where you comb your hair most often. Every day, draw their attention to this routine: “Look, your grown-up is going to comb her hair.” For your child, it’s better to use a massage brush.
2. Try this together
Prepare your child for combing in advance: show a doll with hair and a toy comb, and say, “Let’s go comb the baby doll.” Go to the mirror. Squat down to your child’s level and demonstrate the gesture for “combing hair.” Show the movement you’ll use to comb your child’s hair, and suggest they repeat it on the doll.
3. Show your child their comb
“Let’s comb your hair too.” Gently run the comb over your child’s head. Then offer them the comb: “Take it and comb your hair.
4. Try this together
If your child is doing well, suggest they try moving the comb through their hair by themselves. If needed, help by gently supporting their arm under the elbow or at the forearm. Praise your little one. When children comb independently, they learn to control how lightly or firmly the comb touches their head.
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.