How can I include my child in “Bath Time for Dolly”?

By Down Syndrome Digital ·

Suggested age: 40–46 months

About this activity

Activity: Bath Time for Dolly — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 40–46 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?

Build a predictable, shared routine using familiar words, gestures, and age-appropriate bath toys.

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. Prepare doll-care items

Illustration for “Bath Time for Dolly”, step 1: Tell your child, “Let’s give our doll Dolly a bath!” Look together at what you will need: a tub, the doll, a sponge, a towel, and a pitcher of warm water.

Use a doll, a towel, and a soft sponge on a stable floor-level surface. An empty basin is enough for pretend play.

2. Model a pretend wash

Illustration for “Bath Time for Dolly”, step 2: Suggest to your child to pour water from the pitcher into the tub: “Pour the water into the tub.” Say, “Everything is ready for the bath.

Show how to wipe the doll with a dry sponge or cloth. This is doll play, not a child-bathing activity.

3. Invite your child to choose

Illustration for “Bath Time for Dolly”, step 3: Give the child the sponge and ask, “What will you wash first?” Comment on each action, always naming body parts: “You are washing her head.” “Now her shoulders.” “Her arms, legs, back, and tum

Offer the sponge and let your child decide what to pretend to wash. Do not guide their hands.

4. Keep water optional and supervised

Illustration for “Bath Time for Dolly”, step 4: Say, “Dolly is now clean and dry.

You can continue with a dry basin. If you add water, use only a small amount and keep continuous adult attention within reach.

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.