How can I play “Bye-bye” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 9–14 months
About this activity
Activity: Bye-bye. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 9–14 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:
• Talk with others, join a dialogue.
• Use simple gestures in conversation: “come here,” “bye-bye,” “no.
• Show kindness—hug and kiss a toy.
• Play while sitting.
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 facing your baby
Show them a soft toy (maybe a teddy): “Look, here’s our teddy! Eh-eh-eh” (gesture)
2. Teddy gives snuggles and kisses to your baby
Teddy gives snuggles and kisses to your baby.
3. Teddy waves his paw: “Bye-bye
Teddy waves his paw: “Bye-bye!
4. Try this together
Tell your baby: “Teddy’s leaving—say bye-bye!” Hide Teddy behind a box: “No Teddy!” (gesture “no”).
5. Call out: “Bear
Come here!” (use a gesture). Then reveal the bear: “Here’s our bear! Eh-eh-eh!” (gesture).
6. Suggest: “Hug the teddy!” Keep playing as long as your little one wants to
Suggest: “Hug the teddy!” Keep playing as long as your little one wants to.
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.