How can I play “What’s in the box?” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 9–14 months
About this activity
Activity: “What’s in the box?” — 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:
• Learn actions for using certain objects.
• Copy what an adult does.
• Repeat simple gestures for objects and how to use them.
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 in a bouncer, highchair, or on the floor—depending on how they sit
Stay at their level. Place a small box of toys—like a toy hammer, bell, and spoon—between you.
2. Take a toy hammer from the box and tap something: “Hammer goes tap-tap
Take a toy hammer from the box and tap something: “Hammer goes tap-tap!
3. Offer a toy hammer: “Tap-tap!” When your baby does it, give praise and put the hammer away
Offer a toy hammer: “Tap-tap!” When your baby does it, give praise and put the hammer away.
4. Take out a spoon and pretend to eat: “Spoon—yum-yum
Take out a spoon and pretend to eat: “Spoon—yum-yum!
5. Offer your child a spoon: “How does your child eat
Nom-nom!” (make a gesture). Praise your little eater.
6. Put away the spoon
Take out a little bell and ring it: “Ding-ding.
7. Offer the little bell: “Ring it, ding-ding!” (make a gesture)
After a few rings, put the bell in the box and praise your child.
8. Give your little one a box to explore and play with the items inside
Give your little one a box to explore and play with the items inside.
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.