How can I play “Feeding the teddy” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 12–18 months
About this activity
Activity: Feeding the teddy. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 12–18 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:
• Act out simple pretend-play ideas.
• Use your imagination—“just like real life.
• Talk and interact during play.
• Copy the adult’s actions.
• Act out everyday moments in your play.
• Use a spoon and cup correctly.
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 with your baby on a flat surface
Pull a box over and open it. Inside there’s a teddy or another soft toy and some child-safe tableware: a bowl, spoon, cup, or box.
2. Invite your baby to reach in and explore
Talk about what they find: “That’s a spoon, yum-yum!
3. Take out the teddy bear and show it: “Teddy’s here, eh-eh-eh
Take out the teddy bear and show it: “Teddy’s here, eh-eh-eh!
4. Offer your baby a spoon: “Teddy’s hungry—feed Teddy, yum-yum
Teddy’s eating, yum-yum!” Then say, “Teddy says thanks, your child!
5. Try this together
Make the game a bit harder: “Stir your porridge” in the bowl and feed the teddy: “Teddy, eat your porridge!
6. Try this together
Suggest your child copy you: “Give Teddy some porridge.” Keep playing as long as they enjoy it.
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.