How can I play “Exploring a “fluffy babies” book with touch-and-feel pages” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 12–18 months
About this activity
Activity: Exploring a “fluffy babies” book with touch-and-feel pages. 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:
• Look through a book, turning pages.
• Check out pictures and link them to baby animals’ names.
• Point to them with your finger.
• Choose and look at your favorite pages.
• Call pictures by baby chatter words.
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 comfy couch or big chair
Show them a tactile book: “Let’s read!
2. Discuss the cover picture: “Check out this chick—cheep-cheep
It goes pee-pee-pee!
3. Ask your baby: “Where’s the chick
Give the chick a gentle pat!” Open the book and show the next baby animal: “Kitten—here, kitty-kitty—says meow!
4. Name all the pictures in the book in order
"The puppy says woof-woof." "The kitten says meow.
5. Ask them to show you all the animals you name
Give your child a book so they can look at the pictures. When you finish reading, put the book away.
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.