How can I play “Where’s our phone?” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 12–18 months
About this activity
Activity: “Where’s our phone?” — 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:
• Reach for something interesting.
• Do steps in order to reach your goal.
• Move from one position to another, get around.
• Join in group play with an adult.
• Move your hands and fingers with coordination.
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. Place your baby in the middle of the room and sit next to them
Offer a fun toy, like a musical phone: “Look at this phone—hello, hello!
2. Play together—have fun
Play together—have fun!
3. Take the phone and set it on the couch
Take the phone and set it on the couch.
4. Try this together
Draw your baby’s attention to the phone and turn it on: “The phone’s playing!” Encourage them to get it: “Where’s the phone?” (gesture).
5. Try this together
To do this, your child needs to get to the couch any way they can, stand at the couch, pick up the phone, then sit down or play standing up.
6. Praise your child and offer them the phone: “How does your child talk on the phone
Praise your child and offer them the phone: “How does your child talk on the phone?
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.