How can I play “Bunny’s going for a ride in the car” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 12–18 months
About this activity
Activity: Bunny’s going for a ride in the car. 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:
• Do simple play actions and link them into a mini-story.
• Learn what words like “go,” “fell,” “cry,” “feel sorry,” “hug,” “kiss” mean.
• Show your feelings with moves or gestures.
• Use little exclamations, gestures, or words.
• Join a bigger play session with an adult.
• Put toys where they belong.
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 together on the floor
Bring a toy truck with a little cargo area that fits a plush toy: “Here’s the truck—beep beep—vroom!” (gesture)
2. Welcome the bunny: “Here’s Bunny—hop-hop!” (make a hopping motion)
Suggest: “Let’s give Bunny a ride in the car!
3. Help your baby put the bunny in the toy car: “Bunny’s going for a ride—vroom
Help your baby put the bunny in the toy car: “Bunny’s going for a ride—vroom!
4. Suggest: “Give Bunny a ride in the car.” Let your baby move the car any way they like
Narrate: “The car goes… vroom! Oops—car fell—boom!
5. Try this together
Point to the bunny: “The bunny fell, boom!” (gesture) “The bunny is crying, wah-wah!” (gesture)
6. Show your child how you comfort the bunny (hug, stroke, or kiss)
Show your child how you comfort the bunny (hug, stroke, or kiss).
7. Sit the bunny in the toy car and invite your child to drive it around again
Follow their lead as you play. When the game is over, tidy up the toys together and put them 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.