How can I play “Undressing with grown-up help (pulling off hat and socks)” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 12–18 months
About this activity
Activity: Undressing with grown-up help (pulling off hat and socks). 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:
• Understand names of clothing items.
• Know what various action words mean.
• Undress with a bit of help.
• Keep sitting while doing bigger movements.
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. Seat your baby on the couch and stay at their level
Tell them: “Now we’ll get undressed.
2. Try this together
Show your baby’s socks, saying: “Look at these socks!” Pull one halfway off and ask: “Take this sock off?” (point).
3. Ask your baby: “Give your grown-up the sock” (“give-give” gesture)
Ask your baby: “Give your grown-up the sock” (“give-give” gesture).
4. Try this together
Praise your baby and ask: “Take off the other sock and give it to your grown-up!” Then say, “Good job taking off your socks!
5. Hand your child a mirror: “Look at that hat
Let’s take off the hat.” Partly remove it: “Take off your hat.” Praise them: “Good job, you took off your hat!
6. Ask: “Give your grown-up the hat” (gesture “gimme, gimme”)
Ask: “Give your grown-up the hat” (gesture “gimme, gimme”).
7. Praise your child: “Good job, your child
You undressed all by yourself—took off your socks (show them) and your hat (show them)!” Suggest something fun for your child to do, like dancing or having a snack.
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.