How can I play “Where are our cheeks?”—turning to the voice” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 0–5 months
About this activity
Activity: Where are our cheeks?”—turning to the voice. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 0–5 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:
• Focus on the adult’s face.
• Hear and tell apart relatives’ voices.
• Lie on your tummy, resting on forearms.
• Hold your head up and turn it side to side.
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. Try this together
Place your baby belly-down on a firm surface so they can push up on their elbows, either in line with or slightly ahead of their shoulders. Sit or kneel behind them.
2. Lean toward your baby from the right side, say their name, gently stroke their cheek
Lean toward your baby from the right side, say their name, gently stroke their cheek.
3. Try this together
Wait for your baby to turn their head slightly toward you, look into their eyes, and cheer them on. Repeat a few times with little pauses in between.
4. Go behind your baby
Lean in from the left side, call them by name, and stroke their cheek.
5. Wait until your child turns their head slightly toward you
Look into their eyes and give praise: “Hi there, it’s your grown-up/Daddy/Grandma…” Repeat a few times, pausing in between.
6. Go behind your child again
This time, lean from the right or left in turn and call them, but don’t touch their cheek yet—use your voice to get their attention. If your little one doesn’t respond, gently touch their cheeks again.
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.