How can I play “Following the noisy toy” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 2–5 months
About this activity
Activity: Following the noisy toy. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 2–5 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:
• Keep your eyes on the adult’s face and the object they show.
• Watch a noisy, moving object—helps spatial awareness.
• Learn to find and figure out the sound’s source.
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 in a chair or armchair again, feet on a stool so your knees are raised
Lay your baby on their back on your legs, about 30–40 cm away from your face, and support them gently.
2. Maintain eye contact, smile, speak quietly and unhurriedly
Maintain eye contact, smile, speak quietly and unhurriedly.
3. Take a squeaky or rattling toy (or a bell)
Hold it about 30 cm in front of your baby, right in the center, and make some noise to catch their attention.
4. Try this together
Make a soft sound as you move the toy slowly to one side, then back, then to the other side. If your baby “loses” the toy, stop and get their attention again. Pause the sound—it shouldn’t be continuous.
5. Move the toy away from your child’s eyes
Make a sound with it on the right or left side. Pause so they can look for the source.
6. Try this together
Praise your child for reacting to the sound and name the object, showing it to them: “You heard it! Good job! This is a bell.
7. Try this together
If your child doesn’t turn their head toward the sound, touch their cheek with the toy from that side.
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.