How can I play “My sweet baby. Tickles” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 0–3 months
About this activity
Activity: My sweet baby. Tickles. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 0–3 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:
• Watch and try to mimic grown-up expressions.
• Respond to emotions around you, smile when they talk to you.
• Make your own sounds or copy others.
• Raise your arms to explore the adult’s face.
• Tell apart the people closest to you.
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. When changing clothes or diapers, don’t hurry to dress baby
Let them lie with a bare tummy and legs. If they’re playful before bathtime, leave them in a light shirt and continue as planned.
2. Try this together
Make eye contact, talk sweetly, then wrap your arms around your baby and gently stroke from their shoulders down to their legs.
3. Take your baby’s hands
Use your nose to tickle their tummy—middle, one side, the other. Blow raspberries, vibrate your lips on their belly, and give a big smooch. Add fun sounds like “vuuuu,” “brrr,” “smooch!
4. Try this together
Gently press your baby’s nose: “Beep-beep!” Tap their lips: “Brrr!” Pause so they feel the new sensations—it should be comfortable. Observe your baby’s reactions and copy their sounds if they start making any.
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.