How to Encourage a Baby with Down Syndrome to Roll onto Their Tummy
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 6–10 months
What is the bunny rolling activity?
To encourage a baby with Down syndrome to explore rolling, try a short, supervised bunny game while they are awake on a clear floor mat. This activity is listed for babies aged 6–10 months: an adult jingles a toy within view, then pauses so the baby can look, reach, and explore turning at their own pace.
What can this activity invite?
• Looking toward a moving toy
• Reaching out and grasping
• Exploring a turn from back to side and tummy
• Enjoying supervised tummy-time play
What do I need for this tummy-time game?
Use a small, age-appropriate jingling bunny toy and a clear, firm play mat on the floor. Check that the toy has no loose parts or strings, and stay close throughout the activity.
How do I play the bunny rolling activity?
1. Say hello to Bunny
Lay your awake baby on their back on the mat and sit close, face to face. Talk with them and invite them to look at you. Hold the bunny between your faces and say, “Look at this bunny — hop, hop!”
2. Invite your baby to reach
Gently jingle the bunny and wait for your baby to reach for it. Slowly move it to your left, keeping it where your baby can see it. If they aren’t reaching yet, let the toy lightly touch their hand and give them time to explore it.
3. Pause for a turn
When your baby rolls onto their side, let them touch the toy. Say, “Here’s the bunny — hop, hop!” Give them time to respond before moving on.
4. Play “Where did Bunny go?”
Slowly move the bunny just behind your baby’s head and give it a gentle shake. Say, “Where did Bunny go?” Keep the movement small and comfortable; never pull or twist your baby.
5. Celebrate tummy time
When your baby rolls onto their tummy, praise them warmly and let them play with the bunny while you stay close.
How do I keep this activity safe?
Use this activity only while your baby is awake and closely supervised on a clear floor mat. Pause or stop if your baby seems uncomfortable or loses interest. This is play, not a test or a promise of a milestone — every baby moves at their own pace.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the bunny rolling activity for?
The source activity lists this play idea for babies aged 6–10 months. Follow your baby’s cues and ask their clinician if you have questions about whether a movement is appropriate for them.
Does this activity guarantee my baby will roll?
No. This is a play idea to invite looking and reaching, not a test or a promise of a milestone. Let your baby move at their own pace and pause if they lose interest.
What if my baby does not reach for the bunny?
Keep the bunny where your baby can see it, or let it lightly touch their hand as described in the activity. Give them time to explore, and stop if they seem uncomfortable or lose interest.
Should I physically guide my baby to roll?
Do not pull or twist your baby. Only use turning assistance that a therapist or clinician has shown you; otherwise, keep the toy nearby and let your baby move at their own pace.
Can I use this activity during tummy time?
Yes, the activity includes a short, supervised play turn on the tummy. Use it only while your baby is awake, stay close, and stop if they seem uncomfortable.