Dressing teddy – using toys to practise putting clothes on

What you need 

• Dolls or soft toys 
• Clothes – choose ones that are a bit too big for the toys (perhaps some newborn ones, depending on the size of the toys) 

What to do 

1. Place the toys where your baby can reach them, with a selection of clothes close by.  
2. Choose something to put on one of the toys and talk about what you’re doing as you dress them.  
3. Your baby might copy you and begin to dress one of the toys, but if they don’t, give them a toy and an item of clothing.  
4. Give them lots of time to have a go at dressing the toy themselves before you offer to help – but of course lend a hand if your baby is getting very frustrated. 

Good to know 

Taking off clothes can be easier than putting them on. If they find dressing the teddy or doll difficult at first, put the clothes onto the toy and then encourage your baby to take them off.