6 Exercises to help kids with Down syndrome learn to walk

We’ve all done them, knowingly and painstakingly. But it’s easy to sneak squats into your child’s play by strategically placing toys where he needs to squat down to retrieve them.

Note how Nikki’s hands are at Charlie’s knees, gently reminding him to bend and squat instead of keeping his knees locked and stretching to his toes without bending. Once the child is in a squatting position, Nikki recommends creating an excuse to hang out there for a while, which helps to build thigh, trunk, hips and glute muscles.

Next up: Reach for the stars!