Physical Activity Guidelines Children Under Five Years

Being physically active every day is important for the healthy growth and development of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

For this age group, activity of any intensity should be encouraged, including light activity and more energetic physical activity.

Babies (under 1 year)

Babies should be encouraged to be active throughout the day, every day, in a variety of ways, including crawling.

If they're not yet crawling, encourage them to be physically active by reaching and grasping, pulling and pushing, moving their head, body and limbs during daily routines, and during supervised floor play.

Try to include at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day when they're awake.

Once babies can move around, encourage them to be as active as possible in a safe and supervised play environment.

For more ideas, see how to keep your baby or toddler active.

Toddlers (aged 1 to 2)

Toddlers should be physically active every day for at least 180 minutes (3 hours). The more the better. This should be spread throughout the day, including playing outdoors.

The 180 minutes can include light activity, such as standing up, moving around, rolling and playing, as well as more energetic activity like skipping, hopping, running and jumping.

Active play, such as using a climbing frame, riding a bike, playing in water, chasing games and ball games, is the best way for this age group to get moving.

Pre-schoolers (aged 3 to 4)

Pre-schoolers should spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) a day doing a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, including active and outdoor play. The more the better.

The 180 minutes should include at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.

Children under 5 should not be inactive for long periods, except when they're asleep. Watching TV, travelling by car, bus or train, or being strapped into a buggy for long periods are not good for a child's health and development.

All children under 5 who are overweight can improve their health by eating a healthy diet and meeting the activity guidelines, even if their weight does not change.

Find out what you can do if your child is overweight.

Babies and young children with a disability

Babies and young children with a long-term condition or disability should be active, unless their healthcare team give you different advice.

Being active can help their development, mental wellbeing and confidence. You may need to adapt some activities to suit your child.

Physical activity ideas for under 5s

All movement counts and the more, the better.

Activity ideas for under 5s include:

• tummy time
• playing with blocks and other objects
• messy play
• jumping
• walking
• dancing
• swimming
• playground activities
• climbing
• skipping
• active play, like hide and seek
• throwing and catching
• scooting
• riding a bike
• outdoor activities

Other age groups

Physical activity guidelines for:

• children and young people (5 to 18 years old)
• adults (19 to 64 years old)
• older adults (65 and over)

GOV.UK has more information including physical activity guidelines for disabled children, young people and adults

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