Physical activity for early years
For healthy growth and development, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers need a balance of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep.
Why physical activity is important?
Physical activity:
- helps muscles and bones become stronger
- builds important connections in the brain
- improves memory, concentration, creativity and problem solving skills
How much physical activity does my infant, toddler or preschooler need?
The Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology) recommends:
- Infants (aged less than 1 year) should be physically active several times daily, particularly through floor-based play. Being active as an infant means tummy time, playing or rolling on the floor, crawling, reaching for or grasping balls or other toys. Active for life provides additional information on physical activity for infants.
- Toddlers (aged 1 to 2 years) and preschoolers (aged 3 to 4 years) should accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily at any intensity and in a variety of environments.
- In addition to activities that develop movement skills (Active for Life), they should work toward at least 60 minutes of energetic play by the age of 5 years. Being active as a toddler or preschooler means:
- participating in any activity that gets one moving
- climbing outside and exploring the environment
- crawling, brisk walking, running, or dancing
The older children get, the more energetic play they need, such as hopping, jumping, skipping, and bike riding.
Sit less
Sedentary behaviour is the time when children are doing very little physical movement, such as when they are restrained in a stroller or car seat, sitting for long periods, or watching television.
Children 0 to 4 years of age should not be restrained for more than one hour at a time (for example in a stroller or high chair).
Screen time is not recommended for infants and toddlers under 2 years of age and for children 2 to 4 years of age, no more than one hour per day.
Learn more about sedentary behaviours and screen time.
Tips to keep your child active
- Play a variety of activities with your young child that require skills such as running, jumping, kicking, climbing, catching, and throwing.
- Get some fresh air. Make outdoor games and active play part of every day. You can also enjoy quality family time by being active in a local playground, splash pad, or going to the beach for a swim. In the winter, outdoor activities like sliding and skating are great options for family fun. Remember to be sun safe when spending time outside at any time of year.
- Be a role model by being active with your child and take turns deciding which games to play.
Above all, make sure your young child has ample time to play both together, with you, as well as on their own. Make sure your child explores, to try out new activities and to enjoy movement. Activity needs to be fun, so take them to the park to play on the climbing frames, slides, and other equipment. Set time aside, every day, and get outside to play whenever you can.
Active for Life provides great ideas to keep young children active.
This item was last modified on March 28, 2024