Developing healthy habits early in life sets up children for success! Ensuring your child is getting enough physical activity can be a challenge. Here are some tips and recommendations to help your little one stay active and healthy:
Recommendations based on age:
- Toddlers (12-36 months)
- 30+ minutes of structured physical activity daily
- 60+ minutes of unstructured physical activity daily
- Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- 60+ minutes of structured physical activity daily
- 60+ minutes of unstructured physical activity daily
- Should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time while awake
- Structured physical activities include things like games, moving to music, sports, etc.
- Unstructured physical activities include things like running, climbing, jumping, etc.
- Make sure your child is spending time EVERY day being physically active. Some great ideas are:
- Going on family walks (without a stroller if your little one can walk!)
- Visiting your local park, swimming pool, or beach
- Enrolling in gymnastics, dance, karate, swim, and other age-appropriate classes
- Remember! Children imitate adults- so lead by example and make physical activity a daily goal for everyone in the family!
- As always, if you have questions about physical activity for kids, consult your pediatrician.
For more information, visit these American Academy of Pediatrics and Health Dept. links:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/growing-healthy/Pages/preschool-activity.aspx
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/fitness/Pages/default.aspx
