Physical Play
Regular physical activity is recommended for both adults and children to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is especially important for young children between the age of 0 – 5, as the first 5 years are the most crucial for growth and development. Starting physical activity young can build a good habit that will follow them as they grow older.
The ACT Health Department recommends:
- Babies (1 year and under)
Babies should be actively engaged multiple times a day. Infants who are not yet mobile can play on their tummy for at least half an hour throughout the day.
- Toddlers (1 – 2 years)
Toddlers have high levels of energy that you might find challenging to keep up with. The health department recommends at least 3 hours of active play throughout the day.
- Pre-schoolers (3 – 5 years)
Pre-schoolers should have at least an hour of physical activity a day. It is recommended to start introducing aerobic and strength-building exercises during this stage.
Physical activity should be paired with sufficient good quality sleep. Your child needs adequate rest to repair their bodies and retain the skills they learned while engaging in physical activity.
Read the full blog post here.