Big kids aren't the only ones who need physical activity as a part of their daily well-being. Now that the World Health Organization (WHO) has released guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavor for infants, ages 1-2 and toddlers 3-4, getting littles moving is more important than ever. That's because up to 80 percent of adolescents are insufficiently active, the WHO says, so building up a desire to be active must begin in childhood.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION'S
NEW GUIDELINES
INFANTS (less than 12 months old)
• Should get at least 30 minutes per day in the "prone" position, i.e. "tummy time. It can be spread throughout the day. In addition, the more interactive floor-based play you can get them, the better.
• Should not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time. This includes strollers, high chairs and baby carriers.
AGES 1 – 2
• Should get at least 30 minutes per day in the "prone" position, i.e. "tummy time. It can be spread throughout the day. In addition, the more interactive floor-based play you can get them, the better.
• Should not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time. This includes strollers, high chairs and baby carriers.
AGES 3 – 4
• Should get at least 180 minutes per day in a variety of physical activities. At least 60 of those minutes should be at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity. The more, the better.
• Should not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time, as in a stroller, or sit for extended periods of time. This includes strollers, high chairs and baby carriers.
AGES 5 and up
• Should get at least one hour per day of physical activity that is moderate-to-vigorous in intensity.
