Question

Write down Physical activities exercise guidelines for children under 5 years of age. 

Answer 1

According to WHO, the physical activity guidelines for children under 5 years are divided into three age groups.

A. Infants (Less than 1 year):

• Provide enough space and a safe environment for free movement and exploration.
• Encourage active play throughout the day such as reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling and supervised floor play.
• Include at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread over the day.
• Use safe, non-toxic, age-appropriate play equipment; crawling and rolling should be done on a soft mat or sheet.
• When not active, engage infants in calm activities like listening to stories.
• Sleep: 14-17 hours for 0-3 months; 12-16 hours of good-quality sleep including naps for 4-11 months.

B. Toddlers (1-2 years):

• Do not allow inactivity for more than one hour at a time, including time spent in prams, strollers, high chairs or sitting.
• Encourage basic activities such as walking, running, jumping, throwing and catching.
• Screen-based activities such as television and computer games are not recommended.
• Limit quiet activities like reading and storytelling to one hour.
• Sleep: 11-14 hours of good-quality sleep including naps, with regular sleep and wake times.

C. Children (3-4 years):

• Be physically active for at least 180 minutes daily, spread throughout the day.
• Include at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activities such as running, jumping, hopping and skipping.
• Include light activities like moving around and playing, as well as active play like climbing, cycling, water play, chasing games and ball games.
• Sedentary time should not exceed one hour; during this time encourage reading and storytelling.
• Sleep: 10-13 hours of good-quality sleep including naps, with regular sleep and wake times.