1 How much physical activity do young children need?

Physical activity for early years (birth - 5 years) infographic

Active children are healthy, happy, school ready and sleep better

• Builds relationships and social skills
• Improves sleep
• Maintains health and weight
• Develops muscles and bones
• Contributes to brain development and learning
• Encourages movement and coordination.

Every movement counts. For under-1s aim for at least 30 minutes across the day of tummy.

Aim for at least 180 minutes per day for children 1-5 years:

• Object play
• Swim
• Messy play
• Dance
• Walk
• Jump
• Throw/catch
• Games
• Scoot
• Playground
• Climb
• Skip
• Play
• Bike.

Get Strong. Move more. Break up inactivity.

For better health, infants under 1 year should have each day:

• at least 30 minutes physical activity
• 0 minutes sedentary screen time
• 14-17 hours (0-3 months of age), 12-16 (4-11 months of age) good quality sleep.

For better health, children 1-2 years of age should have each day:

• at least 180 minutes physical activity
• 0 minutes sedentary screen time (1 year of age), no more than 60 minutes sedentary screen time (2 years of age)
• 11-14 hours good quality sleep..

For better health, children 3-4 years of age should have each day:

• at least 180 minutes physical activity, of which at least 60 minutes moderate to vigorous
• no more than 60 minutes sedentary screen time
• 10-13 hours good quality sleep.