How early years children can stay active
How you can encourage babies and young children to be active.
Babies that are not yet mobile
Being active should be encouraged from birth. Even small babies can be encouraged to move more.
For babies that are not yet mobile, 30 minutes of tummy time spread across the day while awake should be encouraged. However, this may be an unfamiliar movement for a baby, so start with 1 to 2 minutes and gradually increase the duration.
Reaching for toys, rolling over, or playing all involve moving and should be encouraged.
If you’ve recently given birth, you might enjoy being active with your baby.
Read guidance on physical activity for women after childbirth: birth to 12 months.
Toddlers and pre-schoolers (1 to 4 years)
Toddlers and pre-schoolers (1 to 4 years) should be encouraged to spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) a day in a variety of physical activities, both indoor and outdoor play, spread throughout the day.
More is better. The 180 minutes should include at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.
Read guidance on how your child (1 to 5 years) can move more.