Physical activity for early years: birth to 5 years (text of the infographic)
Published 7 September 2019
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The infographic summarises the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines, 2019.
Active children are healthy, happy, school-ready and sleep better.
Physical activity:
- builds relationships and social skills
- maintains health and weight
- contributes to brain development and learning
- improves sleep
- develops muscles and bones
- encourages movement and co-ordination
Every movement counts.
Get strong. Move more. Break up inactivity.
Children aged 1 to 5 years
Aim for at least 180 minutes per day for children aged 1 to 5 years.
Examples of appropriate physical activity include:
- playground
- jumping
- climbing
- messy play
- throwing and catching
- skipping
- object play
- dancing
- games
- playing
- swimming
- walking
- using a scooter
- riding a bike
Under 1s
Aim for at least 30 minutes across the day for under 1s.
Examples of appropriate physical activity include those listed above, and tummy time.