When should children start physical activity, and how much do they need?
Age-appropriate movement starts in infancy, long before organised sport. Babies need safe active play while awake. School-age children and teenagers generally need at least an hour of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily, adapted to their abilities.
Details
Babies and young children
Encourage reaching for toys and movement on a safe floor. Tummy time is for supervised awake periods, built up in short tolerable sessions; babies should be placed on their backs for sleep. Under-five guidance recommends varied movement throughout the day. One- and two-year-olds need about 180 minutes of activity at different intensities, not a continuous workout.
School-age children and teenagers
For ages six to seventeen, vary daily activity with brisk walking, games, cycling and enjoyable sports. Include muscle- and bone-strengthening play, such as climbing and jumping, on several days each week. Activity can be accumulated in shorter periods and increased gradually.
Safety and consistency
Use suitable protective equipment, safe spaces, water and breaks in hot weather. Persistent pain, fainting or unusual breathlessness warrants assessment. Chronic illness or disability calls for adapting activity with the care team rather than automatically excluding exercise.
Related reading: Is childhood obesity harmful, and how can I help without harming my child’s confidence?.