The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued new guidelines for toddlers, emphasising the need for three hours of physical play, eleven hours of sleep, and no screen time for children under the age of two. This guidance aims to address rising concerns about children’s health and physical activity levels globally. The WHO’s recommendations are part of a broader effort to combat the alarming statistics that show over 23 per cent of adults and 80 per cent of adolescents do not meet the recommended physical activity standards.

Dr Juana Willumsen, a WHO expert in childhood obesity and physical activity, stated that the shift from sedentary behaviour to active play is essential for children’s development. The guidelines, released in April 2019, stress the importance of establishing healthy movement habits early on. The WHO panel evaluated the negative effects of inadequate sleep, prolonged periods of restrained movement, and exposure to screens, concluding that replacing screen time with physical activities significantly benefits children’s growth and health.

Recommendations for Infants and Toddlers

For infants under one year, the WHO recommends that babies engage in physical activities multiple times a day, even before they can walk. This includes at least thirty minutes of tummy time throughout their waking hours. The guidelines advise against restraining infants in prams or high chairs for more than one hour at a time, and they do not recommend any sedentary screen time. Instead, caregivers are encouraged to engage in reading, singing, or storytelling during quiet moments.

Infants aged 0–3 months should receive between fourteen to seventeen hours of quality sleep daily, while those aged 4–11 months require twelve to sixteen hours. For toddlers aged one to two years, the focus shifts to continuous movement, with at least 180 minutes of physical activity recommended throughout the day. Screen time for one-year-olds should be entirely avoided, while two-year-olds should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, with less being preferable.

Additionally, toddlers should aim for eleven to fourteen hours of quality sleep in a 24-hour period, including regular naps and consistent sleep-wake schedules. The emphasis is on creating a balanced routine that prioritises active play over passive activities.

Physical Activity for Preschoolers

For children aged three to four years, the WHO guidelines highlight the importance of incorporating physical intensity into daily activities. Preschoolers should engage in at least 180 minutes of physical activity each day, with a minimum of sixty minutes dedicated to moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercises such as running and jumping. Extended periods of sitting or being restrained in strollers should be limited to under one hour.

Screen time for this age group should also be restricted to one hour or less per day. The recommended sleep duration for children aged three to four years is between ten to thirteen hours, which should include an afternoon nap. The WHO’s recommendations are designed not only to discourage bad habits but also to lay the groundwork for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

By promoting active play and interactive reading, caregivers can help establish lifelong patterns of physical and mental well-being in children. These guidelines serve as a crucial framework for parents and caregivers in nurturing healthy habits from an early age.

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