Keeping Kids Active

As parents and caregivers, are we relying too heavily on playpens, baby seats, and television? Apparently so! The first-ever physical activity guidelines for infants and toddlers has been developed by the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE).

The guidelines were developed out of concern not only for childhood obesity, but also for correct physical and cognitive development of our infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Many professionals believe that sedentary activities can delay developmental milestones such as rolling over, climbing, and hand-eye coordination, just to name a few. Therefore, infants should be encouraged to be physically active from the beginning of life.

In this most recent study, NASPE has provided 5 guidelines in two age categories, for the parents, caregivers, teachers and health care professions of infants and children under three. These guidelines address the types of physical activity and environments children should exposed to.

Infant Guidelines:

1. Infants should interact with parents and/or caregivers in daily physical activities that are dedicated to promoting the exploration of their environment.



2. Infants should be placed in safe settings that facilitate physical activity and do not restrict movement for prolonged periods of time.



3. Infants' physical activity should promote the development of movement skills.



4. Infants should have an environment that meets or exceeds recommended safety standards for performing large muscle activities.



5. Individuals responsible for the well-being of infants should be aware of the importance of physical activity, and facilitate the child's movement skills.

1. Toddlers should accumulate at least 30 minutes daily of structured physical activity; preschoolers, at least 60 minutes.



2. Toddlers and preschoolers should engage in at least 60 minutes and up to several hours per day of daily, unstructured physical activity and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except when sleeping.



3. Toddlers and preschoolers should develop movement skills that are building blocks for more complex movement tasks; preschoolers should develop competence in movement skills that are building blocks for more complex movement tasks.



4. Toddlers and preschoolers should have indoor and outdoor areas that meet or exceed recommended safety standards for performing large muscle activities.



5. Individuals responsible for the well-being of toddlers and preschoolers should be aware of the importance of physical activity and facilitate the child's movement skills.