Abstracted by Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS

Did you catch from last week’s posting the amount of sleep required for infants under one year of age? Many of my friends said they were surprised by the hours of sleep required for this age group. Good to know that we are in tune with the recommendation from the WHO.

To continue this important topic, let us review the physical activity recommended for children from 1-4 years of age.

In a 24-hour day, children 1-2 years of age should:

• Spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity, including moderate – to vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day; more is better;
• Not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregiver’s back) or sit for extended periods of time.
  • For 1 year olds, sedentary screen time (such as watching TV or videos, playing computer games) is not recommended.
  • For those aged 2 years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better.
• When sedentary, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged; and
• Have 11 – 14 hours of good quality sleep, including naps, with regular sleep and wake-up times. 

In a 24 –hour day, children 3-4 years of age should:

• Spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity, of which at least 60 minutes is moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread through the day; more is better;
• Not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers) or sit for extended periods of time.
  • Sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better.
• When sedentary, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged; and
• Have 10 – 13 hours of good quality sleep, which may include a nap, with regular sleep and wake – up times. 

Your homework this week from the Care Ministry: share this information with young parents.

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