Did you know that there are recommendations from the WHO (World Health Organization) for physical activity in children of all ages, including babies?

The recommendations are divided by age group as follows:

• age less than 12 months
• age between 1 and 4 years
• age between 5 and 17 years

Up to 12 months: They must be stimulated daily, from a physical point of view:

• Babies who are not yet mobile – “tummy time”: lying on their stomach for a few minutes, several times a day (up to about 30 minutes a day), while awake.
• Interactive floor play: no time limit - the more, the merrier!
• They should not stay for more than 1 hour in: strollers, high chairs, cloths, slings, kangaroos, sun loungers,…
• NO screen time is recommended.

Between 1 and 4 years: They must be stimulated daily, from a physical point of view:

• Between 12 and 24 months, the WHO recommends that children spend AT LEAST 180 minutes distributed throughout the day, in a variety of physical activities, of any intensity, including physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity - the more, the better!
• Between 3 and 4 years of age, the same 180 minutes of daily physical activity are recommended, with at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity.
• From 12 months to 4 years, they should not stay for more than 1 hour at a time in: prams, high chairs, sun loungers, car seats, washcloths, etc.) and between 12 and 24 months they should also not sit for long periods of time.
  
• For children aged 12 to 24 months, NO screen time (watching TV or videos, computer games, cell phones) is still recommended . Between 2 and 4 years of age, screen time should not exceed 60 minutes - the less the better!

From 5 to 17 years old:

• Between the ages of 5 and 17, 60 minutes of daily physical activity, of moderate to vigorous intensity, is recommended. Higher intensity aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscles and bones (strength exercises), should be carried out at least 3 times a week.
• “Sedentary” time, particularly recreational screen time, should be limited.

Physical exercise in children and adolescents brings numerous benefits, including stimulating the production of growth hormone and increasing bone mass, regulating body composition, releasing endorphins related to pleasure and well-being, and improving sleep quality. .

It also contributes to adequate social and neuropsychomotor development.

The family is a great example!

Author: Dr. Daniela Amaral

General Pediatrician and Pediatric Endocrinologist