Toddlers and Preschoolers
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years
For healthy growth and development, toddlers and preschoolers should achieve the recommended balance of physical activity, high-quality sedentary behaviour and sufficient sleep.
For toddlers (aged 1 to 2 years), a healthy 24-hours includes:
Movement
At least 180 minutes spent in a variety of physical activities at any intensity, including energetic play, spread throughout the day – more is better.
Sleep
Eleven to 14 hours of good-quality sleep, including naps, with consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
Sit (sedentary behaviour)
- Not being restrained or sitting for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller or high chair).
- Sedentary screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years. For those aged 2 years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour – less is better.
- When sedentary, high quality activities such as reading or storytelling with a caregiver should be encouraged.
For preschoolers (aged 3 to 4 years), a healthy 24-hours includes:
Movement
- At least 180 minutes spent in a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, of which at least 60 minutes is energetic play – more is better.
Sleep
- Ten to 13 hours of good-quality sleep, which may include a nap, with consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
Sit (sedentary behaviour)
- Not being restrained or sitting for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller or high chair).
- Sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour – less is better.
- When sedentary, high quality activities such as reading or storytelling with a caregiver should be encouraged.
Tips for being active with your toddler or preschooler
Toddlers (aged 1 to 2 years) and preschoolers (aged 3 to 4 years) enjoy actively exploring their environments. Create safe places and make time for play. The older your child gets, the more energetic play they need, such as hopping, jumping, skipping, and bike riding.
- Play outside-run under the garden hose, blow bubbles and chase them in the wind, or make snow angels.
- Make an obstacle course with pillows, cushions, and boxes-go through it together or take turns.
- Climb stairs and hop around the house.
- Enjoy rainy days-bring tub toys outside to play or jump over and splash around in puddles.
- Divide simple chores and yard work-putting away toys and raking leaves.
- Sing action songs together.
- Explore new areas by crawling, brisk walking, running and dancing.