Sedentary Behaviour for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Sedentary behaviours are those that involve very little physical movement while children are awake, such as sitting or lying down. This includes time in a stroller or high chair, watching television or playing on tablets, computers or phones. Help children sit less and stand up for better health.
Sedentary behaviour for babies
What are the recommendations for sedentary time for babies?
Parents and caregivers should limit the time babies spend being sedentary. Babies should not be sitting or restrained (e.g., in a stroller, car seat, or high chair) for more than one hour at a time. For those under 2 years, screen time is not recommended.
Being less sedentary can help babies:
- Develop social skills
- Manage their feelings
- Improve language and attention
- Improve language skills
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Screen time for babies
According to the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), screen time (e.g., TV, computer, tablets, and phones) is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. There are no educational benefits to babies watching TV, and in fact, there are possible harms to a baby's learning and social development. Babies love spending time with other people, you are their best teacher and playmate.
Tips for reducing screen time for babies:
- Start thinking about how you will set limits and rules for screen time when your baby is over 2 years old.
- You are a role model, think about your own TV viewing. For starters, keep meal and snack times screen free! Enjoy your family and conversation even if it's for a few minutes.
- Keep TV's and computers out of bedrooms.
- Read to your baby. Children develop speech and language skills best through direct interactions with caring, loving, and attentive parents and caregivers.
Tips to help your baby sit less:
- Limit use of playpens and infant seats when baby is awake - ensure to provide your baby with lots of tummy time! For those not yet mobile, this includes at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day.
- Listen, respond and connect with your baby.
- Stop on long car trips for playtime.
- Take your baby outside every day.
- Make time every day for your baby to move.
Sedentary time for toddlers and preschoolers
What are the recommendations for sedentary time for toddlers?
Parents and caregivers should limit the time toddlers spend being sedentary. Toddlers should not be sitting or restrained (such as in a stroller, car seat, or high chair) for more than one hour at a time. For children 2 to 4 years old, screen time should be limited to under one hour per day; less is better.
Being less sedentary can help toddlers and preschoolers to:
- Develop social skills
- Manage their feelings
- Improve language and attention
- Improve language skills
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Screen time for toddlers and preschoolers
According to the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), for children 2 to 4 years, screen time (e.g., TV, computer, tablets, and phones) should be limited to under one hour per day; less is better. There are limited educational benefits to young children watching TV, and in fact, there are possible harms to a child's learning and social development. Children love spending time with other people, you are their best teacher and playmate! As a parent, you can reduce the amount of screen time for your toddler. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends the following tips for parents:
- Set limits and rules for screen time. Be present and engaged when screens are used.
- As a family, be mindful about the use of screen time. Be mindful of your TV and screen use, then develop a plan for screen use.
- Adults can model healthy screen use. Children should not have to compete with screens for parental attention. Parents can initiate healthy alternatives, such as outdoor play and reading. Turn off devices during family time.
- Keep TV's and computers out of bedrooms.
- Read to your toddler. Children develop speech and language skills best through direct interactions with caring, loving, and attentive parents and caregivers.
Tips for reducing screen time for toddlers and preschoolers:
- Read to your toddler.
- Limit use of playpens and seats for toddlers are awake.
- Listen, respond and connect with your child.
- Stop on long car trips for playtime.
- Take your baby outside every day.
- Make time every day for your child to move!
- Keep meal and snack times screen free!