Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years look at a child’s whole day: moving, sitting and sleeping. Here’s what they recommend, in plain language.
General information only. Every child is different, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Babies (under 1)
- Move: several times a day, in lots of ways, especially floor play. For babies not yet crawling, aim for at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread through the day.
- Sit less: avoid being strapped in (stroller, high chair, car seat) for more than an hour at a time.
- Screens: not recommended.
- Sleep: 14 to 17 hours a day for newborns (0 to 3 months), and 12 to 16 hours for 4 to 11 months, including naps.
Toddlers (1 to 2)
- Move: at least 180 minutes a day of any kind of activity, spread through the day. More is better.
- Sit less: no more than an hour at a time strapped in.
- Screens: not recommended under 2. At 2, no more than 1 hour a day, and less is better.
- Sleep: 11 to 14 hours, including naps, with regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
Preschoolers (3 to 4)
- Move: at least 180 minutes a day, including at least 60 minutes of energetic play (running, jumping, dancing).
- Screens: no more than 1 hour a day, and less is better.
- Sleep: 10 to 13 hours, which may include a nap.
Making it work
- Build movement into the day: dance while you tidy, walk to the park, take the stairs.
- A calm bedtime routine helps: bath, story, bed, at about the same time each night.
- When screens are on, choose quality content and watch together when you can. Keep screens out of bedrooms and away from meals.
Safe sleep for babies
Place babies on their back to sleep, in their own crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm mattress and no pillows, bumpers or soft toys. Sharing a room (not a bed) for the first six months is recommended.
Read the full guidelines at the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (csepguidelines.ca).