The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years provide comprehensive recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children from birth to 5 years. The following article provides information About The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years, Key Recommendations, and more.
About The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years
The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years provide comprehensive recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children from birth to 5 years. These guidelines are designed to support healthy growth and development in young children. Here are the key recommendations:
For Infants (Birth to 1 Year)
-
Physical Activity: Engage in supervised interactive floor-based play several times a day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day.
-
Sedentary Behavior: Avoid restraining infants for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller or car seat). Screen time is not recommended.
-
Sleep: Ensure 14-17 hours (0-3 months) and 12-16 hours (4-11 months) of good quality sleep, including naps.
For Toddlers (1 to 2 Years)
-
Physical Activity: Accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity at any intensity throughout the day, including energetic play.
-
Sedentary Behavior: Avoid restraining toddlers for more than 1 hour at a time. Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day; less is better.
-
Sleep: Ensure 11-14 hours of good quality sleep, including naps, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
For Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)
-
Physical Activity: Accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity, with at least 60 minutes of energetic play.
-
Sedentary Behavior: Avoid restraining preschoolers for more than 1 hour at a time. Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day; less is better.
-
Sleep: Ensure 10-13 hours of good quality sleep, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
General Advice
-
Active Play: Encourage a variety of activities, including obstacle courses, hide and seek, dancing, and skipping.
-
Environment: Create a safe and engaging environment for active play, both indoors and outdoors.
-
Role Modeling: Parents and caregivers should model active behavior to encourage children to be active.
Key Recommendations
For Infants (Birth to 1 Year)
-
Physical Activity: Engage in supervised interactive floor-based play several times a day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day.
-
Sedentary Behavior: Avoid restraining infants for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller or car seat). Screen time is not recommended.
-
Sleep: Ensure 14-17 hours (0-3 months) and 12-16 hours (4-11 months) of good quality sleep, including naps.
For Toddlers (1 to 2 Years)
-
Physical Activity: Accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity at any intensity throughout the day, including energetic play.
-
Sedentary Behavior: Avoid restraining toddlers for more than 1 hour at a time. Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day; less is better.
-
Sleep: Ensure 11-14 hours of good quality sleep, including naps, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
For Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)
-
Physical Activity: Accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity, with at least 60 minutes of energetic play.
-
Sedentary Behavior: Avoid restraining preschoolers for more than 1 hour at a time. Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day; less is better.
-
Sleep: Ensure 10-13 hours of good quality sleep, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
General Advice
-
Active Play: Encourage a variety of activities, including obstacle courses, hide and seek, dancing, and skipping.
-
Environment: Create a safe and engaging environment for active play, both indoors and outdoors.
-
Role Modeling: Parents and caregivers should model active behavior to encourage children to be active.
Further Reading
Spontaneous Play In Early Childhood
Munch & Move Healthy Eating and Active Play
Play Active Program By Telethon Educational Institute
The Value Of Play
Reference:
Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Australian Government, Department Of Health





The Children’s Services Award introduces a streamlined classification system and updated pay rates designed to better recognise the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of early childhood
Children need safe and positive environments to learn and grow. To ensure this, services and educators need to ensure effective supervision at all times. The
Floorbook is a documentation approach that uses a large book with blank pages for children to record different aspects of their learning in small groups
In Norway and most other Scandinavian countries, children nap in the outdoors. According, to research outdoor sleeping not only promotes better daytime sleeping, but it
Nature programs in early childhood settings are a fantastic way to connect children with the natural world and promote holistic development. The following article provides
From 2026, every educator covered by the Children’s Services Award will move into a new, simplified classification structure. Instead of navigating 30 different levels, educators
Schemas are patterns of repeated behavior that allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play and exploration. The following article
The following article lists 30 art and craft descriptions and links to the EYLF. These can be used as a blurb, during observations, used for
Positive phrases play a crucial role in children's growth because they help nurture their emotional, social, and cognitive development. The following article lists 30 positive
From the earliest months of life, babies thrive when given opportunities to experience the outdoors. Nature is not just a backdrop for play—it is a


