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
Progressive mealtimes are giving an opportunity for children to choose when they want to eat within a certain timeframe instead of eating at a set
Celebrating children's birthdays is important to the child and their families. The following article provides information on Ideas To Celebrate Birthdays In Early Childhood, Healthier
On 26 January we celebrate Australia Day. A day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our
Parent / Educator meetings help build respectful and positive relationships and enable educators and parents to share information about the child. Meetings add to the casual,
While the function of a learning curriculum is to lay out what is going to be taught to children, pedagogical approaches covers all the ways
Holistic approaches in early childhood include a spectrum of teaching goals and practices that facilitates all aspects – physical, emotional social as well as academic – of
Writing transition statements in early childhood education is an important task that helps ensure a smooth transition for children moving from early childhood settings to
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
Educational Leaders play a crucial role in their early childhood service by ensuring that the educational program aligns with best practices and supports the holistic
Celebrating Halloween in early childhood settings in Australia can be a fun and enriching experience. The following article provides the Pros and Cons Of Celebrating
