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)
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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.
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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.
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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)
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Physical Activity: Accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity at any intensity throughout the day, including energetic play.
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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.
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Sleep: Ensure 11-14 hours of good quality sleep, including naps, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
For Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)
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Physical Activity: Accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity, with at least 60 minutes of energetic play.
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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.
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Sleep: Ensure 10-13 hours of good quality sleep, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
General Advice
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Active Play: Encourage a variety of activities, including obstacle courses, hide and seek, dancing, and skipping.
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Environment: Create a safe and engaging environment for active play, both indoors and outdoors.
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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





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