First United Kingdom Physical Activity Guidelines for Kids Under Age 5
Parents should get their babies moving, even if the kids are not yet walking, according to new guidelines for physical activity for infants issued by the British Department of Health in July. The recommendations are the first in the UK to cover children from birth to age 4 and were developed to help prevent childhood obesity, as well as chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, musculoskeletal conditions, stroke and cancer later in life.
In an accompanying report, the UK’s four chief medical officers highlight why it’s so important for babies have a healthy, active start in life: Physical inactivity now ranks as the fourth leading cause of mortality globally, accounting for 6 percent of deaths, while obesity and overweight are the culprits in 5 percent of global mortality. The report also cites “strong” evidence that being physically active saves lives, since research shows a 30 percent risk reduction across studies in all-cause mortality in those who are the most physically active during the study period, compared to the least active participants.
Yet despite the many benefits of exercise, even very young children are becoming increasingly sedentary, with the British chief medical officers reporting that 3- and 4-year-olds in that country only spend a mean total of 120 to 150 minutes a day in active pursuits, compared to a mean of 10 to 11 hours of sedentary time. The new guidelines recommend that parents minimize the amount of time kids too young to walk spend sitting, watching TV, or being restrained in infant carriers or seats. The guidelines also discourage use of walkers and baby bouncers, since these limit free movement.
“It’s vital that parents introduce children to fun and physically active pastimes to prevent them from becoming obese children, who are likely to become obese adults at risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers,” said Maura Gillespie, head of policy and advocacy at the British Heart Foundation, in a statement. What are the best ways for parents to help babies get the exercise they need for enhance health and development? The British guidelines advise:
- Encouraging physical activity from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities with parents, in safe environments.
- Movement can be of any intensity and may include:
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- “Tummy time,” including any time spent on the stomach, such as rolling or playing on the floor. This type of activity helps babies exercise muscles and develop motor skills, while also providing parents and kids opportunities to bond.
- Games and activities that involve reaching for and grasping objects, pulling, pushing and playing with other people.
- Parent and baby swim sessions.
Both water- and floor-based exercise helps babies develop motor skills, improves their cognitive, bone and muscular development, helps them maintain a healthy weight, and aids learning social skills, the guidelines report. And here’s another great reason for parents to spend more time playing with their babies: it’s fun!
Connect the Dots
To learn more about the research behind the British guidelines, which also include new recommendations for kids under five who can walk, kids ages 5 to 18, adults ages 19 to 64, and older adults, read, “Start Active, Stay Active: A report on physical activity from the four home countries’ Chief Medical Officers.” For more news about protecting children’s health, also check out, “3 Healthy Habits to Prevent Childhood Obesity” and “Healthy School Days.”
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