Birth To 5 Years 24hr Guidelines Brochure
Birth To 5 Years 24hr Guidelines Brochure
Birth To 5 Years 24hr Guidelines Brochure
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The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
Guidelines
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include a picture of what a child’s day
during a 24-hour period should look
like, including active play, time spent
HOUR
for healthy
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growth and
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sitting and lying down, and ideal es
amount of sleep.
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well-being; better motor skills; healthier weight;
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as well as reduced injuries.
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As young children grow and develop, they
need to work towards more time in active HOUR
play, less time sitting and sufficient sleep
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each day to be healthy.
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Note: These guidelines are relevant to all apparently healthy infants
No one day will be the same, so you may use (less than 1 year); toddlers (1–2 years); and pre-schoolers (3–5 years) the Early Years
the information as a guide to help shape a irrespective of gender, cultural or language background, geographic (birth to 5 years)
location, or socio-economic status of the family. These guidelines
child’s daily activities to best support their may be appropriate for young children with a disability or medical Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early
healthy growth and development. condition; however, a health professional should be consulted for
Years (birth to 5 years): An Integration of Physical
additional guidance.
Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep
Babies (infants) Pre-schoolers (3–5 years)
under 1 year of age •• Physical activity: At least 180 minutes spent
in a variety of physical activities, of which
•• Physical activity: Being physically active several times a
at least 60 minutes is energetic play, spread
day in a variety of ways, particularly through supervised
throughout the day; more is better;
interactive floor-based play, including crawling; more
is better. For those not yet mobile, this includes at least
General advice 30 minutes of tummy time, which includes reaching
•• Sedentary behaviour: Not being restrained for
more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller
Have fun! Move and and grasping, pushing and pulling, spread throughout
the day while awake;
or car seat) or sitting for extended periods.
play every day! Sedentary screen time should be no more
than 1 hour; less is better. When sedentary,
•• Sedentary behaviour: Not being restrained for more than
engaging in pursuits such as reading, singing,
Don’t be restricted by your environment – 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller, car seat or high chair).
puzzles and storytelling with a caregiver
Screen time is not recommended. When sedentary,
you can be safe and active in all seasons, is encouraged; and
engaging in pursuits such as reading, singing, puzzles
in all weather, indoors, and outdoors. and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged; and
•• Sleep: 10 to 13 hours of good quality sleep,
Remember play can involve other children,
which may include a nap, with consistent
adults or the child alone. •• Sleep: 14 to 17 hours (for those aged 0–3 months)
sleep and wake‑up times.
and 12 to 16 hours (for those aged 4–11 months)
Encourage children to try a range of of good quality sleep, including naps.
If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t
activities including obstacle courses (for worry, you don’t have to change everything
walkers, crawlers or shufflers!), tips, hide
and seek, dancing and skipping. Practice
Toddlers (1–2 years) within a day. Begin to add more movement,
engaging quiet play and sleep over time.
activities like catching, kicking or throwing, •• Physical activity: At least 180 minutes spent in a variety While changing a routine may seem difficult,
but remember, slower paced activities such of physical activities, including energetic play, spread parents can make positive changes,
as puzzles, painting, water play, singing or throughout the day; more is better; gradually helping their child to be healthier,
craft are just as important. happier, smarter and stronger.
•• Sedentary behaviour: Not being restrained for more
than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller, car seat or
high chair) or sitting for extended periods. For those
What about sleep? younger than 2 years, sedentary screen time is not
recommended. For those aged 2 years, sedentary Tip! Unsupervised use of screens while
Sleep is essential for a healthy screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is a child is sedentary for long periods of time,
better. When sedentary, engaging in pursuits such can lead to language delays, reduced
child: a well-rested child is an
as reading, singing, puzzles and storytelling with a attention spans, lower levels of school
active child, and an active
caregiver is encouraged; and readiness and poorer decision-making.
child is a well-rested child.
This is due to the child’s reduced social
Sleep can be assisted through •• Sleep: 11 to 14 hours of good quality sleep, including
interaction with parents
developing healthy hygiene patterns in the naps, with consistent sleep and wake‑up times.
and carers. Quality
early years, including consistent bedtimes sedentary behaviour
and wake up times, as well as calming like reading, storytelling
bedtime routines. Tip! Getting the right amount of sleep, and and puzzles support
replacing time spent sitting with more energetic healthier growth and
play, can provide greater health benefits. development.
Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (birth to 5 years) An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep