Being active is an important aspect of children’s development. Movement helps with healthy growth and motor development. It also increases children's learning and self-esteem. 

​Kids should do a variety of movements and activities during the day.

​Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: The Early Years​
A healthy 24 hours includes physical activity, sedentary behaviour, healthy eating, and sleep:

Move More

• Under 1 year old: Should spend plenty of time doing floor-based play. At least 30 minutes of tummy time during the day.

• ​​1-4 years old: Should spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) doing a variety of activities. Those activities should be of different intensities and spread throughout the day.
• The older children get, the more energetic play they need.

​
Sit Less

• Under 2 years old: Screen time is not recommended. Should not be kept seated for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a car seat or a highchair).
• ​2-4 years old: No more than 1 hour of screen time per day. Should also not be kept seated for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a car seat or a highchair).

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What is floor-based play for infants? It can be as simple as crawling around the house. It can also be playing with toys on the ground or reaching to grab objects.

​Here are some examples of energetic play for children:

• Playing outside
• Running
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Biking
• Scooter riding
• Etc.