Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit - Physical Activity

HEALTHY INFANTS & CHILDREN

We all want the best for our children. We want them to grow up healthy and feeling great. As a busy parent or caregiver you can put these everyday ideas into action to help your child be active.

Physical inactivity has become a serious problem all across Canada. Children tend to be more active if their parents are active with them. By providing ways to be physically active and participating in these activities, parents can influence how the child feels about physical activity. These inexpensive and simple strategies can make physical activity fun for both parents and their young children.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity is an important part of early brain development and learning.
If given opportunities to explore and learn, children develop complex movements such as running, jumping, and climbing.
Physical activity will help infants achieve their full developmental potential.

Good to Know:
Young children may not stay active for long periods of time. So add up physical activity in short periods of time (e.g. 10 minutes) throughout the day.

Physical Development for Infants (0-12 months)

• 2 months

Lifts head, holds erect and steady, moves arms and legs

• 4 months

Prop sits, supports self on forearms

• 6 months

Pushes up on hands when on their tummy. Rolls over
(back to front, front to back)

• 9 months

Crawls and pivots on tummy

• 9-12 months

Stands alone with support

• 12 months

Walks holding onto hands or furniture

Physical Development for Toddlers and Preschoolers (1-5 years)

• 18-24 months	Runs, kicks a ball, squats when playing
• 2-3 years	Walks upstairs and downstairs, climbs over furniture
• 3-4 years	Climbs on jungle gym, stands on one foot, rides a tricycle
• 4-5 years	Balances on a beam, skips, enjoys throwing and catching a ball

Did you know?
Toddlers need at least 30 minutes of daily structured physical activity and preschoolers need at least 60 minutes.

Warm Weather Activity Ideas

Go to a playground if it is equipped for young children
Play hopscotch on the sidewalk
Walk to a farmers’ market. Buy something to prepare and eat at home

Winter Weather Activity Ideas

Create snow angels, go sledding or go to a nearby rink and go skating
Take a neighborhood walk
Roll a small amount of snow into a ball and play catch (underhand throws only)

Resources:
Physical Activity for Infants (PAP-24)
Physical Activity for Young Children (PAP-25)

Links: