Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age
1What parents should know
The first WHO guideline to look at movement, sitting and sleep together for young children. It gives daily numbers for each age group.
2How it relates to this stage
It covers children under 5 in three groups (under 1, 1–2 and 3–4 years). For ages 5 to 17, see the WHO 2020 guidelines.
3Reading notes
Our summary and paraphrase. Read alongside the source.- Under 1: active several times a day, including at least 30 minutes on the tummy if not yet mobile; screen time not recommended; 14–17 hours of sleep at 0–3 months and 12–16 hours at 4–11 months.
- 1–2 years: at least 180 minutes of activity at any intensity; no sedentary screen time at age 1 and no more than 1 hour at age 2; 11–14 hours of sleep.
- 3–4 years: at least 180 minutes of activity including 60 minutes moderate to vigorous; no more than 1 hour of sedentary screen time; 10–13 hours of sleep.
4How to use this resource
- Avoid keeping children restrained for more than an hour at a time, for example in a pram or car seat.
- When children are sitting still, read and tell stories together.
- Keep regular sleep and wake-up times.
5Sources and check record
The research behind it
Start with the finding, then check the study type, source and limits. We select research by topic; a programme’s overall effect does not establish the effect of each activity.Following about 2,400 children, more screen time at 2 and 3 years was linked to poorer developmental screening results a year or more later.
A meta-analysis of 42 studies. More screen use was linked to weaker language skills, while co-viewing with an adult and better-quality programmes were linked to stronger skills.
Related
Recommends an average of 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity for ages 5–17, and limiting sedentary time, especially recreational screen time.
An online tool from the American Academy of Pediatrics for agreeing screen and device rules as a family.
Under 18 months, avoid screen media other than video chatting. From 18 to 24 months, choose high-quality programmes and watch together. From 2 to 5 years, limit to 1 hour a day of high-quality programmes.