Physical Activity Resources

Activities That Promote Physical Wellbeing

Establishing a path for healthy lifestyles decreases a child's risk of obesity and all the health conditions related to being overweight:

Encourage activity several times daily (30-60 minutes a day)
Limit TV to less than 2 hours a day
Be a role model for physical activity
Focus on fun, not performance and let children help choose the activity
Active play should sometimes lead to increased breathing or sweating
Activities for young children should be age- appropriate, enjoyable, and variable
Avoid using the removal of active play time as a form of punishment
Children’s energy may occur in bursts, and while they should guide their activities, opportunities and safety should be monitored by the provider

Benefits of Physical Activity

Maintenance of a healthy weight
Reduces risk of future, chronic health issues, such as diabetes
Promotion of muscular, brain, and bone development
Balance, movement, coordination skills
Fostering of social skills through interactions with others
Encourages self-confidence and independence
Creates an opportunity and outlet for imagination

Promoting Healthy Quiet Time

Although children need quiet time, make sure they are not inactive for too long and encourage quiet activities besides TV, such as crafts or reading. This allows the child to relax before nap times.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Infants

Physical activity can take a different form and hold a different purpose for infants versus children. Active play with an infant allows for first-time opportunities to learn and develop, to explore and move around helping them to grow more aware and gain strength. However, be wary of a young infant’s curiosity as they like to reach for items, crawl around, and play with various objects as it can quickly become a safety issue.

The following are some guidelines for activities for infants per AAP and WIC standards:

Infants should be taken outside 2-3 times a day although there is no recommended duration of time
They should have supervised tummy time every day while they are awake for short periods of time (3-5 minutes), increasing the amount of time slowly
Ways to promote tummy time can be as simple as placing yourself or a toy just out of their reach during playtime to encourage them to reach, scoot, or crawl
Infants should not be seated for more than 15 minutes except during meals or naps
Sedentary equipment such as swings, seats, and stationary activity centers should be used for short periods of time
It is important to limit a restrictive environment and allow a safe space for exploration (such as crawling) and growth
Activities can be as simple as:
- Stretching arms
- Rolling over
- Wiggling toes
- Shaking or gripping a rattle
- Popping bubbles that you blow
- Peek-a-boo

Safety

It is your responsibility to supervise the safety of active play; do not mix meal/snack time with physical activity
Always stretch before and after to prevent strain
Wear proper equipment for activities, ex. protective equipment such as helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, etc.
As a measurement of appropriate intensity: heavy breathing is fine if a child is still able to talk
Make sure children know to stop if they begin to feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous
Use sunscreen for outdoor activities
Supervise children who can participate in water activities closely

Resources

The Power of Play (English) PDF handout that explains how to safely and properly play with your baby (Spanish PDF)
Get Moving Today! Activity Calendar a monthly calendar with fun and creative play activities for children
Get Kids Moving Child Care Provider website with "Best Practices" in Physical Activity for Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-Schoolers
Sesame Street Healthy Habits healthy habits for young children with the "We Have the Moves" series
Smart from the Start lessons for parents and educators to create healthy habits
Ages and Stages in Child Care information for child care providers about basic child development
Hands-on Activities Database database with of Child Care Activities
Motion Moments in Child Care video series providing caregivers and teachers ways to weave in physical activities

References:

AAP – Active Opportunities for Physical Activity
AAP – Physical Activity: How Much is Needed?
My Plate – Healthy Tips for Active Play
WIC – Playing with Your Baby