Keeping your children physically active in the early years can help the young child:
- Improve movement skills
- Increase fitness
- Build a healthy heart
- Have fun and feel happy
- Develop self-confidence
- Be at a healthy weight
- Improve learning and attention
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
For infants (aged less than 1 year) the focus should be on tummy time, reaching and grabbing for toys, playing or rolling on the floor and crawling. Provide a safe environment with active supervision.
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers should be encouraged to participate in a variety of age-appropriate, enjoyable, safe physical activities that support their healthy growth and development. Patience and encouragement will help them build confidence. Look for activities that can be done together and be a role model for physical activity.
Active for Life provides a list of activities for babies and toddlers that will develop their physical literacy.
Providing opportunities for your child to develop the basic movement skills early in life will build their confidence, competence and self-esteem to lead healthy active lives.
Last modified on: July 30, 2019