Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age

Overview

Early childhood is a period of rapid physical and cognitive development and a time during which a child’s habits are formed and family lifestyle habits are open to changes and adaptations.

The WHO Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age provide recommendations on the amount of time in a 24-hour day that young children, under 5 years of age, should spend being physically active or sleeping for their health and wellbeing, and the maximum recommended time these children should spend on screen-based sedentary activities or time restrained. They were developed using the best available evidence, expert consensus and consideration of values and preferences, acceptability, feasibility, equity and resource implications.

Related documents: 

• Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age: summary
• Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age: web annex : evidence profiles