June 6, 2019—To grow up healthy, how much play time, screen time and sleep should a young child get in a day?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has some crucial advice. In fact, it released new guidelines for kids under 5 earlier this year.
The takeaway from this review of scientific evidence: Children need to play more, sit less and get enough high-quality shuteye. Together, these three things can help kids:
- Thrive physically and emotionally.
- Avoid childhood obesity.
- Reduce the risk of health problems later in life.
Here's what WHO advises for each age group under 5:
Under 1 year
- Help your baby be active in a variety of ways. For example, get on the floor and play together—the more, the better. And give babies at least 30 minutes of tummy time (while awake) throughout the day.
- Limit time in strollers, high chairs and packs. Your child shouldn't be restrained for more than one hour at a time.
- Avoid screen time altogether.
- When not actively playing, read or tell stories to your baby.
- Your child needs 14 to 17 hours of sleep daily, including naps, until 3 months of age. Then aim for 12 to 16 hours a day.
1 to 2 years old
- Your child needs at least three hours of active play each day. Some of this time should be spent on high-energy activities, like walking, running or using a playground.
- Limit time in strollers, high chairs or packs. Your child shouldn't be restrained for more than one hour at a time. Don't let your child sit still for a long time either.
- For 1 year olds, steer clear of screens entirely. For 2 year olds, keep screen time to no more than one hour a day—and less is better.
- When your child is not actively playing, read or tell stories together.
- Your child needs 11 to 14 hours of sleep daily, including naps. Try to keep sleep and wake-up times consistent.
3 to 4 years old
- Your child needs at least three hours of active play each day. At least one hour should be spent on high-energy activities, like swimming, dancing or running around.
- Limit time in strollers, high chairs or packs. Your child shouldn't be restrained for more than one hour at a time. Don't let your child sit still for a long time either.
- Limit screen time to no more than one hour a day—and less is better.
- When your child is not actively playing, read or tell stories together.
- Your child needs 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily, including naps. Try to keep sleep and wake-up times consistent.