How much physical play should our under-5’s be getting?
Posted by GeorgieMOE, 28 June, 2022We’ve been taking a look at the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines Summary for under-5’s, and here’s where your little ones should be when it comes to keeping busy and active in physical play on a daily basis…
Infants (less than 1 year)
Infants should be involved in physical play several times every day in a variety of ways, including interactive floor-based activities such as crawling and rolling. For babies not yet mobile activity should include at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day while little one is awake. When it comes to tummy time start off gradually with just a minute or two at a time, and extend the time as your baby becomes used to it. It goes without saying that babies should not be left unsupervised on their tums, and should always sleep on their backs.
Encourage babies to reach, grasp, push and pull themselves independently and get them busy rolling too: the more activity the better as they’re building essential muscles and motor skills all the time.
Toddlers (1-2 years)
Toddlers should spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) per day in a variety of physical play activities at any intensity, including active and outdoor play. Spread the fun throughout the day and keep those little minds buzzing and bodies busy as much as you can. Running, jumping, climbing, puddle jumping or even a brisk nature walk: it all counts!
Pre-schoolers (3-4 years)
Pre-schoolers should also, like toddlers, be spending at least 180 minutes (3 hours) per day in physical play activity both indoors and outdoors, and that 180 minutes should include at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensive physical activity. We’re not talking climbing mountains, but we are talking a run around the park, a good old fashioned playground session or, using government funding, a spot at a pre-school where physical activity is a key factor in its curriculum.
MOE outdoor equipment perfect for physical play activities
Here at MOE we know exactly what toddlers and pre-schoolers need when it comes to the perfect balance of busyness and rest:
Climbing Frame Outdoor Playset: Hold onto your hats for this amazing addition to your child’s physical wellbeing! Our wooden climbing frame playset is a multi-level structure that promises play, learning, strength and balance building plus plenty of scope for imagination all year round. Standard features include a slide, rock wall and cave, and additional fun can be added on such as a rope wall and monkey bars, all perfect for getting that heart pumping and imaginations soaring.
Up and Over Climbing Frame: Our wooden handcrafted Up and Over Climbing Frame is spot on when it comes to encouraging physical activity and development, creatively and role play. It’s designed as an excellent training and play device with the goal of developing children’s muscles, balance control and courage in mind. Our Mid-range 5 section climbing frame features a low ridged climbing slope, lookout tower with chalk boards, bridge, additional lookout tower with chalk boards and sloped ridged ramp to keep little ones endlessly busy on.
Tunnelled Climbing Wall: Our MOE Tunnelled Climbing Wall is an absolute favourite among children for good reason! Each side has 12 ‘rock walling’ knuckles and 4 handles to assist in climbing and physical activity, and the area inside makes for a rather handy hideaway. Great for outdoor play, learning areas and gardens, this MOE resource will definitely keep your kid’s legs active for those 180 minutes a day and more!
A-Frame Climbing Wall: Encouraging physical and cognitive develop our awesome A-frame climbing wall and tunnel allows for plenty of group or individual physical activities. With its hidden hideaway, wall climbing knuckles, scramble wall and non-tip design, physical play is a given!
To find out more about our products that are especially ideal for keeping kids of all ages on the right path to physical – and mental – wellbeing, get in touch today to speak to a member of our team.
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