Early Learning Project
Tip Sheet
Toddlers can keep us so busy that we might think they will always be physically fit. But toddlers who get used to an inactive lifestyle are at risk for obesity later in life. The U.S. Surgeon General says that daily exercise is a key to being fit.
What physical activities can you expect toddlers (ages 1½ to 3) to do?
- By 18 months, most children can walk well (even backwards), go downstairs backwards on hands and knees, and roll objects on the floor.
- By age 2, most children can run, push a chair in position to obtain out-of-reach objects, and turn handles to open and close doors.
- By age 3, most children can jump, throw overhand, and go up and down stairs by alternating their feet.
What can you do at home or in child care to help a toddler be physically fit?
- Offer play equipment and toys that help toddlers get moving. Provide large blocks, construction toys, riding toys, balls and beanbags, and climbers.
- Schedule at least 60 minutes daily for active free play. Toddlers need more than an hour of unstructured physical play in a safe place every day. Let them set their own pace! They can walk, run, roll, climb, slide, pull, push, throw, and jump until they’re tired.
- Turn off the TV, VCR, and computer. Toddlers should not sit in one place or lie down for more than an hour at a time except when sleeping.
- Plan ways to make exercise fun. Up to 60 minutes a day of structured physical activities can be good for toddlers:
- Lead them in creative movement. Toddlers practice skills and learn new ways to move by pretending to be animals, workers, or machines.
- Make an obstacle course. Indoors or out, toddlers can take turns going over, under, around, and between furniture, boxes, and climbing equipment.
- Move to music! Bounce, sway, clap, march, dance, or play rhythm instruments. Teach musical games like “Ring around the Rosie.”
- Exercise together. Make it a part of your routine. Do stretches before lunch. Play in the park or take a walk before the sun goes down (but not too close to bedtime!).
- Set a good example. Let toddlers see you walk, run, bike, build, dance, climb, or play ball.
- Keep safety in mind. Help toddlers put on hats and mittens for outdoor play in cold weather. In hot weather, see that they drink enough water and avoid too much sun exposure. If a child has a medical condition that limits active play, a health care provider can suggest ways to help the child be active and safe. Check with a health care provider if you have questions or concerns about the physical activities that toddlers can do.
- Share books about people being active. Stories about activities such as sledding, canoeing, dancing, building, gardening, or playing sports show toddlers the benefits of being fit.
Check out these resources on children’s physical fitness:
- Let’s Move! Active Families
http://www.letsmove.gov/active-families - Make Physical Activity a Part of Your Family’s Routine
http://www.letsmove.gov/make-physical-activity-part-your-familys-routine - Kids in Action
http://fitness.gov/funfit/Kidsinactionbook.pdf - Understanding and Encouraging Your Young Child's Large Motor Development
http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH6113 - Playground Safety
http://downloads.nsc.org/pdf/factsheets/Playground_Safety.pdf - Motor Development
http://www.ocd.pitt.edu/Files/PDF/Parenting/MotorDevelopment.pdf - Developmental Milestones
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html - HAPPE: Toddlers in Physical Play
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200605/ParishBTJ.pdf - IEL Ask an Expert: Childhood Obesity
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/askanexpert/castelli/index.htm
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.