UNIL contributes to national recommendations on physical activity needs of very young children

There is quite some research available on the benefits of physical activity for school children, adults or elderly people, but so far there were only few insights into how much very young kids should move. This void has been filled recently.

National recommendations on physical activity for children from birth to school entry are now available thanks to collaboration between the Institute of Sport Sciences (ISSUL) of the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the Health and Physical Activity Network (Hepa). Commissioned by Promotion Santé Suisse, a major Swiss foundation active in the field of health promotion, the recommendations are aimed at offering all professionals a common basis at national level in order to advise and sensitise families. Jérôme Barral, senior lecturer at ISSUL, explains: “Our recommendations have been sent to more than 100 Swiss institutions active in the field of health, sport and children. We hope the word will spread quickly so we make sure everybody is aware of how much movement and stimulation babies and very young kids really need to develop healthy lifestyles for their future.”

ISSUL contributed to this document with its expertise and methodology in public health. The recommendations are tailored for infants (under 1 year), toddlers (1-3 years) and pre-school children (from 3 years to the age of entry into school) and also provide examples of suitable activities. Kids aged between 1 and 5 should move at least 3 hours per day and kids under the age of 2 should not be exposed to screens.

Being active several times a day has positive effects on children’s physical health, psychological and social well-being. Is contributes particularly to the development of motor, relational and cognitive skills. These skills will help children to engage in long-term and more enjoyable physical and sporting activities as well as future learning by stimulating attention and curiosity. In addition, such activities help them learn, under the supervision of an adult, to manage situations at risk and engage confidently in structured or spontaneous activities.

Read here the full document with the recommendations.

Read here the UNIL news release.