How to Raise Healthy Children Up to 5 Years Old

The early years are crucial. A child's development plays a crucial role between birth and age five, when the child develops habits and behaviors that they will maintain for the rest of their lives.

The World Health Organization recently issued guidelines for alternating activity (playing, moving, running, exploring, listening) with rest, starting from an early age.

These are the key points framed by WHO on the basis of age groups.

Newborns up to 1 year

Physical Activity

• play on the floor several times a day (for those still in the cot at least half an hour in the prone position).
• at least 30 minutes of “tummy time,” time spent lying on your stomach doing something. 

Rest – Sitting

• don't be stuck (strollers, high chairs) for more than an hour at a time.
• keep them engaged first of all by telling them stories.

Sleep

• 14-17 hours a day up to 3 months.
• 12-16 hours between 4 and 11 months.

These hours of sleep also include short naps.

Children aged 1-2 years

Even at this age, children are at risk of reducing physical activity, which should instead be increased, in favor of TV, video games, and even smartphones. 

Physical Activity

• at least 180 minutes distributed throughout the day, of moderate and greater intensity.

During this stage, a radical shift occurs in the child's physical activity: they move from a "passive" phase, in which movement is always guided by adults, to an "active" phase, during which they move independently. And independent movement also becomes essential for good sleep. 

Rest-Sitting

• blocked for no more than an hour at a time during the day. 
• For one-year-old children: TV and video games are not recommended.
• for two-year-olds: no more than an hour in front of a screen.

Sleep

• almeno 11-14 hours a day

Children aged 3-5 years

Sleep hours remain high, but at least three hours of physical activity, with varying degrees of intensity, are expected throughout the day.

Physical Activity

• at least 180 minutes a day, of which at least 60 are of greater intensity

The child needs to release his energy in a more determined and meaningful way than in previous years. 

Rest-Sitting

• don't keep them tied up or sitting for more than an hour at a time
• maximum one hour in front of a screen

Sleep

• 10-13 hours a day

The relationship with sleep becomes more stable, but habits are crucial: regular schedules and detachment from screens in the evening hours. 

Read also:

• Raising Happy Children: 10 Helpful Tips
• How to teach kindness to children