Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
WHO recommends daily play, sleep and limited screen time for children under five
The World Health Organization has set out a balanced daily routine for children under five.
Infants should have active floor play several times a day, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time if they cannot move around yet.
Children aged one and two should get at least three hours of activity spread across the day, while those aged three and four should include at least an hour of more vigorous activity.
Screens are not recommended for infants or one-year-olds; two-year-olds and children aged three to four should have no more than an hour a day, and less is preferred.
The guidance also sets age-based sleep targets: 12 to 16 hours for babies aged 4 to 11 months, 11 to 14 hours for one- and two-year-olds, and 10 to 13 hours for children aged three and four.
The recommendations pair movement with enough sleep and advise limiting long periods restrained in strollers or chairs.
WHO says building these habits early may support children's development and help prevent childhood obesity.
The World Health Organization recommends daily movement, adequate sleep and limited or no screen time for children under five.
Infants should get active, floor-based play several times a day, and those not yet mobile should have at least 30 minutes of tummy time.
Children aged one to two should get at least 180 minutes of physical activity a day, while children aged three to four should include at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity.
The guidance recommends no sedentary screen time for children under one, none for one-year-olds and no more than one hour a day for children aged two to four.
Recommended daily sleep ranges from 14 to 17 hours for infants aged zero to three months to 10 to 13 hours for children aged three to four.
- Who
- The World Health Organization issued the recommendations for children under five and their caregivers.
- What
- The guidance sets daily targets for physical activity and sleep, and limits sedentary screen time.
- When
- The guidelines were issued in April 2019. The article was published on October 26, 2026.
- Where
- The recommendations apply globally.
- Why
- The WHO says early movement habits matter for development and health. Its expert panel concluded that replacing screen time with physical activity and interactive caregiving can support motor skills, cognitive growth and lifelong metabolic health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The WHO issued guidelines on activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five.
Hindustan Times published an article summarising the WHO recommendations.
- Infants aged 0–3 months
- 14–17 hours of sleep daily, including naps
- Infants not yet mobile
- At least 30 minutes of tummy time spread across waking hours
- Children aged 1–2
- At least 180 minutes of physical activity daily
- Children aged 3–4
- At least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity within 180 minutes of daily activity
- Screen time under age 2
- Not recommended for infants and one-year-olds
What people are saying
What we really need to do is bring back play for children. This is about making the shift from sedentary time to playtime, while protecting sleep