Table 2 Key statements and recommendations in the Play Active policy template [13]
Key statement | Recommendation | Age group | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Infants (under 1 year) | Toddlers (1–2 years) | Kindergarten (3–5 years) | ||
Encourage physical activity in young children | To meet the Australian 24-h movement guidelines for the early years, provide children with at least 180 min of physical activity daily, via a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day. More is better | ˟ | ✓ | ✓ |
For kindergarten children, this will include at least 30 min of energetic play each day at ECEC. More is better | ˟ | ˟ | ✓ | |
For infants who are mobile provide physical activity in a variety of ways, mainly through supervised, interactive floor-based play such as crawling and games. More is better | ✓ | ˟ | ˟ | |
For infants not yet mobile, provide at least 30 min of tummy time spread throughout the day, including reaching and grasping, pushing and pulling | ✓ | ˟ | ˟ | |
Limit sedentary behaviours in young children | Toddlers and kindergarten children will not be confined for more than 60 min at a time (e.g., in a stroller or highchair). Children will not sit for extended periods (expect when engaged with a caregiver in an activity, e.g., reading and storytelling). Less is better | ˟ | ✓ | ✓ |
Sedentary screen time for purposes other than learning will not be allowed | ˟ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Screen time for infants is NOT recommended | ✓ | ˟ | ˟ | |
Ensure cots, car seats, and highchairs are used for their primary purpose only (cots for sleeping, car seats for vehicle travel, and highchairs for eating) | ✓ | ˟ | ˟ | |
Limit the use of equipment such as strollers, swings, and bouncer seats/chairs for holding infants while they are awake | ✓ | ˟ | ˟ | |