The World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines in 2019 on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children under 5 years of age. These recommendations, still in effect, also concern infants under one year old.
What WHO Recommends for Children Under One Year Old
For infants, WHO recommends being active several times a day, in varied forms, especially through floor play in interaction with an adult. It recommends at least 30 minutes in a prone position spread throughout the day, as soon as the child is awake.
This recommendation aims to promote motor development, particularly strengthening the neck, shoulders, and trunk, before the acquisition of sitting and then walking.
Limit time in constrained positions
WHO recommends not keeping an infant immobilized for more than one hour at a time, whether in a stroller, car seat, or bouncer. Beyond that, it advises prioritizing free play on the floor, for example, on an activity mat dedicated to motor skills.
Screens: No exposure recommended before one year old
For children under one year old, WHO recommends no screen time. This position aligns with public health benchmarks disseminated in France regarding early screen exposure.
Sleep, a Pillar of the Same Recommendations
WHO associates physical activity and sleep within the same reference framework. It recommends 14 to 17 hours of quality sleep per day during the first three months, then 12 to 16 hours between 4 and 11 months, including naps.
What These Benchmarks Mean in Daily Life
These recommendations do not require any special equipment. They mainly encourage setting aside time each day for free play on the floor, without constraint or overstimulation. To learn more about setting up an adapted motor skills space, consult our guide on the duration of use of an activity mat or our article on sensory development through touch.
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Sources
World Health Organization, Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age, 2019.
