Toddlers Activity

Early Toddler Skills (12-24 months) walks independently pulls/carries toys while walking stoops and gets back up begins to run kicks a ball holds railing going up/down stairs walks backward Older Toddler Skills (24-36 months) balances 1 to 2 seconds on one foot climbs well bends over easily without falling runs well kicks ball forward both feet on step going up/down stairs starts to pedal tricycle throws ball over head How Much Activity Is Enough? For children 12-36 months old, current National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) guidelines recommend this much daily activity: at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity (adult-led) at least 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play) As a general rule, toddlers shouldn't be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time, except for sleeping. That's a lot of work for parents and caregivers, but a lot of much-needed activity for toddlers. Encourage your toddler to be active, and remember how much he or she is learning along the way. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD