Healthy Goals for Toddlers

Help prevent childhood obesity and ensure that kids are healthy in their early age.

Toddlers (12-24 months old) should have 60 minutes or more (for half-day programs, 30 minutes or more) of active play time every day, both indoor and outdoor. Ways to get kids moving

• Have children act out a story as you read it.
• Use props to help kids move while identifying shapes, colours and numbers.
• Throw a dance party or make up an obstacle course.
• Use transition times to get kids moving (marching, skipping, hopping).

Where to play

• Opt for outdoor play as much as possible (even when it’s raining) with appropriate clothing and shoes.
• Find an indoor play space like a school gym, part of the classroom or an extra room.
• Visit local facilities (YMCA’s, karate studios, parks) that offer chances for kids to get active in a safe way.

There are typically two types of activities which one can conduct with their toddlers i.e. Structured physical activity and unstructured physical activity.

• Structured physical activities are engaging, pre-planned, quick and intense activities led by adults. The activities should involve all children, including those with special needs, as well as:
  • Be developmentally appropriate and support motor skill development.
  • Be vigorous. Children should move faster than typical for a short amount of time.
  • Ideally, modify games so kids do not get ‘out’ or are eliminated from the activity.
• Unstructured activity is free play for children to be creative and use their imagination. Parents should:
  • Respect and encourage children’s individual abilities and interests.
  • Be engaged with children, as well as encourage them to stay physically active.