Are Toddlers Getting Enough Exercise? New Report Reveals Surprising Findings

If you're the parent of a toddler and feel as though your child is constantly on the move, you're certainly not alone. From the moment they wake up until bedtime, young children seem to spend their days crawling, climbing, running, and exploring. A new comprehensive Canadian report published by ParticipACTION offers some revealing insights into the physical activity habits of infants and young children.

ParticipACTION, an organization that has published assessments of physical activity among Canadian children and adolescents for years, has released its first report dedicated entirely to children from birth through age four. To prepare the report, an international team of experts established 14 indicators designed to evaluate the daily movement habits and overall well-being of young children.

Screen Time Raises Concerns

According to the report, approximately 80% of children met the recommended guidelines related to motor development and sleep. Overall physical activity levels were also relatively positive, with roughly two-thirds of young children getting sufficient movement throughout the day.

However, screen time emerged as a significant concern. Researchers found that nearly half of children, depending on their age group, exceeded recommended screen time limits. Current guidelines recommend avoiding screen exposure entirely for children under the age of two. For toddlers between the ages of one and two, experts recommend at least three hours of physical activity at varying levels of intensity, spread throughout the day.

The report also highlighted socioeconomic disparities in children's opportunities for physical activity. Children from lower-income families often have less access to organized activities and high-quality play spaces. The authors emphasized that responsibility for encouraging physical activity should not rest solely with parents. Well-maintained public parks, safe walking areas, and age-appropriate playgrounds are essential resources that communities and governments can provide to support healthy development.

Simple Ways to Encourage Movement

During early childhood, physical activity does not require expensive classes or structured exercise programs. Simple activities such as crawling across the living room carpet, carefully climbing onto a sofa, running around a playground, dancing to a favorite song, or taking a short walk instead of remaining in a stroller can all contribute to a child's daily movement needs. Every opportunity to move counts.

At the same time, parents are encouraged to pay attention to situations in which smartphones and tablets become convenient digital babysitters, whether during a wait at the pediatrician's office or at the family dinner table. Replacing screen time with shared activities such as reading a book, singing together, or engaging in conversation can help strengthen family connections while supporting children's development.

The benefits of these habits may extend well beyond early childhood. Toddlers who learn to enjoy movement, outdoor play, and active exploration are more likely to develop positive attitudes toward physical activity as they grow older.

As with many aspects of parenting, setting a personal example can make a meaningful difference. By prioritizing active play, meaningful interaction, and quality time over screen time, parents can help establish healthy habits that may benefit their children for years to come.