LONDON — Preschoolers, even babies, need daily exercise, the British government says in its first- ever exercise advice for its youngest citizens.
In a new campaign against obesity, Britain issued guidelines Monday saying that children younger than 5 — including babies who can’t walk yet — should exercise every day.
The new guidance from the British health department said kids under 5 who can walk should be physically active for at least three hours a day. Officials also said parents should reduce the amount of time such kids spend not moving, such as while watching TV or sitting in a stroller.
In the U.S., the Institute of Medicine last month issued diet and activity recommendations for youngsters. It said preschool-age kids should get at least 15 minutes of exercise for every hour they spend in child care and suggested the U.S. government create dietary guidelines for babies.
