The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that young children follow a balanced daily routine that includes physical activity, sufficient sleep, and limited screen exposure to support healthy growth and development.
According to WHO guidelines for children under five, toddlers aged one to two years should engage in at least **three hours of physical activity throughout the day**. Activities can include walking, dancing, playing with toys, and other movements suited to the child’s age and abilities.
Sleep is equally important. Children aged one to two years should get **11 to 14 hours of good-quality sleep in a 24-hour period**, including naps. Regular sleep and wake-up times can help establish a healthy routine.
The guidance also highlights the importance of limiting screen time. **Screen time is not recommended for children under one year or for one-year-old children.** For two-year-olds, sedentary screen time should not exceed one hour daily, and less is preferable.
For children aged three to four years, WHO recommends at least three hours of physical activity each day, including at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity. Their recommended sleep duration is 10 to 13 hours in 24 hours, including naps where applicable. Screen time should also be limited to no more than one hour a day.
WHO encourages parents and caregivers to replace passive screen viewing with activities that support interaction and learning. Reading stories, singing, playing simple games, and spending time together can help children develop language, movement, and social skills.
The recommendations are part of WHO’s guidance on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep for children under five, originally published in 2019. They emphasize that healthy development depends on the overall balance of movement, sleep, and sedentary time throughout the day.
